Birthday Boy

I can't believe my big boy just turned 4! I spend all day every day with both of my boys and still time seems to fly by. Just the other morning one of them came out wearing a pair of jeans (that I swear had fit them perfectly the day before) that were 2 inches too short. They are growing and changing before my eyes and every time I notice that they've caught on to something new I'm in wonder. What miracles I've been entrusted with to shape and influence! I love my boys, all three of them, and I love my life (with all the bumps and turns included). So today I celebrate my eldest boy - my treasure and delight.

Sick Days

Both of my cutie boys have been sick this week. My oldest rarely slows down, even when he's incredibly sick, and will run around until he collapses unless there's intervention. I really don't like them watching TV - you know - all of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports and all, but when they're sick there's only so much a mama can do. Here's a little glimpse of what we've been up to all week. Even now as I write I'm feeling the energy level of my boys go up and I'm bracing myself for the whirlwind of activity that we'll launch into tomorrow now that they're feeling better. I love my boys so incredibly much and, sometimes, when they're sick I become even more aware of how special they are to me. I'll take the rough days with the good any time for the joy that comes after the storm.

The Little Things

So here it is...the photo of the week (that has actually taken me all week to get!). I've been realizing this week how much I've learned in the past few months and will be blogging some of my favorite tips on how to turn a snapshot into a portrait. Ok, so I can't wait till next week...I have to tell you the one that I used with this picture. I moved in close and placed my son's eyes in the top third of the picture (using the rule of thirds which I'll touch on more later). Moving in close helps to remove any distracting background clutter that would take the focus off of the main subject. Stay tuned for more little things that make a big difference.