Sleep is for the Weak

At BlogHer this summer there was a book signing for Sleep is for the Weak—an anthology of stories from the wildly popular mom bloggin’ crowd. And there, sitting at the table signing stacks of books were a group of women I have had the privilege of getting to know both online and in person. Women who share the joys and the struggles of motherhood with us; fiercely passionate mothers that aren’t afraid of telling it like it is. The good, the bad and the I can barely hang on to a shred of sanity ugly. Been there.

Watching, live and in person as these talented mamas got their due recognition in the real world (as opposed to the virtual world) was super-sweet, signing their names to a book, with actual paper and real ink, handing their written words off to the masses with no keyboard or laptop to be found. Well, OK, laptops were no doubt back in the hotel rooms.

Since many of the book’s contributors are bloggers that I got to know pretty early on in my blogging days they are near and dear to my mommy blogging heart. Having the book in my hot little hands is like having a little piece of them with me. Reading hilarious anecdotes and heart wrenching truths from the likes of Jenny Lauck, Liz Gumbinner, Kristen Chase, Alice Bradley and Eden Marriott Kennedy (the list goes on and on) is a dose of good mommy medicine and a celebration of how brave, bold and brilliant the mothers of the blogosphere are. But, you don’t have to tell us that…because we already know.

Sleep is for the Weak is available for purchase through Amazon.

This review was written for The Parent Blogger Network.

Light-Hearted Best Shots

This has been a tough week on the kids. Of course, I am in full celebration mode of having my time back-sorry, but mama needs her time-but for them, it's been an overload of new things; people, places, schedules, things to remember, homework to do, etc. Both girls, back to school all day everyday meant a roller coaster of emotions from excitement and enthusiasm to hesitation and melt-downs. Total brain over-load.

This weekend we just needed a little levity and what better place than our our backyard? Here's how my kids blew off a little steam from the pressure-cooker that is the first week of school.

How did you capture this past week? Hopefully you had a little fun while you were at it. Do share!

Getting A Little Perspective Today

Today is A Little Perspective Day!

A day to focus on how are children view the world through the lens of a camera. The shot above was taken with a trust point and shoot many years ago when my youngest daughter was barely 2 years old. Pretty sweet shot!

So, let's see what your shutterbugs have come up with!

Leave your links in the comments so we can take the day to click around for a Little inspiration. And don't forget to add your pix to our Flickr pool too.

For tips on how to get your children into the 'click' visit my article at PBS Parents.

It's Nice to be Noticed

Sometimes in our day to day work we get lost in the job. Rushed and distracted we go about our business taking care of tasks if only to check one more to-do off our list. The days go quickly and there's not much time to really reflect on our successes and yet, every day is an accomplishment, a reason to applaud ourselves.

As mothers, we wipe noses, hands and bottoms. We tote, juggle and shuffle 10-20 pounders and their gear. We manage to get kids up and out to school clothed, fed, homeworked, and back again for more food, baths, books and bed. We get through laundry, dishes and bills. And somewhere in there we hopefully eek out time for ourselves. For many of you reading this, that time often consists of blogging; about family, motherhood, our feelings. Or we turn toward something other than that. We write about gardening or politics. We cook or paint or take photographs to keep our autonomy. We create communities so that we may be seen and heard and understood. And yet, sometimes through all of it, we don't notice or acknowledge how much we are doing and how well we are doing it.

Women often fall prey to guilt from all the things we are not getting done. We focus what we're not doing and we hold close the notion that we aren't enough. But, the truth is, we are enough. And what we pull off every day is amazing.

Since the launch of Shutter Sisters, I have been a busy blogger on top of everything else. Getting through my to-do list has felt next to impossible and some days I am sure that it's never going to get done. All the plans I have for myself, my career, my blogs might never come to fruition. I so quickly forget that in fact everyday I have things out in the world to celebrate. My children for one who grace the world with their very beings. My photographs which fill many books and hang on many walls beyond my own and live on blogs that people visit every day. I know this is all true but sometimes I forget to enjoy it.

It took kind words from a stranger to remind me that what is happening at Shutter Sisters (or any other part of my life) doesn't rely on what I plan to do in the future with it. It's not about my looming to-do list but instead what exists right now. What IS.

Reading Scott's insightful words made me realize that the true purpose behind Shutter Sisters is being seen and understood perfectly, even by an outsider (for lack of better words) and perhaps even more surprising, a Gadget Guy. It was the little nod I needed to make me sit my action down for a few minutes to enjoy what I have accomplished, and what I do everyday.

I encourage you to do the same for yourself, over a few deep breaths. I promise, it'll be time well spent.

A Best Shot Through Fresh Eyes

Seeing the world the way your children see the world is a gift. The beauty of handing your kids the camera is getting a glimpse into what see as important to capture in a photo. It can be enlightening and inspiring!

A portrait of a sister under trees in upstate NY, summer vacation 2008

My oldest daughter spent her graduation money on a new camera. Her own camera. I have never been one not to share my cameras with my kids but she wanted her own camera, not mine. Of course, I couldn't be happier that she loves photography despite it's prominence in our everyday life. I am thrilled that my love of photography hasn't caused her to run the other way. At least not yet anyway.

Over at PBS Parents today, my Expert of the Month post goes live. Go check it out! I hope it inspires you to encourage the children in your life to get into photography. I would love to hear your comments over there so we can start a little discussion in the next few weeks on the subject. You can even add photos that your kids take in the Flickr Pool called A Little Perspective. I'd love to see what you're kids come up with when they are behind the lens.

And on this fine Best Shot Monday share with us your best capture of the week.

And how about a little something EXTRA this week here at Mother May I?? I propose this Friday A Little Perspective Day. That means you can pop over here and share a link to your favorite shot from your child's photo collection. Let's honor their creative vision-no matter how young they are. What do you think? Are you up for a Little fun this week? Hope to see you back here on Friday, if not sooner.

On Our Last Day of Summer

rocks on the porch in oregon

photo shot with this cool camera

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.

~The Wonder Years

Best Shot Monday's post will come on Monday this week. : ) Come back by tomorrow! Thx.

Ready for Change (and I'm not just talking politics)

Hello. My name is Tracey and I am the mother of a middle-schooler.

As of yesterday anyway. Wow. It’s still so surreal—surreal and bittersweet but truthfully, more than anything I am just so excited for her—for the new chapter in her life and in mine. I have let her take the lead on this one; as I watch, wait, try to read her as she makes her way into adolescence growing and changing, becoming her own person. I am inspired by her grace.

But, growing and changing means puberty and that word can strike terror into any mother’s heart. Lucky for me, as long as I don’t say that word, talking about it isn’t as hard as I had thought. I have made a very conscious effort to act as breezy as possible about the changes that have come and those on the horizon for my daughter. Being open about own body, my cycle, etc. have made for some pretty perfect ‘teachable moments’.

For example…
What happens when you mix a trip to Disneyland, a pair of white bermudas, and a mother who is ill prepared? One of those 'teachable moments'. My daughter swooped in to save me, in calm yet heroic fashion whipping out a quarter from her purse. Isn’t that what this is for? she said pointing to the metal box stuck to the bathroom wall. OK. She’s savvy. I’m impressed. My problem was quickly resolved with very little incident all thanks to my 10 year old. I beamed with pride.

All of this to say that despite the fact that I have been open and honest about these things, I was eager to review a DVD called “Healthy Chats for Girls – an age-appropriate sensitive-yet-fun discussion about Puberty and Growing Up” for the Parent Blogger Network. And I am glad I did.

The DVD comes in the My First Period Kit created by the kind, approachable and celebrated doctor Crystal de Freitas. Who by the way, is not only a mom to 3 kids but is a published author of books on the complex subject of our children’s sexuality. She’s an expert.

Considering the only education our young girls get about ‘coming of age’ (beyond the trash the media serves up) is the one film shown in elementary school to all 5th graders. Now, I can’t pretend to know how that info is delivered—I actually missed that day of 5th grade which I will admit is an absence of which I will never get over—I don’t think they’ve updated that film since they first created it and the fact that the film is shown in a room full of mortified and therefore giggly and chatty girls isn’t really conducive to really listening, let alone learning. That said, I am happy to have the Healthy Chats for Girls DVD to share with my daughter in the comfort of our own home, no distractions, just an authentic, easy to understand, painless “modern approach to that traditional chat between a mother and daughter”. That’s how the DVD is billed and that’s exactly what you get. Take a sneak peak if you want to see for yourself how it’s done.

I would recommend the Kit to any mother with daughters. After all, we need all the help we can get as embark on our new adventure through puberty (again). There. I said it.

The Sun Setting Over my Best Shot

Have you captured any dreams or visions this week?

We're All in This Together

First of all, let me offer an enormous thank you to all of you for your birthday wishes. From comments to emails to phone calls, I was overwhelmed with love! Thank you, thank you.

Besides my birthday, I just discovered that yesterday was Nie Nie day. After poking around from link to link for the details of what it all means, I am left with a big dose of perspective and an overwhelming sense of gratitude that in this sometimes surreal world of bloggering we are all connected.

Case in point- tragedy pulls us together in a way that is beyond inspiring. It is life changing. We don't know each other in many cases but our stories, or joys, our struggles are universal. We relate to and respect one another. We are a community of people that openly share our lives with one another with honor and courage and love. It is a privilege to be a part of something that authentic and powerful and it is, among countless other things, what keeps me blogging.

Design Mom is holding a silent auction in honor of Stephanie (Nie) and her husband Christian, to offer financial support for the Nielson family during these difficult days. I felt compelled to share it with you so that we continue the circle of the true community we have created, where we take care of one another because it's not only what we do, it's who we are.

Permission

A Love Note to myself on my birthday.

My Meandering Best Shot

As we head into what is the last official week of summer vacation, I have been busy tying up loose ends. Getting rooms sorted and cleaned to give the kids a fresh start when school begins (an end of summer ritual around here), frantically finishing up household projects that didn't get get done, squeezing in a few more family excursions and getting the family reunion photos uploaded to share with the family that have been patiently waiting for weeks now.

My best shot above is one from our trip in June. I am reminded of the beauty of the countryside where we drove and drove and took in the vast landscapes; where we were happy to be plucked from our normal daily life and looked forward to the endless possibilities that school-free days and sunshine offer.

I will admit however now, that it's images like these that make me long for simplicity when our routine is back in full swing and I have a little peace and quiet all to myself.

What sorts of stirrings are within your head and heart today?

My Golden Girl

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed shooting photos of my oldest daughter lately as she's growing up and truly becoming her own person. She starts middle school in a few weeks and perhaps reflecting on that has made the images I have been capturing even more surreal to me in the most bittersweet of ways.



How can this be my baby? My daughter? Finding herself, coming into her own power, expressing her beliefs; intense, vigilant, strong. She is mine, yes. But what's more...she is hers.

Lovely images from Paige at Shutter Sisters inspired me to put these two shots together. I called the pair yellow (for the obvious reasons) but as I type the word I am reminded that it's shares the name of a song I would sing to her when she was still young enough to be called my baby girl. I would softly sing and get teary with beauty of the melody and lyrics and how perfectly they told the story of my love for her.




Nothing has changed. I still hold those exact feelings and get weepy just hearing this song. Everything has changed. She is 10 now and force in this world that is undeniable. As I have been doing some seeking out of my own inner 10-year-old, I am inspired by daughter and everything she is; bright, beautiful, bold...just like the sun. And so yellow.

Edited to add- Discovering this incredible list from Jen Lemen has enlightened and inspired me as I strive to be the best mother possible to my 10-year-old. I wanted to share it with you.

A Superhero Shot for BSM

Being Seen by Andrea Scher.

My Oregon adventure was amazing beyond words. God knows I've been posting enough of the images on Flickr to prove it. I could try to articulate how much it meant to spend quality time with 11 soul-sisters but I think when the planets align like that, the words only fall flat and could never really conjure up the magic that swirled about in the salty air, beneath the Mystical Manzanita Moon.

Among countless other gifts, I came home with an entire collection of photographs of myself which is a rarity for sure. That the shots so beautifully and insightfully tell the story of who I am leaves me feeling deeply seen and makes me weepy with gratitude.

I am a soul-searcher at heart so receiving photographs that have captured a part of my soul feels incredible. Through the lenses of women I hold dear, I am able to see myself as I am and as I strive to be;

open,

alive,

playful,

happy,

content,

and full of love.

Sometimes these kinds of shots are the Best Shots there are.

Share your Best Shots today, whomever and whatever they may have captured.

A Wing and Prayer

Hold onto Hope
Trust the Universe
Listen for Answers
Welcome Transformation
Believe in Miracles
Entertain Angels

Do you have Magic to share? Enlighten us.

I am away for a few precious days, nurturing my soul, soaking in magic, soaring...
Each of the links above represent the Angels that surround me as I write. I am humbled and grateful to be among these Divine Creatures.

I Believe

I beleive that going weak is perhaps the best way to receive the love we need.
From ourselves, each other and the Universe.

What do you believe?

A Flair for my Best Shot

The girls and I spend some time with my family this weekend and had a blast. There's nothing like getting your snap happy hands on a baby that's as cute as my niece.

We had such a nice evening together and took so many fun photos I just had to showcase little miss sunshine in her glory; sun flair and all.

What's been bright and beautful in your world this week

Oh, and if anyone would like to sport this little button on their blog...

email me at tracey at shuttersisters dot com and I will send you the code. Thanks for asking!

Following My Heart

As I was waiting at the street corner for these friends to cross and meet me for brunch, this heart was laying on the sidewalk at my feet.

Sweet serendipity.

*sigh*

There's nothing better than the love shared between our sister friends.

Reflecting on my Best Shot

I'm a reflections girl on many levels. This shot is one from the PhotoWalk in San Francisco. The reflection itself is a little muddy but I know it's me.

Speaking of muddy...it's been a rough week since we've lost our sweet kitty. Thanks to you all for such kind comments and well-wishes.

So, the question is, what have you been reflecting on this week? Do share your Best Shot with us.

A Tribute to Real Love

We had to say our good-byes yesterday to part of our family.

18 years ago a curious kitten was born in a closet. A few months later I met her (and the compassionate man that assisted her mother giving birth to she and her liter mates amidst piles of his clothing). I fell in love with the man, and his cats. He and I got married. We had two children. And we have never known one another without the cat family in our lives. The mama left us first. And then a sister. And yesterday, the last of our cats had to let go too. 18 years later and the end of such a rich chapter of our lives. The hole she has left feels cavernous. There will always be the open space in our hearts that can never be filled by any other and we will lovingly hold her memory there for always.

Good-bye sweet friend. We have loved you for so long and we shall never forget how blessed we were to have you with us all these years.

The Post-BlogHer Glow

Everything I needed to know I learned at BlogHer

1. Internet friends ARE real friends (despite what any non-blogger might say).
2. Getting away for the weekend without the kids is good for the soul.

3. A big bathtub is worth the cost of a hotel room.
4. I get very cranky when beer is not readily available at events.
5. Paper bags can make a fashion statement.
6. San Francisco looks magical at night.
7. Cold weather in July is refreshing.
8. Walking can be fun.

9. Making new friends is awesome.
10. Time with soul sisters is worth the cost of admission.

BlogHer Best Shot

How can I possibly choose one shot from such an incredible weekend. So much love, support, encouragement, empowerment; words could never express it. But a shot like this one does say a lot about it feels when you can bask in a big beautiful dose of soul sisterhood.



Do you have a shot that says something about what's been happening in your life? Share your joy.

Sister Symbols

Have you seen what we've got clickin' at Shutter Sisters?
Baubles , Blurb books and BlogHer!

Needless to say I guess but I'm...

See you there!

Rockin' Best Shot Monday

Well, we are back from our summer adventure. Whew. That means of course we are back home to the many luxuries we've missed (like a king size bed and a hot shower) but also those we didn't miss (like endless laundry, dirty dishes and the clean up from the great flood that happened before we left). Even still, it's great to be home.

The amazing Stephanie seems to be feeling the same way and shared it in this little gem over at Shutter Sisters. Her post prompted my Best Shot for this week as it's the perfect example of the earth's currency. There's nothing more endearing than to have your child discover one of nature's treasures.



It was along the dirt road on the way to the frog pond that my youngest unearthed this beauty she has since dubbed The Spud Rock (for obvious reasons). That rock came along on the rest of our vacation with us. It even crossed the border into Canada and back again and now it's taken it's rightful place on my daughter's bedroom dresser.

What sorts of treasures have you captured this week? Do share. And welcome back...I missed you.

Fishing for my Best Shot Monday

Share your Best Shot today over at Slurping Life.

I will see you all back here next week for what I'm pretty sure will be some more photos from our vacation (which has almost come to an end). Until then, happy summer shooting.

Easy Breezy Days of Summer

Well, well, there's internet access even way out here in the sticks. Who knew?

Even still, the lovely Melody is hosting Best Shot Monday for a few weeks for me so be sure to pop over there to leave your best shots of summer (or whatever else you want to share). As for me, I leave you with a BSM that shows us living it up family vacation style.

from the road

Yellow Polka Dot Best Shot

There's been a Parent Bloggers blog blast happening this weekend and the gist had to do with bikinis. You know, something like, the bikini: friend or foe. It's summer and all that so I guess, it is the season to fret about these matters. We'll I hate bathing suit shopping as much as the next gal, and I have even a stronger dislike for wearing them but I'll be honest, I do wear a bikini when a bathing suit is an absolute must. I'm not saying it's a great idea or anything, as a matter of fact I'm not a big swimmer so I rarely strip down to my suit even when I'm at the beach or pool so I guess not many people would even know I'm in a bikini, underneath it all. But I am.

A girlfriend of mine (with almost the exact build as me) admitted she wears one too although she wasn't sure it was such a good idea either. And here's the real kicker, she actually asked another friend if she thought she had any business wearing one, after birthing and nursing 2 kids, rounding 40 and all that. Her friend apparently didn't feel the least bit shy about replying an honest one liner; you're borderline. Which means at best, I'm borderline too.

But what's in a bathing suit really besides extra flesh that we wish we didn't have, in all the wrong places I might add? Your size is as important as your age. And from my point of view, it's not important at all. I'm 40 and I'm not freaked about it. It's a number. Just like the size or cut of my bathing suit. It's only weighty if I make it so. Pun totally intended.

Although I am the first to acknowledge a little balance in my life couldn't hurt (less work, more exercise), I'm choosing to focus less on my own bathing suit and more on my daughter's not so itsy bitsy teenie weenie...

After all, isn't the point of the bathing suit summer fun?

You know this little gem had to be my Best Shot for this sunny Monday!

Oh, and speaking of BSM, summer fun and a quest for balance, me and the fam are heading out for a few weeks. Woot! And because I am having to relinquish my control over having internet access (gasp. can't. breathe.) the wonderful Melody will be hosting Best Shot Monday over at her place Slurping Life for the next two weeks (thank you sweet Melody). That means on both June 30th and July 7th you'll be popping over there to post your BSM links. I shall return and be your gracious hostess again on July 14 with lots and lots of shots to choose from I'm sure!

Until then...show us what kind of summer fun you've been having this week (bikini or not).

This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by BOCA.

My Best Shot at Slowing Down

I woke up this morning with a start. Gasp! What day is it? It's Monday, isn't it?

We've had quite the eventful week and I so wanted to write about all of the spinning and swirling mommy emotions that have been flooding my head and my heart but alas, besides a birthday, and a promotion ceremony (my baby has been promoted to middle school) we had a different kind of flood. The laundry room spilled over with so much water from the defunct washing machine that it's damaged our wood flooring AND it got the wall so wet that all of our cabinets actually fell off the wall. Big, heavy cabinets. Right onto our washer and dryer. Big huge crashing sound. Not pretty. And certainly not good timing. Happy Father's Day.

It's hard to focus on the light at the end of this tunnel because I'm not sure how many miles down the road it is but I know we'll get there eventually. This too shall pass my Grandma reminds me. She's right. And it could be worse. As we still have some wrapping up to do before all of the end of the school year hullabaloo starts to settle down it feels so hectic around here, it's hard to keep my head about me. Deep cleansing breath. I will look back on all of this and laugh, right?

Although I have hundreds of photos on a number of compact flash cards all over the house and videos galore from the recent pomp and circumstance(s) -we got a new video camera-yay!-I have yet to get any of them to my computer. However, in the midst of the chaos, I thought it might be nice to share a photo or two that speak more of slowing down and being mindful of what is important, than anything else.

I submitted this image as well as a few others for consideration in a lovely collaborative project called my heart wanders. I was so inspired by their call for images and the project itself, I spend one afternoon in the midst of all the activities and slowed down long enough to create a handful of photographs that I really love. Truthfully, I'm just delighted to have stumbled onto my new blog crush.

So, in the theme of slowing down a bit today, I offer you this best shot for the day. If nothing else, I will be using it as a mediation of sorts to find some calm today. I know it's there somewhere. I just have to seek it out.

Did you find any time to slow down and smell the flowers this week? OR perhaps you captured the craze of life in a shot that brought perspective or maybe even humor? Whatever your week looked like, we'd love to see how you caught it in action.

My Perfectly Imperfect Best Shot Monday

I thought about sharing this shot of my girlies from last week for my best shot but since today is the kick off the fantastic blog series The Gift of Imperfect Parenting at beautiful Brene Brown's blog Ordinary Courage, I figured the much more appropriate photo to share was this one.



Today I'm feeling courageous enough to show you my real life at it's craziest, it's most absurd and with all it's flaws. And you know what? I'll bet you're cool with that, aren't you? See. I knew I liked you.

As I said in you last post, I encourage you to tune in to what Brene has to share in regards to 'raising our children with courage, compassion and connection'. It's a message you don't want to miss. Be sure to pop over to her series and snap up the CD ASAP. You'll be really glad you did.

So...on that note, would you like to share your perfect pictures (or the perfectly imperfect ones if you dare) on this fine yet flawed Monday?

Imperfect is the New Perfect

If you do nothing else for yourself this summer, you must get the incredible Brene Brown's brilliant CD The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting-raising children with courage, compassion and connection. I am serious here. GET. THE. CD. NOW. I promise to write more about it but for now, I wanted to at least begin to spread the word since I have a minute of internet connection at my disposal (my internet has been out for days-eeeek!)

So...why the urgency? Brene starts a series on her blog this Monday (6/9) that goes over what she covers in the CD. I don't care if you are a parent or not, you really owe it to yourself tune in. She teaches some amazing stuff. I cannot say enough about it (or couldn't you tell?) and know I'll be following along with her as the blog series unfolds. Oh, I'll be buying her book too.

You can pop over to her extraordinary blog Ordinary Courage for more details. See you over there!

Let's Click!

You going to BlogHer this summer? Sweet. Me too. And check out what the Shutter Shutters are up to. It's the first ever BlogHer PhotoWalk!



So, who's into roaming the streets of San Fransico shooting photos with with a flock of what Pam calls BlogHer birds? I am, I am!

If you would like to join us, please let us know so we can look for you. Hee hee.

My Best Shot and Kate's Perfect Post

Last summer my family and I traveled to Key West Florida where this shot was taken. It’s one of many that I took on the trip that only touches on the history that exists at this southernmost point. Even simple photos of the architecture give you the feeling that you are not alone there, that there is more than meets the naked eye, that those that came before accompany you with each step.

I hadn’t really reflected much on the trip until a few days ago when I was deeply stirred by a post over at SweetSalty. The photos Kate posted of her peaceful place are sacred, still, and so impossibly hopeful. The quiet calm, the whispering wind, the tranquility she captured prompted me to re-look at some of my photos from our trip.

I began to see things I hadn’t seen before as I poured over the images using her words as a guide. Her offering enlightened me and filled me with an understanding I hadn’t held before. Everything about Kate’s Perfect Post is poetry. Each word woven into the next with some sort of soul string that is beyond anything I can explain. It may be intangible (and something I cannot convey through words) but I can feel it.

The image I share today for My Best Shot is another ode to Kate. To hope and love, to the past and present and to keeping the balance of both. But most of all it's an ode to magic.

I lust so deeply for magic, I swear sometimes I can will it into existence.

These words of Kate's call to me as does the black bird perched on the fence of the ancient cemetery—singing to all of us that our mere will for magic can most certainly bring with it little miracles.

What shots do you have to share with us today and what kind of magic do they hold for you?

--

To see more of the Perfect Post nominees for May, go visit Lindsay at Suburban Turmoil and Kimberly at Petroville where the lists are posted.

Against All Odds

The holiday weekend at surf camp just happened to be rainy, windy, and cold. In Southern California, that's pretty much unheard of and it certainly didn't make for the surfiest of adventures. None the less, the rugged landscape was breathtaking and the girls had a great time.

When I saw that Stacy's theme for the week was flowering, I could have posted any number of photos I've taken in my yard but it was this shot that I wanted to share. These tiny (yet hearty) flowers were emerging right out of the sand from under our platform tent at camp.

Despite the contrary weather conditions, these petite beauties turned their faces to the sun -when it could make it's way through the relentless clouds-full of beauty and optimism.

Rockin' It With the Rookies

A few years back (has it really been that long?) I met the fabulous ladies affectionately called the Rookie Moms. Not only are they wonderful people, but they are behind a great site that offers the most clever and quip ideas for new moms ever compiled into one delightful website and corresponding blog. It’s no surprise that somebody snapped up the idea for a book.

Enter the totally adorable, very helpful and ever entertaining book for new moms, The Rookie Moms Handbook!

I have read through many of the ingenious (and humorous) activities offered on the Rookie Moms site but when I sat down with the book, I was delighted once again by these rich little mommy gems. My favorites being some of the photo projects they suggest, of course.

Take activity #236 which suggests documenting your child’s latest obsession via photos or video. You know, like eating oatmeal every single night before bed. Or is that just my kid?

Or #227 which encourages you to remember photographing babies objects of affection. Since I’ve got one bunny lover and one blankie baby, this one is near and dear to my heart. The Rookie Moms even go as far as to offer effective ways to tackle the photo challenge depending on your personality type; the sentimental or the artsy mom, the absurdist or the bad girl. Funny stuff! I am sooooo going to do some of these (and I am far from a Rookie Mom anymore).

The Rookie Mom Handbook is the perfect book for any new mom (hello baby shower gift). It’s a quick read with fantastic and funny activities to make the early years of motherhood meaningful and that much more enjoyable. And it’s written by two cool moms who have been there before and are doing it all over again.

Way to go Rookie Moms! You rock. All the cool moms think so.

Fit Photo Contest

Do you think you've got a photo that fits? If not, then nows the time to get clickin'.




Pop over to Shutter Sisters for a chance to win the Wii and the Wii Fit!

Gone Baby Gone

Since I am about out the door for an adventure filled holiday weekend with 12 10-year-olds at Surf Camp (yes we've had thundershowers for 24 hours now, oh joy) I thought I'd post my Best Shot Monday today! I won't be home until Monday afternoon (unless of course we get rained out) so we'll just call this a Best Shot weekend!

After reading the Parent Bloggers Blog Blast prompt, I got all weepy and nostalgic about the days when I'd take my daughters to the beach when they were babies. Sunhats and big bottomed bikinis stuffed with swim diapers are a thing of the past for this family-she says half heartbroken and half with a sigh of relief-but our beach excursions will hopefully go on and on.

Even though the chance of thunderstorms will be in effect through this holiday weekend, I am still going to post an ode to my favorite place in all the world...the beach.

May you all enjoy your weekend, whatever it may hold.

Do the Do

When my grandmother recently asked my straggly haired daughter is she ever “does her hair” I tried not to take offense. As most of you well know, my youngest is her own creature; a force to be reckoned with. A thrasher ballerina and fearless warrior cowgirl princess. Before she could answer the hair question I jumped in with a “yes Grandma, we do her hair everyday for school.” As much as my urchin girl has come to accept (and I think love) her mop in it's most natural state, she passionately embraces the glory of fancy girlie do. Fine by me. I adore them both.

Although I don’t consider myself a girlie girl at all, I also love me a fun hair do. I’m a short hair kinda gal so little clips and stubby pigtails are right up my alley. This is why when I got to pick out a few fancy “no slip” clips by Maiden America to try, I was sure to order some for my daughters and a few playful designs for myself. And one for my baby niece who has the cutest baby hair-do in all the world. Go see for yourself-she is ADORABLE!

I only have a few words to say about these clips. Love. Love. Love. Maiden America offers a gazillion beautiful designs (for every kind girl), they live up to their “no slip” guarantee which pretty much rules and they are a mom run business and the clips are made by moms. What’s not to love?

More rave reviews can be found at the Parent Blogger Network.

A Gift from Rwanda

Jen has updated her blog with the most stunning photo of Odette's daughters Grace and Lillian.
I just wanted to share it with you.
Sigh.

A Brave and Borrowed Best Shot

Jen left today for Rwanda. I have thought about her all day. She left a heartfelt and honest post on her blog before she left and posted lovely photos. I am borrowing one for today's Best Shot because I love everything about it.



photo by jen lemen

Even thought I didn't take this photo, I feel like I can borrow it from Jen (since I gave this little gem to her to carry with her on her trip, it feels OK). It's my way of honoring her as she forever changes the lives of everyone she touches in Africa. She is the bravest person I know.



What would you like to honor with your Best Shot today?

Love Notes for Thursday

Spent the afternoon yesterday with my daughter's Girl Scout Troop writing love notes to the girls of Rwanda. These will go with Jen Lemen on her trip. Along with a suitcase full of zines and her camera (of course).

Have you heard? t's a Hope Revolution! And it's gonna change the world.

Playing Eco

The Discovery Channel Store comes up with the coolest toys. The camera my daughter has is great fun so I thought I'd try out one of the eco friendly games they've got going. Considering we love games around here I thought Rapido sounded kind of fun. You know, quick and challenging. My youngest daughter looooves a good race so a game where you have to race to win is alright by her. Except when she can't win. Perhaps it's a sore loser kind of thing or maybe the game is just a little too advanced for her (or maybe a little of both) but after trying it out, she's not super excited it.

I thought it seemed fun enough-picking up these little marbles with a bamboo tube in the same color pattern as your little game board but she's not hip to it. I think it was because each time she picked up a marble she would end up losing it out the top because she was tipping the tube and they were rolling out. Bummer. I will offer a kudos to Discovery for trying to get some games made of 'sustainable materials' out there (instead of plastic) and I'll definitely be giving this game another chance in like a year when my daughter is closer to 6. I'll let you know what happens.

If you're looking for something that might be a better fit the younger set, check out Rapelli. Some of the Parent Bloggers will be reviewing it soon so be sure to read what they have to say.

Review brought to you by The Parent Blogger Network.

Something About Mother's Day

One of the many perks of having preschool aged children is getting handmade Mother's Day gifts. I'm a sucker for every painted, glued, stitched, drawn, folded, pipe cleanered, popsicle sticked work of art.

On the other hand, when you've got a near middle-schooler, they are old enough to translate to your spouse your deep and desperate desire for a spa pedicure. Pedicure gift certificates are my most favorite things. Ever. Second only to macaroni jewelry.

Speaking of jewelry, you can still enter the Blue Poppy Motherhood necklace giveaway by leaving a comment on the Mother's Day Post at Shutter Sisters.

I do hope all of you moms enjoyed your Sunday and took plenty of photos to choose from for your Best Shot Monday. I bet you did, didn't you?

Are Wii Fit Yet?

Nintendo threw a fit at my house last night. A Wii Fit that is.



After our little personal training session, Wii are all still smiling. I think that's a good sign.

Since I'm just a beginner I won't try to act like a pro and review it just yet. I do however plan on giving Fit a try to see what happens. God knows, I could use a little Fit in my life. I'm not an exercise kind of gal so it should be entertaining if nothing else. And I plan on sharing my progress. Did I really just say that out loud?

If you'd care to join me in having your own Fit (Wii Fit hits the stores at the end of the month) you are going to be very excited when I tell you that there is a giveaway in the making as we speak. Something along the lines of this one but with a photo twist.

More on that soon. Very soon. Wii pinky swear.


I think this post Fits nicely under the Thursdays Theme of FUN over at The Land of Ka. Sure, it may be Friday but Wii partied on Thursday so it's gotta count, right?

A Good Way to Start the Day

Me- Honey, can you please clear your bowl from the table?

Her- Oh yes, of course. Princesses always clear their bowls.

I'd say the day has great potential.

Happy Love Thursday.

Incriminating Shot Monday

We've never been a dog family. We are a cat family. We're still enjoying our faithful 18-year-old cat, thankfully. Lucky for my husband and I, both sets of grandparents have dogs which gives the kids a regular dog-fix without us having to commit to another pet. Whew.

The other day I caught my dad's dog red-pawed with a slipper (big no-no) and I had to grab a photo of the crime scene.

This picture cracks me up because he looks sooooo guilty. But not quite enough to give up the slipper. Classic. So much like a child. I love it.

So, what classic moment did you capture this week?