Sweet: (adj) pleasing or agreeable; delightful.

I've been busy with Christmas sessions, but have to hold off on blogging some of the photos as not to spoil the surprise. So instead I bring you 'a day in the life of us.'

I have to warn my readers in advance: I don't know if some may find my little everyday posts mundane and of the baser variety. This one is just that. But I have to admit, these happen to be some of my favorite photography posts. Because I love to photograph my children. I'm biased, and know it. But I don't apologize for wanting to hold these moments in my heart, through my camera, for always.

As a mother, there's nothing sweeter than to see the light in their faces when they're content and without care or worry. That look in their eyes that puts a lump in my throat, and a thrill of joy in my heart. So I photograph, and I'll remember. I write, so I'll remember. I smile and feel thankful. I'll remember the way their little mouths grinned, the way their fingers worked in concentration, how long lashes graced little cheekbones. I photograph so I'll remember the look of accomplishment in their eyes, the way the sugar ran through little hands. So I won't forget how their red lips were rimmed in melted chocolate, and how I didn't have the heart to tell them their face was messy. Because I don't want them to grow too quickly. Because we're busy, and our days are so swiftly passing us by. Because moments like this are too few. Because I know how blessed I am. I want to remember. And this I do know: the memories will be sweet.





*Nora's cap can be purchased here. And the spiffy pottery bowl? Here.



Note: We have 3 children. This next picture is of our buddy Lo. She is a great friend to Nora, a "sister in absentia". And she fits right in.











And this guy? Joel's getting so grown up. He's been such a huge help lately, helping make our suppers, cleaning, even making 2 big pans of Butternut Squash casserole for our Thanksgiving meal. All by himself. Truthfully? I seriously have no idea how I would do it all without him and his father. 'Love the men in my life. And I wish that one of them would stop growing so quickly. Slow down, little boy. Because you still are a little boy. I mean, right? Aren't you? Slow down.












And I have to save this one for last. Because it makes me laugh. (Disclaimer: I offered the beater with leftover fudge to Nora's friend Lo, and she said, "No, thank you." I promise. But isn't she adorable?!)



*By the way, my kids love reading your comments when I put up a post of this sort. So feel free... :)

PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOMS RECIPE:

1 c. sugar
1 c. butter
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
2 (10 oz. pkg.) Hershey Kisses
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1/4 c. milk
3 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda

Mix all ingredients above except Kisses. Shape in medium size balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, place 1 kiss on each blossom.

"Every man's memory is his private literature."

~Aldous Huxley

Two more things:

First, I want to thank all those who left comments over at my mentor, Erica May's blog. She emailed me and thanked all of you-- saying that she "has had so many wonderful comments thanks to my blog followers." (I have to admit, I have some awesome readers... :) So far, she has already exceeded her total canned food donations from last year, but I know we can help her out even more. See, she has been so helpful in getting me to even believe that I could do this whole photography thing-- encouraging me, answering my questions, even giving me the push I needed to start this blog. This is just one little way I can thank her. So if you have left a comment, you can leave more than one -- and thanks ;) ! And if you haven't commented yet, jump on over to her blog and a leave a little note (email is not seen or published), and she'll donate a can of food to those in need, right from you! We have just a couple more days to get them in before the 12/4/09 11:59 pm deadline. I'm counting on you!




Also:

My own little charity project is still going on:

*To learn about or purchase 'Prints for a Purpose', click here. Thank you for the interest and support thus far!*
This months' charity is 'Autism Speaks.'

Thank you, readers!