catch-up.

Let me get you all caught-up on what's been going on around here:
1. I made the top five in The Paper Mama's photo challenge last week! YAY! You'll notice the new Top 5 button on the right side. A little validation is good for the soul.
2. It's Monday and I haven't picked-up my camera since Thursday. Sigh... My mind has been elsewhere and I'm lacking inspiration.
3. I had to upgrade to Flickr Pro, and since I've upgraded I've only posted five new photos. (See number two, above.)
4. Max had his first t-ball game this weekend. And while he almost didn't get out of the car to even go to the game, and at one point he was laying on the grass during the game, and then ended-up sitting on my lap -  he did go up to bat three times, and near the end of the game he got out there on the field again. As frustrating as this was as a mom, I know that patience and encouragement are what he needs at the end of the day. Don't get me wrong, I was annoyed he sat on my lap during part of the game, and wondered why my child didn't want to play when all the other kids were having such fun. But I have to remember he is only four and it was his first game. And just because I was excited for the game doesn't necessarily mean he was excited. I remember how nervous and scared I was when I was a kid when I tried something new.  (Oh, and I did my fair share of sitting on my mom's lap as well.) My mom was always so patient with me and supportive; I knew it was "ok" to be me. I hope I can be that kind of mom to Max. He did great, and I'm certain he will get more excited about playing once he gets a few practices and games under his belt.
5. A super sweet, dear, dear friend came to town Friday evening and spent the night at our house. She came down a day early so she could meet her husband in Portland the next day when he finished the Seattle to Portland bike ride. We went to dinner and caught-up, had a couple of drinks, Max was SO excited to see her. He loves when friends come to visit. I think Max and I were about tied in terms of who was most sad to see her leave.
6. I lied! I did take a few photos at the t-ball game. Totally forgot till just now! I have yet to download and edit.
7. Just loved this quote from Our Daily Bread from RBC Ministries: "God's presence is a life preserver that keeps the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble." It was just what this sinking soul needed to hear yesterday.
8. I need to find my happy place again. I've been spending too much time inside my head lately and for me that's never a good thing.
9. I need to pack and get ready to head to Seattle Thursday, and then head to Denver Friday. I'm very much looking forward to a little weekend get-away to Denver to see my family. And I'm excited for this trip with my mom. The last time we did our own mother-daughter trip was my senior year of high school - 20 years ago. Oh, and speaking of 20 years ago...I will be attending my 20 year high school reunion when I get back to Seattle after our little trip to Denver. I'm really looking forward to getting out of town for awhile.
10. Last, but certainly not least...I received a sweet email from Amanda over at A Life Well Lived on Thursday. Her kind words made my morning. It's always so nice to hear from my blogging friends who are also working on their photography. She was also sweet enough to invite me to join her in her {happiness is...} series. I just love this idea she came up with! And I've been racking my brain trying to think of some creative theme of my own. But I have to say her {happiness is...} idea takes the cake! So, thank you, Amanda!