I CAN Laugh at Myself! (I just wish it didn't have to be so often)

After 2 nights of little sleep, an extreme amount of pain in my ear, and little food (as it hurts to chew), I arrive at work determined to teach a website class.  My boss comes in and asks how I am and I immediately burst into tears in front of everyone in my office.  I'm horrified, pull myself together and tell her I'm fine.  She exits and we all sit in awkward silence.  After debating how to handle this, I stand up and say "I'm sorry, I'm fine..I won't cry anymore I promise.  Now, no more awkwardness."  Everyone giggles and the air is lighter.  I turn to exit for my class and immediately trip over a fan. 


Such is my life.

In the Blink of an Eye

One of my favorite things to do is photograph children.  You never quite know what you are going to get out of any given session, but inevitably they are the most cherished pieces of my work.  

It is such an honor to come into a new family's home and capture the special moments as they embark on this new adventure.  It seems impossible to new parents but within a year it will be hard to remember how very small their little bundle once was.  The teeny, tiny toes swiftly change to dirty toddling feet, and I'm running and giggling along side them trying to get the perfect shot for their first birthday.

You blink and I'm snapping pictures as your baby climbs onto the bus for the very first time.  Then, somewhere between the school programs, soccer practice, ball games and dance recitals your "baby" has grown up and it is time to get their Senior Portraits and you're left wondering Where did the time go?

Do I dare mention what comes next??

Do you need your special moments captured before they slip by?  Contact me at jami@capturedbyjami.com and allow me the privilege of documenting the milestones of your life. www.capturedbyjami.com

Let Them Eat Cake!

My children are loud, messy, and completely rotten...  I couldn't love them more.

 

but.....

 

It is so easy as a mother to get caught up in life.  I come home and the house is a wreck, the kids are SO LOUD, and dinner, well, who knows what is going on with dinner.  I'd give anything just to curl up on the couch and lay there in silence. 

Instead, I walk in the door, take a deep breath, and begin phase two of my day.  While the kids shove paper after paper from school in front of my face, I comment on how wonderful each and every one of them are, while piling dishes in the dishwasher to make room to cook.  I answer questions about homework while stirring the pot, and on a good day manage not to burn it's contents.  Of course, in the morning I will get a call from someone at the school informing me that I did not send the proper paperwork back, because, lets face it.. I did not actually read through every one of those wonderful papers.  Luckily, I have a fantastic husband that will hop in the car and bring them whatever they need.

After the kids have gone to sleep.. and I phrase it that way because the battle is not over once they have "gone to bed."  But, ahhh.... once they have gone to sleep and the house is quite, still a wreck, but quite.  I can actually reflect on my day.  Then the guilt sets in.. every  "Shhhhh!!!!"  "Not right now!"  "No"  and "Mommy's tired"  come back to me, and I can't help but wish I had let them be a little louder or have a little of the cake they wanted.  After all, they have been perfect little students all day.  I should probably try and let them be ornery little monsters for a little while.  Tomorrow's goal: Let the kids be kids for a while.  I'd say 5 minutes should be sufficient.