Category Archives: Best Shot Monday

Just Remember ~ Best Shot Monday

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Dear Emma Gracie -

I know it is hard sometimes, but here are a few things I hope you will always remember:

  • When she goes into your room and messes with your stuff, remember it is just stuff and she often shares her things with you, too.
  • When you get mad and want to snap at her, remember you are one of her most important role models. She is always watching you and how you handle things.
  • When she wants to borrow your clothes, remember some day you’ll be able to wear hers too, and then you’ll have double the wardrobe.
  • When she wants to tag along and play with you and your friends, remember she looks up to you “big girls” and just wants to be like you.
  • When you feel weary, sad or lonely, just remember you have a built-in best friend who is always there.

Just remember…she will always be your sister. And I hope you never forget what an incredible gift that is.

bsm

A Star Is Born ~ BSM

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My friend Brandi just raised the bar for birthday parties everywhere. She and her husband are film editors, so for E.J.’s birthday party this weekend they made a mini-movie. During the birthday party.

E.J. came up with the idea for the movie,  The Princesses, The Baby Wizard and the Toy, Brandi wrote the script and planned the movie down to every shot and then attempted to shoot the movie with eight children. Oh, and a baby – the “Baby Wizard,” of course. It was truly a colossal undertaking, I’m still amazed it worked out as well as it did! The actors were completely on their marks and it was heart-breakingly sweet to watch them all listening, taking direction and then doing their thing.

This was one of Addie’s closeups. She was a princess, I can’t remember if she is swooning or gasping here. She did both equally well, though.

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I was the set photographer and paparazzi for the evening. It was totally fun, but I didn’t get releases from all of the actors and agents, so I can’t put up many of the photos.

While the film was being edited, (Yes, Brandi managed to edit a bit of the film so that we could have a premiere for the movie, too!) the stars all got their star and handprints on the Walk of Fame. Addie channeling Marilyn Monroe a little bit here…

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There were even awards and Addie won for Best Twirler! I know that Brandi is still (rightfully so!) recovering from this huge event, but it was just so much fun.

And I think my Best Shot Monday probably made all of that chaos worth it. Just look at the glee on E.J.’s face.

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We wish you that much joy and excitement all year long, E.J! Thanks for letting us share in your birthday, and for the glimpse into the filmmaking world. Although I don’t think I’ll be becoming a stage mom any time soon!

bsm

Looking in ~ BSM

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This is the time of year that, like most, I try to make some sort of resolution. Although I really don’t like to call them resolutions because if I think of them as resolutions, I think they tend to not get accomplished.

Last year, besides the usual vow of trying to “get healthier,” I resolved to be a little nicer to myself and try to cut myself some slack. I think I kind of succeeded. I know that I am in a much happier place than I was even last year. And I did a pretty good job of accomplishing everything I wanted to, although I’m still struggling with that saying “no.”

Looking in

When I really sit and have a look at it all, I have realized that having a nice long to-do list, volunteering at all the school events, helping out at church, having a little crafty business, running a Daisy troop – it all adds up to one big, chaos-filled life. But man, it is a fun and very good life. I really do love every minute of it.

So no resolutions this year. I’m going to just go with the flow. Continue on as we have been doing and see where this year takes us.

bsm

Helpers ~ Best Shot Monday

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Little by little the decorations have been trickling out.

Back when I had all kinds of time, I would be the first one on the block to get the Christmas stuff out – the day after Thanksgiving.

Now, with the appearance of children, and chaos, I’m considering it a minor victory that both trees are up and we are decorated – with twenty, nineteen, uh… eighteen days to spare even!

Although you’d think I’d be able to get done twice as fast with two extra pairs of hands helping out.

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Right. Although I do love the fact that each and every ornament went on our tree in the living room.

In the past I would have the “bottom layer” of ornaments that were deemed “unworthy” for our tree. They were either kind of falling apart or just not “nice enough” to put on the tree. But with the girls, each ornament is a treasure to behold. I think that the little tag Addie made for us that was on our present from preschool last year now has a prime spot on the tree. Whereas before? It would have been relinquished to the bottom of the box.

It is those little treasures – and the reminder to appreciate them – that truly make this the most wonderful time of the year.

bsm

Fingers Crossed ~ Best Shot Monday

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Today is it! We all have our fingers crossed over here as we await news of Aunt Meesh’s new baby!

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Here is to a happy, healthy and speedy delivery. We are standing by the phone. I have blue and pink fabric just waiting for the word…

Edited Monday morning: BLUE! We are venturing into some new territory over here…we have a BOY cousin on this side of the family. Maverick James was born at 5:52am this morning. When I went into to tell Em this morning she said, “YES!” and did a little fist-pump. “We needed a boy cousin over there!” Girls still rule 4-2 in their house, but I think Uncle DJ won’t feel so very outnumbered now. Congratulations Meesh, DJ and Girls! We can’t wait to meet him!

bsm

Eye-Opening ~ Best Shot Monday

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I just realized that within the last six days, she has made me sob in frustration and she has nearly pushed me to the brink, but she has also made me tear up with pride, and howl with laughter.

I know I’m hard on her. I always expect more, and the best, from her. She pushes my buttons faster than you can say “Time-out. Now!” And I often forget that she is only six – that she is still a little girl.

But then I get a glimpse of her through the eyes of one of my friends. And my eyes are opened. Singing Taylor Swift into a spatula at the top of her lungs in the middle of the kitchen. Helping the younger kids as they all dance around. My friend looks at me through teary eyes and says, “She is awesome. That is the sweetest thing!” And then I look, I mean really look at her.

And then, I wonder. What other little moments do I just take for granted each day? What else am I missing as I’m impatiently asking her to do something for the tenth time? What will I miss the most when she is all grown up and gone?

I just need to be reminded that every bit of drama that comes with having a six-year old girl, is rewarded two-fold with love and fun.

I’m vowing to head into this week with my eyes wide open. I don’t want to miss a thing.

belly laughs

bsm

Hallowitchy ~ Best Shot Monday

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Can I have a “ride” Daddy? (And was before all the Halloween festivities started.)

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A costume parade. School goodies. An afterschool party with friends. Trick o’ treating. Passing out candy. Eating candy. A time change. And a fun weekend.

Is it any wonder my little witchy is now sick? I’ll be back with photos and stories of our Halloween escapades, but now I need to go wipe a snotty nose and pour some apple juice.