My Kindergartener

From the very first day we held her, she was changing and growing. With mixed emotions, I watched my little princess start kindergarten this week. I was excited for a new time in her life and also feeling some sadness that my baby isn't so little anymore. She will forever be my baby but she's definitely growing up.
As a mom, there are days in my life where I can't wait for my kids to grow up. I guess I look forward to days where I could catch a breath, not have to hear the word "mommy" said in so many different ways a million times a day, and find some time to breathe...some little time of rest. But it's after times like this, a time where I can actually see time flying by, that I realize that I CAN WAIT for my kids to grow up and MUST hold on to everyday.

I thought I'd write my daughter a letter...

Babes!
You started kindergarten this week. I am so proud of you! You are such a big girl! Mommy loves you SO MUCH!  You are so amazing to me! I love your thoughtfulness and heart to share with others. You have a generous, loving and joyful spirit. I have so much fun with you. I love our special times together - time with just me and you.  I love laying in bed with you, praying and singing our songs. You make our family smile and laugh.  I'm so grateful God allowed me to be your mom. I know you can do everything and anything you set your heart to. I love you! - Mommy

Curious George

Here's a photo of Curious George I took at Imagine It!Children's Museum in Atlanta. I thought we'd take a visit before school starts the next day...1st day of school for most in Atlanta for 2010. The kids love this place and there's a Curious George:Let's Get Curious exhibit currently running through it.
Taken 01/04/2010

Mirror, mirror, on the wall...

It's only been a few days since my initial post about my idea to post pictures i've taken everyday on this blog and I can't believe i've already blew it. My intention was to post a picture i've taken everyday for the next year. And I guess I really don't have to post a picture each day but i'm disappointed because I guess that's what my heart's intention was. I guess as long as i've taken a picture everyday than that's fine... but I missed doing that today too! =( It's like a new year's resolution that i've already messed up on only a few days into it. This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, I can't give up. I've got to try this.

Talking to myself...I guess I'm just going to have to not think about it too much. This is supposed to be fun and i've already thought about it too much. Thought's like what kind of picture should I take today come to mind rather than just taking pictures and posting one of them. Okay...this will be good practice for me...stop thinking and just do it! So let's do it! I'm back on the saddle.=)

Well, having not given up...here's 2 pictures I took on Jan. 2nd. Who doesn't love a mirror! That day, my kids loved dressing up and looking at a mirror we left along the wall of our family room some time ago now and just haven't been able put away yet.  I even have a picture of the two of them fighting over who can look at the mirror (not posted here). Too funny!

 

New Years Day Photo Session

A spot I found in a friend's mom's house to take pics of their whole family.  It's the 1st day of 2010 and I had a photosession with a great friend and her whole family.

I just watched Julie&Julia with my hubby after ringing in the new year with the kids and then putting the kids to bed very late or should I say, very early in the morning. We probably started watching sometime around 1:00 a.m. and finished between 3 and 4 in the morning. I was inspired! I was challenged! Whatever it was...I was kept up at night thinking about blogging and photography. I'm by no means the expert photographer but I've found that I LOVE photography! I love it and am fascinated by it! Photography used to be an "expensive" hobby but computers and technology have made it easily accessible and far more affordable.
     During my Christmas vacation visiting family in San Diego and a recent trip to Balboa Park and its museums (a must see in San Diego), I was surrounded by cameras. Whether it was someone's cell phone, digital point and shoot or the dSLR, everyone had something to capture anything and everything around them. I don't think I realized before how readily available it was for anyone to have something in their hand to capture that "moment". You'd think i would have figured that out in this age of Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and the like.
     I've also learned that owning a digital camera does not lend itself to being a knowledgeable picture taker. Truth be told, we love our simple gadgets. We figure it's digital and so the best option must be AUTO. And whoever reads the manual? I didn't at first. I'm not sure what got me to finally decide on reading it but i'm glad I did. One of the most important things i've learned...READ THE MANUAL! It's true what we've heard before..."before you get started, read the directions." It's amazing what your camera can do when you get off the "Auto" mode.
     Inspired by the movie and my recent trip, i've decided to post a picture i've taken everyday for the next year of my life and when time permits, include tips i've learned or am learning for taking those pictures that capture and express my life. Hopefully, someone out there will be inspired to experience the everyday joy of photography too.