Sneak Peek - Sweet Little Collin

I had the pleasure of taking pics of my cousin's newest little addition, Collin.  This little guy is the sweetest ever! 

Lost and Found

Today was the first day of Spring Break.  We took Sami and Niko to daycare so we could get a couple things done around the house.  I'm not good about keeping up with chores, but when I decide it's time to clean I, like Jacob and the wolf pack, imprint on any cleaning product within a half mile radius.  I get a little crazy. 

So, while I was moving couches to vacuum under them, I stumbled upon about 10 small toys.  All of them dusty and forgotten.  Many of these toys were once adored by Sami and Niko.  Played with on a daily basis.  I'm sure at some point in time we spent an hour or two looking for them, but like most things...they were forgotten.  Before I fished them from the cat hair and dirt, I took a couple pictures.  For some strange-ass reason, it was a poignant moment.  It made me stop and think about all the cool things we forgot about ourselves while were busy parenting, cooking, cleaning, guiding, scolding, sighing...you get my drift.  Like Allie from The Notebook saying, "I used to paint!".  I realize Allie had no children and was being courted by two hot guys...she really had it tough.  But regardless, other things used to define me.  Not to down play the awesomeness of being a mom, but I feel like all the other stuff hopped on a rail car and never looked back.  And that makes me a little sad.

I read a blog last night about a successful career woman who was leaving her profession to do the most important job in His eyes...raising a child. I did find it a little suspect that she was married to a pastor, and I'm guessing someone was whispering His wishes into her ear and she slept (rude thought...yes...I know).  The thing that bothered me about the post was this - the women seemed really conflicted about the decision.  Like she was trying to convince herself as she wrote it.  Trying to convince herself that she's can't be both.  A professional and a mother. 

I know this is hard for a lot of people.  Finding balance.  Nourishing yourself so you can nurture your little ones.  That's the way I look at it.  Is my attention 100% where it should be? Probably not.  Could I spend more time with my kids and less time obsessing over my hobbies? Sure.  Am I harming my kids by continuing a personal journey while I raise them? I really don't think so.  I hope they will learn to nurture their own interests the same way.  But I also hope they don't hate me for it. 

So, like those long, lost forgotten toys.  Today I stopped and spent some time nourishing my artistic side.  Albeit in the form of rearranging furniture and taking pictures of hairballs and hot wheels.  Nonetheless, my soul smiled.  And when I picked up my kids from daycare my day reached perfection. 

I Heart Faces - Beautiful Black and White

A mama's touch. Nothing like it.

 This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com