Thursday, October 23, 2008

Ode to Baked Beans

Two days had passed and still no shower,
Feeling feverish my breath smelled sour.

Starving children pulling at my legs,
It was lunchtime, and I didn't even have eggs.

No milk, no bread, not much else,
And I was so sick without any help.

But kids don't care if mom is ill,
They just want it or they start to shrill.

And then I saw it, my lifesaver on the shelf,
A can of baked beans, I wanted to yelp.

No work required, just open and heat,
And just enough sugar to get them to eat.

A break for me, Yea! I could fulfill their need,
And without too much guilt, don't beans have protein?

So today I dedicate this blog to the beans,
A bit strange I know, but heartfelt indeed.



Friday, October 17, 2008

A day of right things...

She was standing in the living room crying out for me and I did nothing except keep quiet and feel a little bad for her. And then my son was also standing there curiously looking at her, looking for me. And I still just stood there. It wasn't about winning. It wasn't about being uncaring. It was about teaching her that in order to play hide and seek properly you actually have to look for the person rather than stand in the center of the room shouting "mom" and wait for me to answer, and then when I don't, start crying. We have played hide n' go seek many times before - she gets how it works. And I wasn't even really hiding - just standing in the corner.

I am not the teach-your-kid-to-swim-by-throwing-them-off-the-dock sort of parent. I am also not the parent who tells their kid with the freshly bleeding knee that they are ok and to get over it. I am the hold-them-in-my-arms-until-they-feel-better sort of mom. So I actually wanted to go to her in that moment and give her a hug. But I didn't.

And eventually she turned around and "found" me and was so happy and proud of herself for playing the game. She giggled and said it was her turn and I knew that I did the right thing by not giving in.

Today is about doing the right things. This has been a crazy week and I feel like I have been the absent parent whose mind is never really focused on my kids even when they are right in front of me. So today I woke up thinking that today would be our day. Not only did we play hide n' go seek, but I suggested it. And not only did we read books on the couch, but I suggested it. And just as soon as my son wakes up from his nap and Bella is done drawing, we are going to the park. And as we swing and slide and climb, I will be thinking about them and nothing else. Yes, I am blessed to have this day of right things.

And now a tiny voice is standing next to me asking to draw her a house, and I couldn't think of anything more I would rather do right now...


Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Lyons: Sneak Peek...

My, oh my...what beautiful children and house Jill and Randy have. Hard to go wrong with that family's good looks and the setting and the weather - except for the usual crying and wrestling and runny noses (no shoot would be complete without those elements too!). More to come...


Bennett and Henry: Sneak Peek...

Two cute boys, one great apple orchard, and lots of running and shooting (both from my camera and their fake guns!). Here is a sneak peek from my shoot with Bennett and Henry. More to come when I get a chance to breath again!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Miss Abby: Sneak Peek...

Miss Abby turned two years old...and had a splendid time at her party! I will post the full report soon, but thought you might like to see a sneak peek in the meantime. 

Monday, October 6, 2008

Terrified and excited all at the same time...

You know it's coming. And if you are a true Minnesotan, you are more than likely torn. Excited for the fall and leaves and sweaters and campfires. Slightly excited about snow days and Christmas and crisp fresh air. Yet a bit frightened to wish our short summers away of grilling and biking and swimming. Yes, this time of year I too get terrified and excited all at the same time, but a family trip to Minnetonka Orchards sure helped me move closer to excited...


I could not resist this beautiful girl, Anna, and her faithful furry companion, Randy. She was a good sport once she noticed me photographing her and I am so glad as I love these shots! Thanks, Anna!




I had to get a few of my cuties too of course...



A Kid's Life Photography Website

My blog's new home...

Hello!

My blog is now on a new site (blogger.com)! In changing hosts, I lost some things from my last blogs including comments from you (which I so love by the way). So, if you don't see your previous comment here, you are not losing your mind or vision.

I also wanted to mention that I am not overly thrilled with the colors in my images in this blog, and I hope to get that straightened out soon. Please forgive me if the colors in some of these first posts seem a bit "dull."

I hope you continue to read and give me feedback!

Thanks,
Jessie