Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mothers' Day and the little things

This year I've totally slacked for Mothers' Day... Last year I posted a little something as a kind of cautionary tale and unsolicited advice. 

But this year, I just want to say thanks. Even though "thanks" doesn't do it. 

Thanks or thank you or ohmigosh thank you so so so much still doesn't do it. 

There really aren't words to share the deep deep appreciation I have for the moms and grandmas who have taught me so very much. 

They've made me feel loved and valued and like I can do anything I set my mind to. 

And that's a gift I hope to share with my children. 

Recently, I've noticed something else. As a child, it was the little things my mom did that really stuck with me and my sister. Things we adamantly declare are a "tradition" but, at the time, were just the things my mom did to keep us busy or the things she needed to do so she could keep our household moving.

Things like eating cookies on Christmas morning instead of breakfast were just a way to keep us out of the kitchen so she could get dinner goes and we could get to wrapper ripping pronto. But now, we think of it as a tradition. (And as the coolest breakfast of the year!) 

The same thing happened with Robin's Pizza. Just a quick dinner that was ready in time to get us kids to soccer and dance practice -- now something I make for my family. I think Robin was surprised I even remembered it, let alone thought of it as such a great idea.

There's a quote that says to enjoy the little things in life, because some day, you'll look back and realize that they were the big things.

Truer words were never spoken.


Happy mothers' day everyone. Remember to enjoy the little things.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Behind the scenes...

I couldn't let the big baby reveal go off without a HUGE thank you to one of my very bestest friends, former work spouse and extrordinary photographers, Amanda!


She managed to snap 150+ pics in record time, getting just the right shots.


I was worried the "photo shoot" would turn out overly cheesy, and was ready to nix it up until I saw the pics. She managed to catch the just the right moments and even took a few family shots while we had a toddler in a decent mood.


I love the way a few of them turned out, especially this one (also in my May blog header)





... and this pic of Bri and I.







Of course there were plenty of outtakes....





and us letting Ben say "poopy" and "booggers" over and over just to make him smile...





So, thanks, Amanda! We couldn't have done it without you!


Thursday, May 5, 2011