Water

Over on Pioneer Woman Photography, she's having a "water" themed photo contest. Judging from the selections she's already made, there's no way I'll ever make the cut. Seriously, check out those photos. Breathtaking! But who needs her recognition? I have my own blog! So I'd like to share with you some of my favorite water shots from my barely-works point and shoot camera:

Kate always has loved bathtime

Baker just baptized

Wet footprints on hot concrete, two seconds later they've evaporated

This picture captures motherhood for me. My children are holding up treasures for me to see: shells, drawings, projects, questions, dreams, heart-fears. Mothering well means not brushing aside these things, but taking time to really see what the child is holding and responding with love. I try to create a relationship with my children where they won't ever think I don't care about what they care about, find important, or have to say. Anyway, I love this picture.

And my all-time favorite water picture:

Three Boys Downtown

He's 5!?!

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

Jacob's Song

I don't have the tune. It was a wonderful tune, sung very rambly and heartfelt, but it is forgotten. What I did make sure to write down were the lyrics, at least one verse of them. Here's Jacob's song to Kate:

Kate, you're a cutie

And you'll be a cutie 'til you die

When you die you'll be amazed by God

God is a lovely Person

She enjoyed her song very much. Kate responds well to Jacob. Something about him always makes Kate smile. I know it, too. He's a very special boy.

My Former Baby

One year ago:

Today:

There's a big difference between 3 and 4 years old, right? And, can you GET any cuter than Jacob AND puppies? Come on!

Me love him so much.