My Mom Snaps is the sweetest children’s story about how a camera + mom = childhood preserved through images forever.
I probably don’t need to tell you just how much I love this!?
You can buy a copy on Etsy right here.
You can find Pretty Girl Designs right here.
Also on Facebook.
Thank you Darcy. You made our day (and night – it’s Claire’s favorite bedtime story…!)
Some people are so poor that all they have is money.
I remember when I was little, casually asking my Dad if we were ‘rich.’ Just trying to figure out where we stacked up against my friends, I guess?
He was so mad at me for asking that question. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes when he stopped what he was doing and turned around, saying, “We are rich in family. That is all you need to be concerned with.”
It’s a strange sort of feeling when words from your past haunt you. Or finally, you understand what was being said – when they ring true 20 years later.
And that Dad, the one who adopted me to be a ‘Nelson’ disappeared long ago after a divorce left everyone in shambles. Maybe his lesson didn’t mean as much to me.
But I think about him, all these years later, wondering how he is. Wondering about my biological father that I lost to cancer last year. Wondering about C2′s Dad that is no longer here. Poof. All are gone.
And I think about being rich in family and how I feel that each time I witness something amazing in my children (Caeden swimming the entire length of the pool last night with correct arm strokes, Claire beaming at herself in the mirror when she masters a new ballet step) when I catch Ry snuggled in bed with Claire long after she should be asleep, when I talk to my Moms, trade secrets with my sister, cultivate friendships that turn into sisterhoods, when I feel important to someone who is important to me.
And think of that lesson from a man who is irrelevant to me now and how he has no idea I was thinking of him and his words this morning as I lovingly dressed my daughter. Talked to my son about his day.
Funny, our thought patterns sometimes, aren’t they?
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Claire – running back and forth to the bathroom while trying to play.
I hear her yell, “UGH! I am so TIRED of you!”
I ask, “Bear, what are you doing??”
“Wiping my nose. Again.”
Caeden – on our way out of the YMCA after swimming lessons.
“Did I ever tell you that I had a mad crush on you when I was in 1st grade?”
“No. But you just made my entire day…”
“Well. I did.”
Silence.
I rub his head as we walk.
Then he says, “Until that girl in braids showed up. Then I was totally over you.”
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Two years ago, I fell in love with these mice and their adorable dwelling of a mouse house.
I remember telling my girlfriend Shelby about it, and how Peyton needed them.
And not only did she get them for her Peyton, she surprised Claire with all of them, too.
I remember taking a look at the directions to put the house together (simple) and found them daunting and complex and impossible.
Two years ago most everything was like that for me. And it is amazing to look back and realize how far we’ve come.
Because yesterday I took it down from Claire’s closet, glanced at the directions and decided I didn’t even need them.
Ten minutes later we were playing mouse house and I ached for my friend whose heart is bigger than the sun.
(Thank you, Shelb. I love you.)
I’m here to promise you that it gets better.
Sometimes, time takes time and there’s nothing to be done about it. (Advice from my very wise Mom.)
XO.
(Find the mice and house and all the other fun stuff here)
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This year we are encouraging time spent together/experiences over candy.
Not that the Easter Bunny isn’t bringing some candy … but just not very much.
This year, the kids will open their eggs and find little treasures (like lip gloss for the girls or a mini Lego set for Cade) and also water colored coupons such as these:
(Re-doing these for fun amounts like .04 and 1.88 and .23 – goes further and makes them have to add up their loot!)
Other coupons are for lunch with Dad alone. Me alone. Perusing the toy store aisles without a time limit, a stay up late pass, pick your favorite dinner coupon, etc.
Trying to encourage activities that do not cost a lot, but are rich in time together, which is something I am always trying to improve upon … (curse you, Pinterest!).
The Easter Bunny is leaving individual notes in each egg basket for the kids. Each will have a treasure key of colors to hunt for in the yard. Eliminating competition and allowing the Bunny to hide Cade’s eggs (blue and green) in higher, harder places than the girls (who will have pink and orange vs. purple and yellow, respectfully). It also ensures everyone gets exactly the same amount. Believe me, they notice.
Then their baskets will be hidden. Each will get a new bunny (Who’s Toys has the BEST SELECTION EVER) a movie, crayons for the bathtub, bubbles, etc.
What do you stuff into your eggs? I feel like this is the first year any of them really care. So much fun!
This last picture is of my old house in Colorado for my sister’s bridal shower. I think I might use a similar menu for Easter Bunch!
French Toast Kabobs, Yogurt Parfaits, a Honey Ham, Fruit Salad, Lemon Bars, etc.
What about you?
I figured we’ve got a week or so to figure this all out before it’s Go Time. I hate seeing “after the event” pictures on blogs and wishing I had had some of those ideas PRIOR, so I’m trying to do my part!
XO.
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