cruisin.

During a sunny weekend day my son when out for a ride on his trike. Well, a push, really. It has a long handle on it for someone to push him. That someone was me. Later my husband took over and I was able to take a few photos. 

busy.

I've been busy the past week.
Cleaning. Doctor appointments. Preschool drop-off/pick-up. Making dinner. Doing laundry.
Trying to find some time to do the other things I'm excited about - like read, blog, catch-up on blogs, take photos, learn about taking better photos, watch my favorite shows on TV.
You get the idea.
The same old issue of too much to do and too little time in which to do it all.
Oh yea, and I need sleep...(how did I almost forget that one?!)

My brain is left feeling very unorganized and haphazard most of the time. I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut-off. Not good.
I used to be such an organized person....when I was in college and when I worked. I think it was because I knew I had a limited amount of time in my days and had certain things I just HAD to accomplish.
I manage my time wonderfully when my time is limited. If that makes sense. Any sense.
Since I've been a stay-at-home-mom my time management skills have taken a nose-dive.
I think it's because on most days I don't have anything I HAVE to do.
Most days are wide open, which leaves me to haphazardly do whatever I want, whenever I want. (Well, not WHATever I want...I mean if that was the case I'd sleep till 9am, go for coffee, read for a few hours, get a pedicure once a week.... You get the picture.)
I am craving organization these days.
Not just organization of my "stuff" but mental organization.
A PLAN of some sort...
But I'm not sure where to start. Which only adds to the haphazard feeling...sigh...
The good news is that I realize I'm feeling this way about my days, and that I realize I need to do something about it. For now that's a good start.

time.

Where's time when you need it?...
Really.

My mom was in town while my husband was gone. Then my dad came to town so we could celebrate my son's birthday.
I feel guilty spending time on the computer when my parents are in town.
(Do I feel guilty about spending time on my almost-PC-like Droid phone when my parents are in town? umm...NO. Sorry mom and dad...)

I did take pictures while my family was here. Nothing came out looking too good though. I guess it's a learning experience though, right?

Above is one photo (of the many taken) that I liked.
Maybe I'll share another one or two when I've decided IF there are another one or two worth sharing.

four.

Four years ago today, I had my son.
I was exhausted, scared and happy - all at once.
Exhausted from labor and a c-section. Scared to death about what to do with this itty, bitty boy (he weighed-in at a mere 4 pounds, 15 ounces). And happy to finally meet him face to face (and be done being pregnant!)

Four years later, I am still exhausted, still scared and still happy.
Exhausted from the labor that is motherhood.
Scared about whether I'm doing any of it well, or "right" or good enough.
Happy that I get to be part of these wonderful (crazy) early years of my son's life.
Happy that I get to spend my days with him, before he gets to the age of spending his days elsewhere.
Happy that these four years together, at home, has created a bond like no other I will ever know.
Happy for 4 year old kisses and hugs.

Happy to be called, Mommy.

Happy Birthday, my sweet little boy.

inspired.

I'm feeling inspired...

(I don't feel inspired and moved to action very often, so this is big folks.)

One of my goals this year is to cultivate creativity.

I've thought about what kinds of creative things I'd like to do; there are so many options. I've always wanted to quilt. But I don't have a sewing machine, and buying all that fabric can be expensive. I've done some stamping in the past. I have all sorts of paper, stamps, ink pads and trinkets to embellish my creations. But I'd like to try something new.

And that's when I thought of my wonderful Nikon D70s.

My dad gave me this camera Christmas of 2006. I was hugely pregnant with my son, and my dad thought I needed a really good camera for taking pictures of the soon-to-be newest addition to the family. I used the camera quite a bit that first year I had it. I was home alone with a newborn, what else was I supposed to do?...

But the Nikon has been a little neglected lately...(not only has it been sitting on a shelf for FAR too long, I've also been secretly lusting after the Nikon D3000.)

So, I've made a commitment this year to dust-off the Nikon, read the manual, and start shooting a lot more pictures! Practice makes perfect...(ok, so maybe not perfect, but better photographs.)

pollyana.

Aren't these too cute?!
They are Born brand. Named "Polyana."
I'm thinking I need to channel my inner Pollyana with these shoes.

finally.

Just messing around with the camera while my sweet son was playing.
And finally...a great composition!
Too bad the camera chose to focus on that one orange Christmas light closest to my cutie.

(Look at that! I was out cultivating some creativity!)

2011. one word.

If you chose just one word to represent YOU for the New Year, what would it be?

This is the new trend folks. Pick your word. Toss out the lists of resolutions that will be all but forgotten by March, and just chose a word.

What one word will represent you this year?...

I had a tough time choosing between two words: speak and cultivate.
Cultivate won.

What do I plan to cultivate?...

• my voice
• my relationships
• my creativity
• a healthy lifestyle...

I have ideas on how to cultivate the above-mentioned items...LOTS of ideas. The trick is always moving from ideas to action.

So, what's your word for 2011?