I Miei Due Bambini

The Reason...

2011-12-22T22:04:00.002-05:00

for the season.

Change

2011-12-18T07:55:00.006-05:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

~ Mark Twain

That being said, change is on the horizon for all of us here at I Miei Due Bambini. I accepted a new job and with acceptance of that new position we will be relocating. Now we don't do things small around her, by relocating we are going to the West Coast. Just typing that gives me a knot in my stomach, but we are really doing it.

I am really excited about my new position, I am going to be doing the same type of work as now but working on a new project as well as an advanced position. We are also fortunate that both my sister-in-law and brother-in-law live in the town we are moving to and only 5 minutes away. Another blessing is Michael does not need to find a new job, whewww! Our kids are young and seem to be excited about the move, it all just seem to be falling into place. It's still very crazy and busy here! I picked a fine time of the year to move, let alone relocate across the country.

Wish us luck! Here is hoping you all have a very Merry Christmas and an extremely Happy New Year. I will update as soon as we settle.

Mom Moment - "what you are doing matters"

2011-11-25T17:46:00.004-05:00

I just had one of those "Mom Moments", you know the ones that melt your heart and tell you what you are doing matters.

Francesco fell earlier today on his bike and hurt his left abdomen by landing on the handle bars, ouch! He will have a bruise and he is sore but otherwise okay, thanks to his helmet. I of course came to his rescue, and did all the things a mom would do, from kissing it, to rubbing it, to just reassuring him he was okay. Then at dinner he complained because his pants were irritating the sore spot. I offered to get his PJ's on after dinner to help with the discomfort . So, once we got his jammies on I asked him if he was okay and he said yes. I then said, "see jammies make it all better!" He says to me, "actually, you make it all better!"

I literally was at a lost for words, and for those of you who know me know that is rare. My mouth dropped, my heart burst and I had that moment. I had that, "what you are doing matters" moment. Loved it!

I had to put this down so as to A) share and B) have it to come back to when I need it (when he is about 15 - LOL).

And, just because a post seems unfinished without a photo, here are my two boys that have taken me on this great adventure of motherhood and I couldn't have asked for any better!

The Kids Where Here {4}

2011-11-19T15:56:00.005-05:00

“The things which the child loves remain in the domain of the heart until old age. The most beautiful thing in life is that our souls remaining over the places where we once enjoyed ourselves” ~Kahlil Gibran

I haven't had the time

2011-11-06T17:18:00.003-05:00

I can not even start to tell you all that has been going on and in due time I will (just so you know I am not pregnant). I did however after a long absences take a few photos. It feels like forever since I hit the shutter. I really wish I had more time but I just don't. I miss my blogosphere friends and family. I am also hoping Jessie will understand.
This a a photo I took in the fall a year ago...

this on I took today!

What is it about taking a portrait that does not involve the face that really moves me?
Wow, even in their legs you can see how they have grown.

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-09-12T21:40:00.003-04:00

Today was my sweethearts first day of Kindergarten. He loved it and he agree to go back again tomorrow.

Just in case you were wondering, yes I cried. Once on the way home after dropping him off and then again as I saw him come out of the school with his classmates and his backpack on. He looks so grown up all of a sudden.

Photo Shoot With Francesco - The Only Smile

2011-09-09T07:01:00.005-04:00

Francesco and I have been hanging out together this last week before he goes to Kindergarten (gulp). I had planned on doing a lot of outside activities, but atlas the rain - which I am so over- has put a kink in those plans. One day we had a few hours where it was not raining and so I decided to try and get some pictures of him. I did not want to take pictures in or around our house, I am so tired of the walls in my house right now. A short walk up the road is a building with brick walls and a cinder block wall on the other side. Seemed like an ideal place, which it was. My subject wasn't ideal though. This one picture of him with a smile is the only one out of 300 shots... the only one.

What I learned about doing a photo shoot with a 5 year old.
1 Bring more props. All I had was a point and shoot camera and a thing of bubbles.
2. Learn how to bribe well. I will give you a cookie is not sufficient for a 5 year old, it has to be more like I will let you drink a whole Orange Soda or I will get you a pack of Pokemon Cards.
3. Don't lug your tri-pod because a 5 year old doesn't stand still long enough for you to even put the camera on it.
4. Never tell them to smile, if you do be prepared to get the cheesiest smile that they won't be able to get rid of for the rest of the shoot.
5. When you say "chin up a little" expect them to look to the heavens, "chin down a little" gets you the opposite, there is no in between to them.
6. Don't even try to suggest a pose, it's just not going to happen.
7. Take a lot of shots and cross your fingers you get a few you like.
8. It's hard work!

52 Weeks of Me: Week 35 {Behind} & Week 36 {SOOC}

2011-09-05T12:13:00.005-04:00

First off I still owe you a Night Shot. I had planned on getting a night shot with the boys while at Disney, that of course did not pan out. Each night at Disney we either did not make it till after dark or we looked exhausted. Let me tell you we had a great time but it wore us out. The boys actually fell asleep at dinner one night and we had to carry two sleeping kids out of the Magic Kingdom.

When it came to the prompt "behind" I took a cue from Jen. I started school, have a ton of work and a presentation to complete so I spend a lot of time behind this computer because I am very behind.

Now the SOOC I totally dreaded. I of course shot this wide open, hoping it would soften my skin.

Next weeks theme: Emotions/Expression - this could be fun.

Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have all the themes posted there. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Negative Space - {Mortal Muses Theme}

2011-09-02T10:22:00.005-04:00

Negative Space

Negative space in a photograph is very pleasing to me. I like how it really puts your focus on the subject. It's like de-cluttering your closet, once the clutter is gone you can really see what you have.

You can link in this weekend with the Mortal Muses on negative space. Swing by to check out what others have posted. You will find beautiful pleasing images with negative space that leaves out the clutter and focuses on the subject.

A Trip to Remember

2011-08-27T07:25:00.004-04:00

We finally made our way to Disney! The boys had a great time overall. We learned a lot, ate a lot, waited a lot and walked a lot. We even got a lot of rain but you wouldn't know it from the pictures. The boys favorite rides were "It's a Small World" and "Toy Story Mania". If you ask Francesco his favorite part of the trip he will say, "the whole entire thing", if you ask Nicolo he will say, "the roller coasters". Not sure why he says that since he was not able to go on any roller coasters, but he went on a lot of other rides.

I of course took a ton of pictures. I made a little collage of my favorites.

If I had to pick one picture from the hundreds that I took as one to hang on the wall it would be this one.

I have a solo picture of Nicolo that I am going to hang and now I have one with a similar composition of Francesco. These are begging to be made into canvases.

Overall it was a fabulous vacation, a definite must do again. Now to get ready for school. Kindergarten is starting in two weeks and we have a few more things to do to prepare. Look for a sappy, emotional post about the first day.

Liberate Your Art

2011-08-26T04:00:00.005-04:00

I recently participated in a unmistakably neat project called Liberate Your Art. Kat of The Kat Eye View of the World had those who wanted to participate send her 5 postcards with your art (any medium) along with address labels with your address and the stamps. She then dived out the cards, put on the postage and the address labels and sent then out. I've gotten 5 postcards from 5 different people from 5 different places around the world. How cool is that?

This one is from Steph, I love the single line flowers. I have such trouble not lifting the pen when "attempting" to draw anything. She is a creative writer and has a great website you should check out.

This one is from Joelle. I am not sure if she has a website but I know she is from Ohio. I like the interesting perspective of the shot. The blue and white contrast is really striking too.

This one is from Sassy she has a really neat site absolutely worth a visit. I have no idea what this is but I like it. I like that I am intrigued by not knowing what it is a picture of, plus the color green is so soothing to look at.

This one is from Rosa she is and artist and a writer. Her card was handmade, as well as beautiful. The purple is so regal.

Last, but certainly not least this one is from Lynn. Lynn's is a photo of a vignette style composition she learned from a online class. I've also sent Lynn one of my cards after corresponding with her via e-mail. That's the best part of this project, connecting.

Here are a couple of links to the people that I have heard from that received my cards.

Sun Breaks in the Forecast

Ann Isik

Hearts and Scars

Creative Explorer

52 Weeks of Me: Week 33 {Hands}

2011-08-14T19:26:00.003-04:00

How impressed are you that I am posting on Sunday for our 52 Weeks of Me Project???? Probably not as impressed as I am (LOL)! This weeks theme was hands. I think I've taken more pictures of my hands than my face in this project so far. This is a shot of me writing a postcard...you heard it, I am sending snail mail. I can't tell you who I am sending this to because I want it to be a surprise. Don't you love getting a card in the real mail? I had some postcards made for the Liberate Your Art Project, I will be posting more about that at the end of next week.

I also tried something a little different- not sure if I like it but I thought I would post it so you could see that I did try to think outside the box. I think my arms look weird, but I think I am looking at it too much. If you look closely you can see I am actually standing in the rain.

Next weeks theme: Night Shot - that's going to be a tough one(think, think, think)!

Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have all the themes posted there. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

52 Weeks of Me - Week32 {Negative Space}

2011-08-12T09:54:00.004-04:00

This weeks theme was negative space. I love this photographic technique but found it really hard to do a selfie. I ended up finding a blank wall in the house and had to climb on top of the chair next to the fish tank. The hardest part was keeping the cat out of the shot. In reality she is in my lap, you just can see her. I also did a little cross processing because the gray color of my blouse did not look good against the green walls of the basement.

Next weeks theme: Hands -that should be easy for me (LOL)!

Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have all the themes posted there. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

How do you like them apples?

2011-08-09T12:31:00.006-04:00

Don't you just hate when you lose things, especially when you are going to need them? I lost my license at a concert that had about 67,000 people at it (that's the seating capacity of the stadium). I was pretty sure I wasn't getting it back, so now I had to figure out how to get a duplicate and fast. I have to fly soon and need my license to get on the plane without need a full body search.

My husband decides to help me out by looking up the process. First he tells me he thinks I might only be able to do it by mail. I was like, are you kidding me? He then tells me that no, I could got the Photo License Center and get a duplicate. He looks up the hours of operation and let me know, 8:30 -4:15 M-F and till 6:00 on Thursday. He then tells me to go to the building were the Driver License center has always been (more on that in a minute). Then he reminds me I could use my Passport, so I relax a little and think that even if I'm not able to get a duplicate in time at least I could use my passport. I go get it out to have on hand and my husband tells me to look at the expiration date...guess what...you got it, expired April 2011. (Someone shoot me already)

So the next day I get ready to go get a duplicate, as I am on my way my husband calls and informs me to get cash because they don't take checks. I said, "Are you serious?" he said, "trust me." (You know what that means.) So I stop, get cash and head to the building he told me to go to and guess what...it was all boarded up. Yep, they are no longer there. So I call him to see if he could look up the NEW address, at first he didn't believe me, but as he was looking it up he realized that there was a new place, he says..."guess I missed that."

So, thankfully the new building is not far from the old and I head over there. As I pull up the place is literally deserted. I mean any other time I’ve gone to the DMV there is a line out the door waiting for the place to open. Plus, I notice a HUGE sign in the window that sates "WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH" (remember "trust me"?). I go inside and there are 2 ladies sitting behind desks having a conversation, the door I walk through makes a sound and I walk over to the one ladies desk. She does not stop talking or even look in my direction for that matter. I wait about 30 second to let her finish her sentence and still no acknowledgement, not even from the other women she is talking to.

Finally I say excuse me and then they ask what they can help me with, I tell her I need a duplicate license. Guess what....that office is closed on Mondays (come to find out that's another thing my husband missed when looking up the information for me) and I can only get a duplicate license Tues - Sat. 8:30 - 4:15. I said to lady, "REALLY?", her response was "really".

So I leave and call my wonderful husband who helped to facilitate the procurement of my duplicate license to let him know my progress...nil! I had to face the fact I would have to come back tomorrow, which meant another day late for work.

That is not the end of the story though. You know that saying about if you do kind things it comes back to you tenfold. Well I must have done something right because last night when we got the mail, there was my license. Someone found it and put it in the mailbox and the post office put it in and envelope and delivered to me. How do you like them apples?!

I was shocked but completely relieved! I do not have to try and obtain a duplicate and the kind act of a stranger completely made my day. I don't know who it was but I sure hope that something good happens to them, they deserve it.

Five Already

2011-08-06T06:16:00.000-04:00

Francesco-
Wow, five already. I never believed it when people said the time would fly. In a few short week you will be heading to school and learning new thing. It feels like we are closing a chapter on a part of your life, you know what they say...you can't go back. You can capture it though, and that is just what I've tried to do.

Words could never describe how I feel about you, I've tried to find those words but I just can't. You have a smile that lights up the room, eyes that make my heart melt and the biggest personality a little kid could have. So, since I can't tell you how I feel I thought I would show you what I see when I look at you.

I would love to be able to pause this time and not move forward, freeze you at 5 forever but I can't. I hope that in the coming years when you look back at this it will make all the memories of getting to 5 seem more real and let you to remember what an awesome little kid you were.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

Love,
Mommy

52 Weeks of Me - Week 30 {I Love ...} & Week 31 {Leading Lines}

2011-08-05T11:11:00.004-04:00

I know, I know, I am crazy behind. I even missed posting on Francesco's 5TH Birthday! You heard me, my boy turned 5! I do have something to post for him but I wanted to get this up as to not get even farther in the hole.

Week 30's theme was I Love..., all I had to do was take a self portrait that completed the sentence. Not easy. Then I realized one morning that all the things I loved were right in front of me. Now I know what your thinking, I am not in the shot, but I am. You see those two little guys, they are me, I see myself in them daily. One I see my face and one I see my personality. That big guy over there, I love him to the moon and back and would not have those two little guys without him. So if I had to complete the sentence I love...it would say: I love my boys!

Week 31's theme was Leading Lines. I love leading lines in a photo but found it super difficult to get a self portrait. I tried sitting on steps, standing down the end of a road and leaning against a wall. My biggest issue was the focus, I was always completely blurry. Then I tried to get closer and thought that this one worked. I took a walk at lunch and set the camera on a fence post. I had to use the timer since I left my remote home from all my prior attempts. I think you can see the leading line in there.

Next weeks theme: Negative Space - again another composition technique that I love but an not sure how to capture in a selfie.

Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have all the themes posted there. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

The Kids Were Here {3}

2011-07-22T09:46:00.006-04:00

The story: Francesco tells me that the older kids as camp won't let him touch their Bakugan cards. I tell him, if he is good I will get him his own pack. He holds up his end of the deal and we go in search of these cards. Unfortunately we can't find them, what we do find is a Rubik's Cube (do you remember those?). So, he decides instead he needs the cube more than the cards and I agreed. Of course Nicolo then "needed" more matchbox cars, since we really don't have enough already. They both took their new loot to bed that night and then to breakfast the next morning.

New loot and the book: 7/20/2011

The other part of the story is the book. It's one of those books with great pictures and not a lot of words. The kind that you have to tell the story about what is going on from the picture. They were eating breakfast with their new toys and going back and forth telling each other what was going on in the picture. It was a moment you want to last forever but can't.

They then had to get up to get dressed for school and the scene was frozen in time till them came back. It screamed "take my picture" to me, so I did.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 29 {Shallow DOF}

2011-07-20T13:44:00.005-04:00

This weeks theme was Shallow Depth of Field, I love photos that have the creamy background, I also like how the shallow DOF makes your skin look good. I found that holding the camera at arms length was easier than trying to use the tripod for this shoot. I was also inspired by Jen for my shot this week.

Next weeks theme: I Love..., take a photo that completes the sentence.

Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have all the themes posted there. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

The Kids Were Here {2}

2011-07-12T09:17:00.003-04:00

1/80 sec, ISO 250, f/2.2, 50mm

Sunday Morning 7/10/11

Playing Around

2011-07-10T20:29:00.003-04:00

I've been playing with some of the cool programs on my new Mac Book Pro and the video feature on my camera. Let's just say I've been having some fun.

52 Weeks of Me: Week 27 {At Work} & Week 28 {Faceless Portrait}

2011-07-10T11:13:00.006-04:00

For the theme At Work/At Home Week I could not think of anything interesting to photograph. Even though I sit in front of a computer all day now my work is kind of interesting but on the surface it looks like I sit in front of a computer all day. I do occasionally do things the old fashion way and pick up a pen now and then to write things out. Sometimes I have to put thing on paper to make sense to me, that is the old "show your work" part of me. I am good at math but only on paper, I am not one of those people that can do it in their head.

For this weeks prompt, faceless portrait I decided to stop taking pictures of my hands. This is a necklace that I wear daily. I love jewelry but I never think of changing it to match my outfit. I am too busy trying to remember who needs what for the day, is it pizza day, share day, bring a soft toy to sleep with day or swim/splash day. All of that distracts me from the accessories. Someday I will accessorize more but for now this little infinity circle goes with everything. I wear it so much that if I don't have it on one of my boys will notice and ask where it is.

Next weeks theme: Shallow DOF (depth of field), time to break out the 50mm and shoot it wide (f/1.8).

As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have posted all the theme there (Thanks to Jessie for finishing them up). Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

The Kids Were Here {1}

2011-06-29T09:47:00.004-04:00

As I walk around my house each morning, noon and night to pick up the kids things I think to myself, you can really tell kids live here. Recently I saw a project over at Erika Ray Photography called "The Kids Were Here" that she was participating in. I kept seeing her photos and thinking to myself, I could totally relate. I have decided to do a little project of my own, to capture in photos the evidence that my kids were here. I am just going to randomly post, no set number of days, no set days of the week, no end date. Just when the urge hits me.

After Breakfast 6/29/2011

52 Weeks of Me: Week 26 {Daily Object}

2011-06-26T08:56:00.004-04:00

Woo Hoo, week 26! We are halfway through the year. It's been such a fun project to host with Jessie's. This weeks theme was Daily Object. I thought and thought about what would be my daily object, cup of coffee, iPad, laptop, toothbrush, blackberry, the list goes on. Then I thought of the thing I grab everyday as I walk out the door, my keys! I have them with me every day, now that is a daily object. I also think it is interesting the different thing people have on their key rings. Mine is pretty typical, a key fob, store cards and a little flashlight.

Next week theme is: At home/At work, this can be a good think out of the box one. I will probably procrastinate and come up with something very literal, but we shall see.

As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have posted all the theme there (Thanks to Jessie for finishing them up). Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

52 Weeks of Me: Week 24 {Framing You} & 25 {Shoot Through}

2011-06-20T14:39:00.003-04:00

I know, I know I am really slacking on getting my selfies done. I missed the week before and late on this week. You would never know by my blog post that I am a very punctual person.
The week before the theme was Framing You. I wanted to think outside the box but I couldn't get outside the house. I opted for the obvious as you can tell.

This weeks theme is Shoot Through glass/water/etc., I went with glass. I kind of like how you see the reflection of all the stuff outside, especially the trees. It's almost like a texture.

Next week theme: Daily Object, pick an object that you interact with daily and have that in your shot or the main focus.

I can not believe that next week we are half way there. Keep up the great work ladies!
As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have posted all the theme there (Thanks to Jessie for finishing them up). Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

How does your garden grow?

2011-06-09T20:40:00.002-04:00

We planted a garden this season, not to get a bumper crop but to watch the change from seed to plant to fruit. It has been fun to water, watch and wait. This morning the cucumber plants flower were open, the tomato plant had one small fruit and the basil is just flourishing.

We are also participating in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) this year. I thinks it a great way to support local farmers, try new thing and to know where your food comes from. I have to find a good recipe for garlic scapes and decide what to do with Bok Choy this week.

In our garden the boys are most looking forward to the watermelon growing and I the tomato. Is there really anything better than a ripe, juice tomato??????

Photo Commitment

2011-06-07T22:02:00.004-04:00

I love taking pictures but have such a hard time deciding which ones I want to actually hang up. If I had it my way I would hang them all but that can get a little out of hand. So I have a hard time committing to a photo to blow up and hang on the wall. I recently did a canvas of a photo that I took for my Picture Fall class hosted by the fabulous Tracey Clark. It's a photo I just kept going back to, let say I am so glad I chose this one.

Michael has not seen it yet (the blown up canvas) but I am pretty sure he will make some reference to the fact that you can't see their faces. He does that just to goat me though. I think he will love it just as much as I do!

52 Weeks of Me: Week 23 {Connection}

2011-06-06T18:00:00.010-04:00

This week theme was connection and I have never felt so connected to anyone the way I feel connected to my children. It's such a deep connection I can hardly find the words to describe it. I always knew I wanted to be a mother but I never knew just how close I would feel to my children. I feel connected to my husband but to my boys it's internal. I am certain that when they are teenagers they won't want to snuggle anymore. I am capturing this moment, when I feel the most connected to them, to remind me of this time.

The tie which links mother and child is of such pure and immaculate strength as to be never violated. ~Washington Irving

Next weeks theme is: Framing You, that could be fun and challenging.

I want Mitchelle to know that we are all praying for her husband and her family in this time of need.

As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have posted all the theme there (Thanks to Jessie for finishing them up). Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Be The Match

2011-06-03T22:39:00.003-04:00

It's quick and easy to join.
It's a commitment to donate.
It could save a life!

Pre-K Graduation

2011-06-02T22:29:00.003-04:00

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Francesco graduated from Pre-K today, and yes I got all choked up. Kindergarten here we come!

This is what I get when I ask for a smile, he is so stinkin cute!

I Miei Due Bambini {Random Ramblings}

2011-05-30T23:49:00.000-04:00

I looked at my blog and realized that I have hardly posted much other than my "52 weeks of me" project. I feel I am neglected the true subject of my blog, i miei due bambini (my two boys). I figured I would throw together some random happenings. I truly need to put this stuff down, even if it is in bullet form.

Nicolo:

Finally he got it (after a weekend with no pants on) and we are a diaper free home.
Since being potty trained I swear he grew up over night.
If you ask him if he is a big boy now he says, "no, I a kid!" I have no idea where he got that from.
Loves snakes, and we currently discovered that we have two Black Eastern Racer snakes in the brush area outside near our home. We also recently found their newly shed skins.
Is still taking a nap but occasionally fights it tooth and nail.
Loves his big brother and copies everything he does. I think it's cute, Francesco thinks it's annoying.
Doesn't care if he comes in last in a race, a game, or in line. He is just happy to be a part of whatever is going on.
Can completely occupy himself for hours on end. He does not need anyone to play with and on occasion really likes it that way.
Love to go to the store, he is always the first to say and sometime the only one to say, "me, me, me!" when I ask if anyone wants to come with me.
Uses his hands to talk and describe everything. He can't just tell you that Francesco hit him, he demonstrates. If he sees a bunch of ants eating a dead bug he has to use his hands and act it out when he tells you about it. I love it so much I make him repeat what he is telling me several times.
Only eats peanut butter sandwiches and will have an all out fit if you forget and put jelly on his. Have you ever tried to scrap jelly off of bread? I usually make that mistake when I am on the end of the loaf with no spare slices to correct my mistake.
Tells me everyday when I pick him up from school that he missed me. Melts my heart!

Francesco:

Is too smart for his own good. I now know that academically he is ready for kindergarten, maturity wise I am still on the fence. He is going but I am a little worried.
I think he has a photographic memory. I never met a kid that can recall all the words to a theme song after hearing it only once.
He also quotes movies, which may be to the photographic memory or the fact that he watches a movie over and over and over again.
If I tell him to slow down when he is eating at the table he reenacts the scene from Ratatouille. The scene where Remy is teaching Emile about tasting food. The first time he did this he closed his eye and took a bite, and slowly chewed. I did not know what he was doing until he said, "I don't hear any music like in Ratatouille." Now I hum a song for him.
Has to announce everything, and I mean everything. We all have to know that he just got up, he is going down stairs, he is going to the potty, he going to get a share day toy, he is going to run down the hall, he got a good report, he wants to go to Chick-fil-A or he is going to jump off the back of the couch and onto his brothers head (which I have told him a 100 time not to do). It goes on forever!
He can not sit on a chair with both butt checks at once. He has ants in his pants something fierce. I think the only time he sits still is when he is a sleep and that is debatable.
Is an awesome big brother. I witnessed him defending him at daycare, trying to teach him new words, give his brother tons of positive encouragement during potty training, letting his brother wins (on rare occasions) and always protecting him from going in the street.
Is extremely competitive which I think he gets from me, what he really needs to learn in that it is okay to loose and that they is a level of sportsmanship you need to maintain.

I miei due bambini light up my life and remind me that what I am doing matters! Love you guys!

52 Weeks of Me: Week 22 {Message/Little Reminder}

2011-05-30T12:05:00.005-04:00

This weeks theme was message/little reminder, I thought it would be a great way to really think about what we needed to be reminded of or if there was something your really need to say. This is a message that I need to remind myself of often. There there are days that I am not sure and then there are days I am positive.

The first time I heard this statement was in a video essay for the MOM 2.0 Summit by Katherine Center.

Next weeks theme is: Connection - again a good one to get your creative thoughts going.

As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have posted all the theme there (Thanks to Jessie for finishing them up). Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 21 {Catchlight}

2011-05-22T13:42:00.007-04:00

I am amazed that I was able to get my photo done today, procrastination should truly be my middle name. Plus, I have a hard time getting the catchlight in a self portrait since I can't really see what I am doing. I used the tripod and the remote and had to sit on the kitchen floor near the glass door to accomplish this. I was almost sitting under the table and my husband a kids were just shaking their heads at me.

Next weeks theme is: Message/Little Reminder, all you have to do is make sure you have a message or little reminder to yourself in you picture. You could get creative with this one.

As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have posted all the theme there (Thanks to Jessie for finishing them up). Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Also, I just read that Mitchelle and her family could use everyone's prayers as her husband has been diagnosed with Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). I want her to know that I will be praying for him and keeping her in my thoughts.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 20 {Flare}

2011-05-21T08:20:00.004-04:00

Since it had been raining almost non-stop for over a week here I was unable to get my FLARE shot last week. This morning we woke up to find the glorious sun just beaming through our windows. I knew I had to get my shot today. It came out better than I expected, especially since my baby wanted to be held while I was attempting a self portrait. I think I like the ones with them in them the best. I mean face it, they are just as much me as I am myself.

Tomorrow theme is: Catchlight, I find this hard to get on myself but I will try.

As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we also have posted all the theme there (Thanks to Jessie for finishing them up). Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Team Up Thursday {Light}

2011-05-19T20:54:00.003-04:00

Jen and I are jumping back in with the lovely ladies over at Megan's and Melody's. This week theme was light and all we have had here was rain. It appears that Jen also had to come inside for the theme this week. I like how we both have pictures of a light from our child's room. I love how peaceful my boys look sleeping with their night light.

Head on over for more great light:

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T18:24:00.000-04:00

We Both Got Yelled At

2011-05-09T21:33:00.001-04:00

He for making the milk bubbles,

and I for taking a picture of them!

52 Weeks of Me- Week 19 {Ground Level}

2011-05-08T09:13:00.006-04:00

This weeks theme is one of my favorite perspectives. Things look so different and interesting from the ground level. I love to capture my kids at play from this level so I thought I would play a little myself. Sidewalk chalk is a sign of spring to me. I love to come home to pictures and hopscotches in the driveway and then to have the rain clean them away so we can start all over again.

Next week theme is: Flare - another one of my favorites.

I finished my first semester last night and have taken the summer off, hopefully that will translate to more picture taking and time dedicated to fun project. Look for Jen and I to pick back up with Team-Up Thursday.

As always I am so grateful to all who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. I am going to try and come up with a few more in the next few weeks. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 17/18 {Multiple Exposure/ Rule of Thirds}

2011-05-01T14:08:00.006-04:00

I know I have been such a bad host these last few weeks. One more hairy week of school and I am taking a break for the summer. I did make sure to get both shots for this week and last. I totally knew what I wanted to do but couldn't find the time. I saw that a bunch of you had the same idea. I loved everyone shots! I want to do a few multiple shots of my boys if I could get them to sit still for at least a few.
Here is my Multiple-Exposure shot:

This weeks was theme was the Rule of Thirds. This is one of my favorite photography rules that I try to use regularly. I had to turn the photo b&w due to being in the powder-room mirror. The white balance in the bathroom is awful.

Next weeks theme: Ground Level - I love this angle.

Thanks again to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Flying Kites at the Shore

2011-04-22T04:49:00.005-04:00

Went spent the weekend at the shore for Nicolò's Birthday. It was really windy the one day so we got out the little $1.00 kites the boys go from the store. Nothing beats having the beach all to yourself.

We were literally the only ones on the beach, it was overcast and windy but perfect to get a kite up.

Francesco liked to find interesting shells.

Nicolò loved being in control of his own kite.

I love this shot because you can see just how empty the beach was.

This is one of my favorite shots because it has all my men in it.

The is Francesco finally looking at me to take a picture, love his expression...like come on already!

I can never resist a shot of my kids cute feet in there new summer shoes - which they currently insist on wearing socks with.

I love the concentration on his face, the focus!

Eventually the kite flying went to the way side and they decided running from waves was more fun.

As you can see it really was a blast.

By the time we left they were soaked up to their waist. I could not believe they were not bothered by how cold the water was. I swear if we had them in swim trunks they would have been all the way in. We had a hard time convincing them that it was time to go at the end of the day.

Nico - 3

2011-04-19T00:35:00.001-04:00

Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it. ~Not Your Average Dictionary

Where did the time go? How can I make it stop?

I still can not wrap my brain around the fact that my baby is 3. I mean its seriously was just yesterday that I brought home a 9lb little boy who was the most laid back infant I had ever met. He is now the Yang to Francesco's Yin, the one that completes the family. I literally mention on a daily basis how different the boys are from each other. I like the fact that they are not carbon copies and love the little things about them that make them stand apart.

Nicolo is my nature boy, dirt should be his middle name. He loves dirt and wears it well. He also is fascinated by rocks, bugs, caterpillars, butterflies, flowers, sand and puddles. He's the kind of kid that will sit there and play with ants, collect caterpillars and dig a hole just for the sake of playing in the dirt.

We also think he has a internal radar system (I think he is just very observant) because he can spot a Dunkin Donut's a mile away. He also picks planes and helicopter out of the sky well before any of us notice they are around. There is no getting anywhere near a train track without him pointing it out and wanting to know where the train is. Maybe is will be an air or rail traffic controller someday.

He is an animal lover through and through, animals are also naturally attracted to him. We have friends who have two dogs and a son. Francesco and the little boy will go off and play and we find Nicolo sitting on the couch flanked by both dogs just sitting there watching cartoons. My cat is also not keen on kids, but Nicolo is the exception and she tolerated being petted and picked up by him. We take him to the zoo and he could spend hours just watching the animals, Francesco is the one that is only good for an hour and then we have to go. Currently if you ask him his favorite animal he says snake (let hope that changes).

I love to here him say his name, or when he tells me that Cesco (that what he calls Francesco) is his best friend. I love the way his hair sticks up in the back of his head when he first gets up and how he pats my back when I hug him. I love that he smells like syrup because he is a waffle eating machine and sticky kisses are what you get after breakfast. I love that he say "No Please" instead of "No Thank You" when you ask him if he wants something. I love how he always want to go with me no matter where it is, and he loves t try new things and foods. I love the way he tilts his head and gives me a little grin when he wants a treat. I love that he makes my dads expressions and has my dimple. I just plain love this kid.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 16 {Motion} & Week 15 {Out of Focus}

2011-04-17T15:33:00.005-04:00

This weeks theme was Motion. I really had a hard time with this theme. It may have been easier if I had someone else to take the shot but I am really trying to do this on my own. I tried with the timer to get my self walking but I had a hard time "timing" it. I kind of like what I got but really wanted more motion.

Last weeks theme was Out of Focus. Which seems to be the theme of my life right now. I feel like such a bad host of this project not getting my post up last week. To be honest, I might not be blogging all that much in the next few weeks. I am coming to a really busy time in my school work, can you say research paper (ugh!)?

Next week theme is Multi-Exposure; I really want to have fun with this one.

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Picture for His Room

2011-04-05T19:25:00.002-04:00

The other day Francesco tells me he wants a picture to put on the wall in his room. I ask him what he wants a picture of, he goes to the living room and point to the photo of him an Nicolo at the park last year and says..."we need one of us but newer, and not on a bench." I say okay we can do that. Sunday, the sun was out so we were outside playing and I grabbed my camera. I thought since he wanted the photo he would be more cooperative than normal, NOT. These are the shots I got. They crack me up every time I look at them. I might just blow one of them up and put it on his wall. The truly capture their personalities.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 14 {Under Exposed}

2011-04-03T20:52:00.004-04:00

This weeks theme was Under Exposed and I so wanted to think out side the box, but sadly I ran out of time. I am spread a little thin lately, if only I was truly thin (LOL). To be perfectly honest I just took this picture less than an hour ago after I finally got 5 secs to take it. I had a really tough time with the focus since I had the light off and I was under exposing the shot. I would have done better with the theme for next week, out of focus.

Next weeks theme: Out of Focus, that should have been this weeks theme.

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Milestone - Riding a Two-Wheeler

2011-03-28T08:18:00.003-04:00

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”
~Albert Einstein

Francesco learned to ride his bike this weekend without training wheels, he had a great time and was so proud of himself. I don't think he was as proud as Michael and I, we were amazed at his determination and willingness to keep trying even though he fell often early on. It just goes to show, you can do anything you set your mind to.
Francesco, you rock!

52 Weeks of Me - Week 13 {Over Exposed}

2011-03-26T16:51:00.006-04:00

When I thought of the theme Over Exposed I used the analytical part of my brain, as I often do and did just that. I took a photo that I purposely overexposed. I liked the results, I think it came out okay, it fit the theme. I however have forgotten lately that this project is an attempt for me to put that analytical mind away an think outside the box. I saw Corey's post this morning and was blow away by her interpretation of the theme. I was extremely impressed by her honesty and courage to post her shots. Thanks Corey!

Next week theme: Under Exposed, let see if I can put the analytical brain away for this one. Time will tell, or may just run out in my case.

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Team Up Thursday - Spring

2011-03-24T16:59:00.004-04:00

This weeks theme was Spring. I usually don't take my photo until the week starts unless I find something or time over the weekend to snap a shot that goes along with the theme. This week I had intended to get my shot during the week but alas it rained and even snowed. Yes, I said snowed, so the signs of spring have not really sprung for us here. I actually found a photo I took last spring.

I love Jen's bud, I so wish I could have found something like that around here. I hope that some of the rest of you are getting some spring too. It's coming but not quite here yet.

For more Spring:

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

Perigee Moon

2011-03-21T08:25:00.004-04:00

“May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all the way to your door.”
~Irish Blessing

52 Weeks of Me - Week 12 {Texture}

2011-03-20T14:44:00.006-04:00

This weeks theme was Texture. I really wanted to find a texture and put myself in front of it. I did find and old building that I pass on my way home but never had the opportunity to stop. I then thought I would lay down in the tall grass behind my house to use the grass as a texture. My husband warned me of getting full of ticks so I decided against it. I finally settled on adding the texture to the photo.

Next weeks theme: Over Exposed - that should be easy for me (LOL).

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Team Up Thursday - Music

2011-03-17T11:39:00.006-04:00

Jen and I are following along with the lovely ladies over at Megan's and Melody's for the Team Up Thursday themes. This week theme was music. I was tempted to submit a photo of CD's but then thought to myself, "who listens to CD's anymore? Not me!" No I carry around that small tiny iPod and love the fact that I have over a 100 songs on it with still more room. I mean are they still making CD's?

I love the DOF in Jen's photo and love that it speaks to traditional music, it's the instrument that makes the music that is recorded as an MP3 that lives on my iPod.

I will admit that I have been distracted lately, or more like busy. That should be apparent in my lack of blogging and photo taking. I will have to post some new pictures of my boys since it has been a while. I actually started a graduate program this week, I know CRAZY, so that is just another thing on my plate. I think I've decide to head into my 40th year of life being the busiest I can be so as to forget that I will actually be 40. I will let you know if that works.

For more Music diptych:

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

52 Weeks of Me - Week 11 {Silhouette}

2011-03-13T09:39:00.004-04:00

This weeks theme was Silhouette, I was hoping to get on of my boys in the photo but Go Diego and Wonder Pets takes precedence over looking at the deer in our back yard. Our house backs up to a wooded and tall grass area that a herd of deer live in. Some days they are just laying in the grass and sometimes just passing through. It neat to see the fawns get bigger and bigger as time goes by. I spend a lot of time in my kitchen and thought that would be the appropriate shot for my silhouette. Pixel of course was with me, she is my shadow, she goes where I go around the house.

Here is just a few (9) of the herd that we see regularly. There's at least two other males that you don't see in this photo.

Next week theme: Texture (I'm really going to need to think about this one) do you add the texture or do you find the texture? Think, think, think.

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 10 {New Angle}

2011-03-06T10:59:00.002-05:00

This weeks theme was New Angle. I tried a lot of different angles and some I liked and some I was like "NO WAY!" I decide to see things from Nicolo's angle at the table. I put the camera right where he sits. Now I know what he sees.

Next weeks theme: Silhouette

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Team Up Thursday - Everyday Beauty

2011-03-03T04:04:00.001-05:00

Jen and I are following along with the lovely ladies over at Megan's and Melody's with the theme EVERYDAY BEAUTY this week.

Mine is the Angel, and she has a story. She is an ornament given to me by a friend and she is the Angel of Miracles - she had a tag stating "Trusting in everyday miracles". She ended up being my subject this week by ending up in my pocketbook due to being broken (her head cracked off by Nicolo). I wanted to remember to bring the superglue from my desk drawer home to fix her. I ended up fixing her at work on Tuesday and put her back in my pocketbook today to bring home. When I was leaving work the late day sun from across the way hits the stone wall in front of my office and it is always so pretty. It was like I was meant to sit her there and take her photo.

I love the colors in Jen's photo, I so wish that we had flowers blooming here. I also love the DOF, it really make the flower on the left jump out at you. That is truly Everyday Beauty.

For more Everyday Beauty diptych:

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

The things...

2011-03-02T20:18:00.000-05:00

we teach our kids.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 9 {Shadow}

2011-02-27T17:38:00.003-05:00

I thought Shadow was a fun theme, I really wanted to get my kids in the shot but they were having way to much fun playing hopscotch to be bothered by a picture. I swear spring is around the corner, we were outside without coats, chalking up the driveway and enjoying a Sunday afternoon.
I did not get my shot until today due to the world-wind number of events going on. Okay, it may not be world-wind, but it feels like it to me. We had the whole family over yesterday which was nice, but busy. Today we signed Francesco up for Kindergarten...I almost cried, but I held it together. Before I know it Nicolo will me potty trained...a girl can dream.

Next weeks theme: New Angle, I know many of you will rock this one!

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 8 {Zero In}

2011-02-20T09:17:00.008-05:00

This weeks theme was Zero In. I struggled to think of something about me that I wanted a close up view of. Then I thought of my rings, I have them on all the time and they are my favorite. They also mean a lot to me as they should.

Next weeks theme: Shadow, and since the sun is out much latter these day I think this will be fun!

Thanks to all those who are participating! Don't forget there is the Flickr Group and we are as always open for theme suggestions. Plus, if you want this cute blog button swing by Jessie's she has the code.

Team Up Thursday - Blue

2011-02-17T09:51:00.004-05:00

When I think of blue the first thing that comes to mind is Tiffany's! Call me crazy but that little blue bag or little blue box just makes my heart flutter. Jen had asked me it this was from a Valentine's gift but it wasn't. I happen to have collected a lot of the boxes and bags throughout the years. I am a silver/white gold/platinum kind of girl and my husband knows if it comes in a little blue box he can't go wrong. Funny enough what I did get for Valentine's was a Pantone huey(TM)PRO monitor calibrator. My husband also knows if it has to do with photography/picture editing he can't go wrong.

Jen's little guys blue eyes would have been my choice as well if I had a blue eyed baby. Jen thought she had went a little over the top but I just love it. It's fun to go extreme at times. I too went a little far with my texture (trying to cover up the white paper background) but I really like how they go together.

For more blue diptych:

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

52 Weeks of Me - Week 7 {Profile}

2011-02-13T19:14:00.006-05:00

Wow, this was not easy in the least. I really don't like side views of me at all! I did settle one one shot that I was able to live with but it wasn't easy. I have seen a few of everyone's shots and love that you all have been getting outside. That's what I really need to do.

Next weeks theme: Zero In
That is going to be a real challenge for me.
Don't forget to head on over to the Flickr pool and send me all your fabulous theme ideas, I know you guys have them! (Thank you to Kimberly @ A Growing Viloet for her suggestions of themes.)

As always you can join right in at any time, the more the merrier!

And so it goes

2011-02-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

Neither of my children have ever been the sleep through the night kind of kids. Now at the ages of 4 and 2 they have improved, especially Francesco. Even if they were to actually sleep through the night they are early riser as well, I am talking 5:00 - 5:30 am. So I feel like I don't get enough sleep on a regular basis and my husband is well aware of the fact. See the kid don't want him in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning so he is not bothered by them, unless I am not there.

I went to my parent's last week to help my Mother with a church retreat. My husband even said to me more than once, "I bet you are going to love getting to sleep through the night." He said this because lately Nicolo had been up two to three times a night in the past week and now I was not going to be there. He was preparing to be the one bothered that night.

So here I am at my parents and it is 10 pm on a Friday and I decide to go to bed because I am exhausted from being up since 4:30 am. I am looking forward to being left alone all night in a bed all by myself.

As you can guess, since I am writing this post, that did not happen. My father has an 11 year old, 85lb German wire haired pointer who is now "retired" from hunting due to bad arthritis in her hips. So at around 12:30 am I hear the dog barking, I get up and think she may need to go out. It took me ten minute to find the key to open door (my dad has his house lock down like Fort Knox's) and I let the dog out. I think all is well and go back to bed. Now I am not one of those, fall right back to sleep kind of people it take me time to go back to sleep. Then I hear the dog again whining and barking around 1:45 am. I get up and again think she must hear something outside or need to go out, I tried to let her out but that was not it. I was done with her at this point, because again I was woken up and don't fall back to sleep easily. I decide to shut my door and try to go back to sleep. Then at 3:15 she started again with the barking and whining, this time I know she doesn't need to go out and she is just whining. I now think if I bring her in the room with me she will settle down.

When I do bring her in the room she tries to get up on the bed, but with her hips she has a hard time. I who at this point just wants her to be quiet help this 85lb dog onto the full size bed. She takes up most of it and them proceeds to lick her paws all the while shaking the bed. This bed is an old brass poster bed and every time she shakes the bed the post hit the wall. I get up, take a small blanket and fold it up to put behind the post to stop the banging. While I do that the dog positions herself directly in the middle of the bed, leaving the only spot big enough for me to lay at the foot. Now I am the pet!

At some point she did get off the bed and I had it back to myself but that was not long before 5:00 am when my father came in the room looking for her. So them I was up again and for the day. I asked him why was he up so early on a Saturday? He said it wasn't early and he is always up at 5:00 (now I know where Nicolo get it from). He then asked me if he had woken me up? I just shook my head.

I did tell him about my night and he apologized but it wasn't his fault. When I told my husband he laughed and then told me that both the kids slept through the night, and so it goes!

Team Up Thursday - Celebration

2011-02-10T15:14:00.002-05:00

I thought and I thought about this theme. We were not having any parties and it's not a holiday so I had no idea. I even went as far as looking up the definition of the word Celebration. One of the definitions was: To perform (a religious ceremony): celebrate Mass.
That's when I knew what photo I would use. I helped my mother this weekend with a First Communion Retreat where the children were celebrating the Mass. They learned about the different parts of the mass and made these "prayer cloths" with symbols important to our religion.

Now, Jen's daughter had something to celebrate, a snow day. I remember praying for snow as a kid just to get a snow day. Nothing beat a snow day when I was a kid. It's something about playing in the snow, having hot chocolate and watching movies as you thaw out. Now I wish I had a snow day!

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

I Just Don't Get It

2011-02-07T22:01:00.003-05:00

Don't ask, because I don't even get it.

She's a teenager, so that explains a little. She had a bunch a bookmarks and sticker with crazy sayings on them. To her they made sense and were even funny.
I was just glad to see her this weekend even if this is the only photo she posed for.

52 Weeks of Me - Week 6 {At Arms Length}

2011-02-06T07:48:00.005-05:00

This weeks theme was At Arms Length, easy peasy right? What I found hard was holding the camera steady, so I did get out the tripod but I pushed the shutter from an arms length away. The other thing that I found difficult was not looking like a goof ball. I tried to smile and it looked so cheesy, I tried to not smile and I looked constipated, I tried to "gaze" at the camera and I looked like a total dork. I settled with a quick, stand there and hit the shutter look.
I never realized how crocked my nose was till I took this picture.

Next weeks theme: Profile, find you good side ladies!

Don't forget there is also the Flickr Group and you can join in at anytime. I still want to hear any suggestions for themes if you got them.

Conversations with a 4 1/2 year old

2011-02-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

At dinner one night:
Cara: Francesco what is your favorite number?
Francesco: 100 (said one hundred)
Cara: Why do you like it?
Francesco: Cause that's what I want to be.
Michael: You want to get to a hundred (said a hundred)?
Francesco: No! I said one hundred!
Michael: Oh, I hope you get to One Hundred too!
Francesco: No Daddy, I said ONE HUNDRED, not one hundred and two!

**************************************************************************************
At Bed Time
F: Why do we have to go night, night?
Me: Because it's dark out and the sun went down. When the sun comes up it will be wake up time.
F: When will the sun come up?
Me: In about nine hours.
F: Why did the sun go down?
Me: Because the Earth rotated and we are on the side away from the sun.
F: Why did the Earth rotate?
Me: So we can have night and days.
F: What about the Sun?
Me: What about it?
F: Does it rotate?
Me: Not sure, but we rotate around it, we orbit.
F: Whats orbit?
Me: It means we are moving around the sun.
F: All the time?
Me: Yes, all the time.
F: Why do we orbit?
Me: Because we are a planet and we orbit around the sun and it take a whole year.
F: You mean like like the Zula Patrol.
Me: Yes, like Zula Patrol
F: Oh, Okay.(Turns over on his side) Night, night Mommy.

I should have just started with the Zula Patrol and I might have gotten out of there sooner.
*************************************************************************************
The clock is ticking and he gets closer to 5 everyday!

Dream Little One

2011-01-31T04:30:00.000-05:00

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night.
~Edgar Allan Poe

52 Weeks of Me - Week 5 {Daily Activity}

2011-01-30T08:44:00.008-05:00

This weeks theme was daily activity. I thought of the million things I do and couldn't decide on which one I wanted to capture. I then realized that there is one activity that I participate in everyday without fail, even on the weekend.
My boys love to snuggle first thing in the morning, especially Francesco. We always sit in the chair and take a few minute to wake up and snuggle. I love how their hair is all a strew and sticking up and their body's are still warm from being under the covers all night. I know this activity will come to an end one day so I am getting it while I can.

Next weeks theme is: At Arms Length
That should be fun and easy. Don't forget that you can jump in an join at any time. We have the Flickr pool as well for those who either don't have a blog or don't wish to post to their blog.

I also would love to hear if anyone has any suggestions for themes. We have the theme's we have come up with so far listed over on the Flickr pool.

Friday Lights: Surrendering to Simplicity

2011-01-28T20:25:00.003-05:00

As Tracey said things have felt complicated lately. The resent rash of snow storms has helped me to slow down and really enjoy the quiet stillness that it brings.
When life gets out of hand it's nice to stop and focus on the moment at hand.

I can remember being outside taking these photos and it was so quiet since no cars were on the road, no buses picking up children, no trash being pick up. The quiet of a snow storm is amazing.

The memory of these photo's illustrate the emotional connection I had to this event, the simplicity of the snow, brought quiet to my day.

TUT-Stacked

2011-01-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

Jen I are following along with the ladies over at Megan's and Melody's and going with the theme "stacked" this week. I love Jen's take on the theme, I so should have gathered the many toys a strew about my house and stacked them. I opted for the obvious stacks in my life being the mounds of laundry I encounter everyyyyyyyyyy weekend. It just seemed appropriate for this theme.

Please head over and check out with the other ladies are stacking up for today:
Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

Musing

2011-01-26T05:44:00.003-05:00

I was honored to be asked by the talented Tammy Lee Bradley to write a post about "what inspires me" to be featured over at Mortal Muses. Please swing on by and check it out.

Mass

2011-01-24T21:47:00.003-05:00

I decided to start taking Francesco to mass with me on Sunday's. I know he is not sure what it's all about but he knows what a prayer is an the sign of the cross (it's a start).

I was really proud of how well he behaved even though he was done with the novelty of it by the time the priest was saying the gospel. What cracked me up was his willingness to sign along even though he didn't know the words. He even held the missal and followed along with the readings.

Before mass started I let him take a few shot with the camera. I love that they are from his point of view.

This one is my favorite:

Week 4 - Focus on Unusual Elements

2011-01-23T08:02:00.005-05:00

This week theme was not easy for me and I can imagine not easy for others. I did like it though because it forced me to think outside the box. I tried a few other things that I didn't like as much as this happy accident of actually capturing myself in the eye of my baby. I just love it.

Next week theme: Daily Activities
Show us your daily life, with you in it of course. I am really looking forward to seeing others photo's with this theme (actually I look forward to everyone photo's each week).

I am off to go see what others have come up with, won't you join me? Flickr Group

This one

2011-01-21T20:24:00.003-05:00

is going to give me a run for my money!

Here is how he came to eating his cereal with a " serving spoon". As I was getting their breakfast on the table this morning, Nicolo finds a spoon on the floor (not sure why one was on the floor...haha). I attempted to give him a clean one from the dishwasher as I took the dirty one out of his hand. He threw a fit, so I told him if he wanted to have a fit he could go in the other room. I laid the clean spoon on the table and walked away. He preceded to take the clean spoon off the table and throw it in the dishwasher. Then I tried to give him back the dirty spoon from the sink (which I secretly swapped with a clean spoon to try an appease him). He said, "NO!", so I told him to just get whatever spoon he wanted. He went to the dishwasher and found the biggest spoon we owned. Then he ate his whole bowl of cereal with said spoon and spilled a good bit of it down the front of him.

This one is definitely going to give me a run for my money.

This is what Francesco thought of the whole ordeal.

Team Up Thursday - Black & White

2011-01-20T20:02:00.003-05:00

Jen and I are following along this year with the themes and this week it was black & white. My favorite thing about black and white is how the lack of color can really draw you into the details. Take Jen's photo, the carved church, the details in the carving really stand out. In my photo I think the lack of color draws you to the line of trees in the background which was really my focus of the photo anyway.

I try converting photo's to black and white quite often and sometime it works and sometimes it doesn't. Some photos just scream for it and other are better off left alone. I think Jen and I really nailed it this week (even if I am a little bias).

For more great team ups head on over to:
Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

What I would tell you

2011-01-17T17:11:00.001-05:00

Dear Carla,

What I would tell you if I only knew the words: (about being a first time mom)

You will love him with parts of your heart you never knew existed.
You will be in total disbelief that you actually made something so perfect.
Watching him sleep will consume hours of your time.
The first time he smiles your heart will swell, well beyond it's normal capacity.
You will spend hours trying to make him laugh and then do it all over again, and again, and again.
You will realize that you are not the same person anymore, but now his mother.
Being his mother will be both the most rewarding and the most challenging career you will ever have.
You will cry, a lot, but they will mainly be tears of joy.
He will always be listening even when you think he isn't.
You will dig deeper than you ever needed for patience you never knew you had.
He will make you proud even when you are not there.
Your heart will ache to know he will one day grow up.
He will know you will always love him!

XOXO
Cara

Week 3 - Focus On The Eye's

2011-01-16T09:13:00.009-05:00

The theme that Jessie and I picked for this week was Focus on the Eye's.
I just could not decide this week what I wanted to do. I did a color photo, but I looked mad in it. I did a muted color photo, I looked like a vampire from the Twilight Series. I settled on the B&W one, I am already pasty white so this isn't to much of stretch (LOL)!

Next weeks theme is: Focus on Unusual Elements
When I was searching for prompts I thought this sounded really interesting, the explination that went along with it was: Instead of taking a photo of yourself in a traditional way, find something of interest around you, and place yourself in the background.

Almost forgot you can also go to the Flickr Group and add a photo. Plus it is never to late to join in on the fun!

Colleen asked me what the other photo's looked like so I thought I would post them as well.

Progress

2011-01-10T20:31:00.003-05:00

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
~ George Bernard Shaw

Just thought I would share my new favorite quote...and as always a picture. I like how the snow really changes the look of these weeds. Now they look like little cotton balls.

Week 2 - Reflective Surfaces

2011-01-09T12:51:00.004-05:00

This was hard, I had a few ideas but none worked out like I wanted. I also haven't learned the ins and outs of my camera so that was also frustrating. Oh, and why is it the white balance in bathrooms is so off?

Next weeks theme is: Focus on the Eyes

So far the response to join in on this adventure has been so much more than I ever exspected and I am so thrill by it. It also great to see all you beautiful ladies!

Don't forget you can also ad your photo to the Flickr Pool and visit Jessie my lovely co-host and grab the cute button she made!

Saturday Sledding!

2011-01-08T21:03:00.001-05:00

Nothing beats sledding on a Saturday!

They know who we were...

2011-01-07T19:04:00.006-05:00

Now that I am on the brink of registering my oldest for Kindergarten I think about him as a infant a lot. It feels like it's just way to soon, it wasn't suppose to happen so fast, this growing into a boy. He promised me numerous times that he wouldn't grow up. It feels like days ago I brought him home and held him in my arms. I would just sit there and stare at him for hours, I realized that I would never be the same person again, but now I was his mother.

I read a guest post over at kelly rae roberts done by the amazing Katherine Center, its a letter she wrote to Kelly about why we hang on to our babies things. Something I think every mother can relate to, you know there are reasons you hang onto those thing but sometimes can't put the words to it, well Katherine did.

"You will save them as keepsakes, as tactile reminders of the baby that used to fill your arms every waking second. They will feel as precious to you as that soft skin itself."

"That’s why baby things become so precious. They know who we were in our tenderest moments."

I am coming to the acceptance that he will go grow up but I am absolutely hanging on those baby items. They will stand as reminders of who he and I were at those moments together. I hope that as he and I grow and go on this journey together he will come to know what he did for me.
Like Katherine said, "You will have become someone else—someone greater than yourself. Someone wiser, nobler, and infinitely more brave."

Thank You Francesco.

Team Up Thursday - New

2011-01-06T21:08:00.002-05:00

Jen and I are going to go along with the wonderful ladies over at Megan's and Melody's for Team Up Thursday again this year. We are going to follow along with their great themes this year as well. So this week theme was NEW and I could not resist taking a shot of my NEW favorite Christmas present from the sweetest and not to mention best looking Santa in town!

That' my new baby, with my 50 mm on it(my favorite lens). I love it and need to learn how to use it. You would think going from one Nikon to another would be easy...NOT! It really strange because I could almost change settings on my D80 with my eyes closed, and I made certain buttons do certain things and now I have to learn how to make this camera do these thing. I am definitely willing to learn.

I love the angle of Jen's and the interpretation of the theme. What is is newer than the New Year?

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

Cookies With Dad

2011-01-04T20:20:00.003-05:00

I think this is going to become a little tradition of my boys. This is the second year in a row that Michael decided to bake cookies (Chocolate Chip of course) with the boys. This is the man who can not cook according to him. Well, to be honest, he can't, I had to intervene twice to remind him of some "cookies 101" rules (like you have to cream the butter with the sugar, not add cream to the butter and the sugar). Other than that they did the rest on their own, and yes, they made that mess just fine without my help.

I was okay with the mess, my boys had a blast and Francesco and Nicolo got to give the Christmas Gift from Parents a whirl. All the utensil and stuff (except the Kitchen Aid Mixer) are from a company call "Curious Chef". They are plastic and have nice handles for little hands, plus the apron, hat and oven mittens are so cute. He even used one of the knives to cut an apple the other day and it worked just fine (I of course supervise even with plastic knives). I think I see him taken over dinner duty for me in the future....ahhhhhhh wouldn't that be nice!

Best Shot Monday - Good-Bye

2011-01-03T14:45:00.002-05:00

I almost couldn't believe it when I read that Tracey was closing the chapter on Best Shot Monday. I can understand that all things come to an end but I will truly miss it. I may have not participated every Monday but I did most. It was a great way for me to sift through the photo's I had taken an reflect on the week behind. Some of my photo's were just snapshots and some really spoke to me. Tracey has always been such and inspiration to me that I would strive to take something that really captured the moment just as she always does.

I know that Tracey has many more endeavors that I will be reading about and hope to be part of. I have already been fortunate to participate in some of her classes at Big Picture Classes. Shutter Sisters is a staple for me and her "i am enough" page inspires me daily.

So in saying Good-Bye to Best Shot Monday, I leave you with my first entry into the BSM world:
June 2, 2008

and my last:
January 3, 2011

52 Weeks of Me - Week 1 {Traditional}

2011-01-02T11:17:00.004-05:00

So here is goes. Jessie @ The Lucas Zoo and I are hosting a little (hahaha) project called 52 Weeks of Me.
My objectives are to try and be creative, learn to use my camera and maybe even learn a few things about myself. I turn the camera on everyone I meet practically and learn a lot about people by the photos I take. I hope to do the same with myself.
I also read what Kimberely @ Altering Life wrote this morning and realized the same thing. My boys will look back and see their whole childhood documented in pictures but hardly a photo of me.
I will say that just taking a traditional, sit there and look at the camera picture was really hard. It's was hard to look "natural" and not so forced.

I almost forgot, the theme for next week will be Reflective Surfaces.

So here is to a great new year and a journey that I intend to complete. Hope you will joins us.

Don't forget you can also put your photo's on the Flickr Group and Jessie has the Mister Linky which I will try and figure out soon (lol).

52 Weeks of Me (gasp!)

2010-12-26T11:32:00.005-05:00

I tried last year to do a 365 project but as week 20 approached life got out of hand. I had put the project on hold only to not go back to it at all. I had considered for about 1/2 a second to give it a go again this coming year and decided, NOT. I have then seen a few blogs and Flickr groups that did more of a 52 week project and thought that would be much more manageable.

When I read that Jessie @ The Lucas Zoo was thinking of a 365 project, I mentioned the idea of a 52 instead. She is a busy mom like me and I thought she might like that idea instead of 365. Jessie then asked me if I was going to host the 52 week project, I had not even thought about hosting. I was just going to post a picture each week, then she mentioned she was thinking about a 52 week project but was going to do self portraits. Wow, what an idea! I told her we should co-host it and she took me up on it.

Now I don't like to be in front of the camera but I was telling Jessie that when I saw a picture of myself the other day I had not recognized myself. I am in so few photo's that I almost forgot what I looked like. So I thought this might be a good project all around, one- to get me thinking creatively, two- to remember what I look like (LOL), and three- to get to know how to use my new camera (yes Santa was good to me).

So join Jessie and I for "52 Weeks of Me" project. We have come up with some themes but you can do what ever you like. We decided to do our post's on Sunday's and will kick off the New Year, Jan. 2nd with our first theme of a Traditional Portrait. Using the Mister Linky widget you can link your photo and join in on the project. You don't need a blog to participate just create an account with Flickr, upload your photo there, and use that link.

I look forward to seeing the creativity that will come about.

Morning Frost

2010-12-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

The other morning I was up with the kids early, like that is a surprise, and notice the frost outside. I go and throw on my boots, my jacket and my husbands ski hat and venture outside. Yes, I am in my jammies too. In our backyard there is a huge area of land that is overgrown, full of weeds, sticker bushes and wildlife. Not exactly a wooded area but close. The sun also comes up on that side of the house. So there I am, in my little get up, trampling through the bushes at the crack of dawn taking pictures of weeds. Can you imagine what the neighbors think, then again they know me and the camera so it probably didn't even phase them.

This is my favorite, it's a dead weed but looks so pretty full of frost and the rising sun bokeh.

These are some type of berry on one of the bushes.

More frost covered berries.

Weeds again, isn't nice how the light can even make weeds look interesting.

2010-12-19T03:27:00.000-05:00

I tried while Michael was away one day after work and bath to get the boys photo for our Christmas card. I had the speedlight, the tripod, and the 50mm. That should have been a recipe for success, it was not. The one photo that they were even smiling in was not a true smile. They had that I am smiling because Mom is yelling and I am getting chocolate when this is all over.

So they were not going to work. I tried again and out of 150 shot, no lie, I actually got one that I liked. Not loved, but really like. Even better were some of the outtakes from the attempt. One of these day I will actually send one of the outtakes as the card.

So here is the shot I managed to get:

Of course I need to include some of the outtakes:

I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas this year!

Busy Just Gets Busier

2010-12-18T07:16:00.006-05:00

So I went from busy to busier and there seems to be no slowing down. I can just imagine all of you are also just as busy. Why does everything seem to come all at once and around a Holiday?

I forgot to post on Thursday my diptych that Jen and I did for the Team-Up Thursday. I thought I had done the post the night before but it wasn't until the end of the day Thursday that I realized I hadn't. I think that was the night I laid down with the boys for a few minutes and fell asleep. (I've bet we have all been there before.)

I just love Jen photo and how ours go together. I think her's is of decoration on a mantle maybe since I see the lovely bokeh of the Christmas tree in the back ground. Mine is of the Snowman outside on our front ~~lawn~~ patch of grass. I really like how we both had the bokeh on the same side and the color red in the focal point. The color red definitely makes me think December.

One of the nice things about December is the Christmas light, the kids ask me to drive down our street when we get home just to look at the other houses and their light. We also look for lights along the way as we travel home and sometimes take alternate (off the highway) routes just to see them.

I tried to take a shot of my neighbors house with the tripos and a longer shutter and I love how the light look like little sunburst. I am really hoping to get the chance to take more pictures over the Holiday. Shelly and I are talking about doing a "52 Week" project instead of a 365 this coming year. 52 seem so much more manageable than 365. We haven't iron out the details since there are a million more pressing items on the list. Like I said busy just got busier.

I can say that I did finally send my Christmas cards which is a huge accomplishment for me. I will post some pictures and the out-takes (which are the best) soon.

Don't forget to head on over to Megan and Hip Momma to see the other Team-Up Thursday photos for the December theme.

Team Up Thursday - Busy

2010-12-09T04:46:00.001-05:00

Jen emailed me Tuesday and reminded me that we had not pick a theme, it had again slipped both our minds. On her list of possible themes, one was busy. It really stood out to me because that about sums it up for me at present.

What is it about the Holidays that make us so busy we can barely keep our heads above water? The one thing that is constant for me is the incessant amount of stuff I pick up on a regular basis.

Once I finished this photo all I could think of was how great it would be to have 3 clones of myself. I would give each one a list of thing to do, while I sat back, supervised and read my favorite blogs. Oh, a girl can dream.

I am not sure what those are that Jen is busy working on but they sure are cute. I am not sure if they are buttons, pins or magnets (I could use one that says I've been mostly nice!). I am pretty sure she up-cycled them from something because she is so crafty like that. She inspired me to look at something I might throw away and think of another purpose or how to up-cycle it into something new.

For more great dipytch's:

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

Team Up Thirsday -End of the Day

2010-12-02T21:01:00.004-05:00

OMG, can this time of year get any busier?
I feel like I go from one thing to the next. The one thing that is constant for me is bed time. Nothing beats, footy jammies, a pillow pet and a school bus (in my 2 year old's mine). The footy jammies are my favorite. By 4 1/2 - 5 they are a little too old (more because I can't find them) and the babiness is gone. Nicolo is on the cusp of big boy/baby and I am grasping at the baby aspect everyday. The more he talks to me as a child the more I wish I never hoped for the day he would be a boy.

There are so many parts of growing up that I want him to achieve, but there are just as many infantile trait that I will so miss. A part of me thinks I may try for another, but a bigger part of me know he is and always will be my baby. I also think he knows that too (which he plays to his advantage regularly).

Jen on the other hand had represented the "end if the day" in a manner in which I would love too and will participate in on a regular basis (LOL).

Her photo reminds me of a conversation I had with my Doctor once. She said, "Do you drink regularly?" I said, "Yes, everyday after the kids go to bed." She said..."Good for you."
3 weeks later she was telling me I had the lowest cholesterol in practice...I reminded her of my daily relief.

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

When in doubt and true to form.

2010-11-28T20:29:00.003-05:00

I was questioning Nicolò's language development over the past few months. The only gauges I have are Francesco who, once started, never stopped and the girls in his class that speak like little women. The other day one of the girls from his class saw me in the hallway and said, "Hi, Nicolò's mommy! Are you coming to take him home now?" The most I get out of him, with prompting, is to just say Hi. Then when I get to his classroom I am inundated by the girls explaining to me what he did today, if he followed the rule, if he was nice, where his cubby is, etc. Nicolò is in the corner dressing his Matchbox car in a Barbie dress.
So in my mind I questioned and I was concerned.
I then took him on Wednesday for a follow-up Hearing Test and Ear Check (he has those wonderful tubes). He aced the hearing test and his tubes were in and clear. Since I was concerned I told the Audiologist and the Nurse Practitioner my fears that he was behind. I wasn't sure so, when in doubt...ask.
They were great, they reassured me, gave me handouts on where he should be at 2. 2 1/2 and 3 years of age. These handout also had tips on how to foster more language development.
So I took these handouts and was on a mission to figure out how "behind" he was. They also said if I felt he was really behind to talk with his Pediatrician about it.

Well...I began to question, test and listen to him all the time.

True to form, Nicolò decides to prove me wrong. Just like the last time when I told the Pediatrician he didn't put two word together. The next day he was doing just that. Since I said something, I SWEAR, he has gone through a major language leap. It may also be that with my concern and the handout I was tuning into him more, but I am floored by the resent developments.

So the next time I am worried about a developmental milestone I am going to bring it up to the doctor sooner so he can prove me wrong...again.

I don't like to be wrong, but in these cases I am good with that!
**Update 11/29/10 - last night (or really early this morning, let's say 4ish) Nicolo was sitting up in his bed, calling for me. When I go to see what was wrong he point to his sheet and say, "look a snowman." Can someone please smack me, what's that saying...careful what you wish for!

Calvin: Sometimes when I'm talking, my words can't keep up with my thoughts. I wonder why we think faster than we speak.
Hobbes: Probably so we can think twice.
~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

Our First Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T08:59:00.006-05:00

This year was the first Thanksgiving that we hosted. I was a little worried that something would go terribly wrong but I am happy to say it went off without a hitch. It was a super busy day but everyone pitched in.

My favorite part of this Thanksgiving was having my own little helper. He loves to watch "cooking shows" with me (partially to stall from going to bed, but also because I know he enjoys learning about cooking). I am hoping he will be able to take over for me in a few years.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-24T23:55:00.001-05:00

Car Conversations

2010-11-23T18:47:00.004-05:00

I need to put these things down just so I don't forget.

On the way to school/work this morning Nicolo was playing with the voice recording on the DSi. Francesco's voice is recorded in all the files and Nicolo was making them do all kinds of funny sounds. Francesco proceeds to tell me how it's his voice and Nicolo should record his own to play with. I told him to let it go, he could play with the DSi on the way home. (now repeat the last two sentences 3 times.) Finally I got tired of the banter and said:
Me: For the last time, he is playing with the game now and you can play with on the way home. Do you understand?
Francesco: Yes.
Me: Good, then I don't want to hear another word about it. Got it?
Francesco: Yes, but your difficult.

I'm difficult? OMG, I hope to God he gets one just like him! :-)

Fast forward to the trip to the store after school/work.

Nicolo was telling us he wanted something, in the struggle to understand the word we figured out he was saying he wanted a bus and a car. I said we could look at the store. Francesco adds in the he wants a "Red Race Car with Flames". I again say we can look. They then have a little discussion between the two of them about what they want from the store. Francesco then asks me.
Francesco: Mommy, what do you want?
Me: Peace and quiet.
Francesco: Does that come in a box?
Me: I wish.
Francesco: We can look for it at the store.
Me: Now that I would pay money for!

Now don't think he forgot that we need to look for a box of "peace and quiet."

So for a couple of bucks at Target, you too can get your very own box of "Peace and Quiet". Isn't it lovely?

Team Up Thursday - Siblings

2010-11-18T18:43:00.001-05:00

Jen and I went with the theme "siblings" this week. I like the theme because I really wanted to concentrate on getting a nice shot of the boys together, but as always (and I mean always) things never happen as I plan.

To start off the kink in the plan my battery died, not like need recharging but like you need a new one died. I shouldn't complain, I've had the same battery since I first got the camera. So I had to whip out my point-n-shoot. Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a point-n-shoot, but if you love your camera and all the things it can do you know what I mean.
Then to help matters the one day it wasn't raining and the sun was out the boys were a) not cooperative and b) not getting along. I cropped their heads out of this picture so you can just guess the expressions on their faces. Let just say this was not a nice exchange of the toy. I thought about leaving their faces in but I wanted to keep you wondering.

Now Jen's is so sweet, if my kids were that close to each other one would be yelling that the other is touching them and visa verso. Then I wonder...did she pay them to sit nicely with each other? No matter what it's a sweet shot and I like the angle and perspective.

For more great Dips!

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

Time Change: Sunset

2010-11-09T04:29:00.001-05:00

The fading light is so intense that I can not help but to stop and capture it in all it's glory.

Best Shot Monday

2010-11-08T10:40:00.004-05:00

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.
~Marc Brown

A little disclaimer

2010-11-05T20:37:00.003-04:00

The other day I posted a photo of Nicolo:

I only wrote one sentence:
You answered so many questions...and created so many more!

I didn't think much of it because that was the thought that went through my head as I looked at the picture.

Then Joanna commented:"Intriguing post. Beautiful boy! :)"

When I read her comment I went back to the post and read the sentence and thought, "that is a bit intriguing, what excellently did I mean by that?"

I thought I might explain.
"You answered so many questions..."

1. What would it be like to have another child?
2. What would it be like to have another BOY!?
3. Would those two boys be very similar or COMPLETE opposites of each other?
4. What would it be like to see myself in another human-beings face?
5. Can you really love another child just as much as the first?
6. Will I every be able to get two kids and a husband out the door and be on time for work?
7. What did my dad looked like as a little boy?
8. Do some kids really eat dirt?
9. What is it like to have a child that is content to play solo and spend time by themselves.

"and created so many more."
1. Why do some kids just refuse to use utensils?
2. Why is it that dirt seems to find you?
3. Do I want to do this all again?
4. Do I need to do this all again?
5. Will you be as interesting as a boy as you are a toddler?
6. Will I survive those years?
7. Why did God think I could handle two energetic boys?
8. Will you and Francesco be friends and can I do anything to make sure that you are?
9. Will I able to instill in you what my parents did in me?
10. Will your love of dirt take you to places like MIT?

No matter the question or the answer, one thing is very clear...life would not be the same without you. I will always remember the day I realized you were on the way and never forget the day you joined us forever.

You...are my baby.

Friday Light - The Morning

2010-11-05T12:00:00.001-04:00

With the impending approach of standard time coming and the shorter days of winter I have been compelled to take photographs of the morning light. I know that I will miss it so I am hoping my pictures will hold me till the spring.
Right now if I leave for work on time and get the boys to school without incident the sun is just barely making it's appearance. If I am running a little late, even 5-10 minutes the sun starts to rise and really draws me in. I will even go out of my way to a spot that I may have been to and thought, "wonder how this looks in the morning sun?". I mean if you are already late what's a couple of minutes more.

I know that with the time change there is going to be a little more morning light, but believe me that is short lived here (about3 weeks). There comes a time when we are leaving for the day and coming home in the dark (which seems to last forever to me).

Team Up Thursday - Morning

2010-11-04T10:18:00.003-04:00

Jen and I again pulled it together last minute. We both couldn't remember if we had pick a theme and if we did we couldn't remember what it was. We were both relieve to find out we were on the same page, be it the wrong one, but on the same.
We decided to pick the theme "Morning". I found this park near where I work that has these ornamental grasses and thought they might look neat in the morning sun. Yesterday I decided to stop and take a picture. I know that come this weekend I won't see the sunrise for a while. When the clock turn back it will still be dark when I get to work in the morning so I've be compelled to capture the light before it is gone.
I like how Jen's photo tells the story. Who wouldn't like a nice cup of fresh coffee while enjoying the sunrise? I also like how the colors in the coffee cup are similar to the colors in the sunrise photo.

It's a good thing I stop yesterday, today we are having downpours.

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

Best Shot Monday: In The Details

2010-11-01T16:23:00.004-04:00

Nico-SOOC

Nico-Autumn Glow Action

Team Up Thursday - Books

2010-10-28T12:05:00.002-04:00

Jen and I choose the theme BOOKS this week. We both were cutting it close this week and pulled it together last minute. Sometime the pressure is good, makes you think even harder. I love how it came out. I like the fact that the bottom book looks like it could be one from the top just opened.

Hosted by Megan and Hip Momma

You

2010-10-27T22:18:00.003-04:00

You answered so many questions...

and created so many more!