"photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. what you have caught on film is captured forever. . . it remembers little things, long after you've forgotten everything." --aaron sussman Choosing your 15 favorite pictures over an entire year is not an easy task. I tried to choose photos that not only summarized our year, but also ones that evoked emotion as well as a memorable moment, one that I look back on and wish I could literally go back in time and relive. Those a hundred more that I could have chosen, but these were ones that stood out.....
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Sometimes you covet those perfect family photos, the one where everyone is smiling just right. Of course, everyone is looking right at the camera, we are wearing our Sunday best, every hair is in its' place. Yeah, those pictures are great.
Then you have those "other" pictures. Those ones that just make you smile. Where everyone's true personality comes out. You can just imagine the moment and it's one you will likely not forget. And every time you look back on it, you still laugh. Yeah, this was one of those. It's hard to explain these feelings I have watching this boy play basketball. It's a feeling of immense pride. I am so proud. The work and passion behind him. It's different than raw talent or someone who can just play. He actually has to work. Hard. Because he wants it so much. And when he's on the court, I see that hard work paying off. I see a kid who gives it everything he's got. A kid who's .coachable and who does what he's been taught. A kid who doesn't care if he is the star. He just knows how to be a team player. How does your heart not overflow with love and admiration?
The other morning, 7:50 a.m., and you are playing basketball in the driveway before school.
Yesterday, you played basketball in your first AAU tournament. 3 games in 8 hours. The next day, you were back at it again, playing in the driveway. In your uniform, I might add. Then, when your brother and cousin no longer wanted to play and took the football into the street, you continued to play, all by yourself. Dribbling and shooting. Always dribbling and shooting. Tonight, you stayed afterschool for Intramurals. When I picked you up and pulled into the driveway, you didn't even take your backpack inside. But instead you left it in the garage and went back out to the driveway to shoot. By yourself, in the dark, and the cold. Dribbling and shooting. I love you, kid. Dear Cam, Your brother started middle school this year. And I have seen so much change, and growth, in just a few months. What I have learned over this short period of time is how fast it is all going by. Sounds cliché, I know. People say that all the time. He is growing up, no doubt. Changing almost overnight. It has made me realize that I've got to hold onto you as long as I can. Really take the time to just be in the moment. You see, despite your tough façade, you are quite the momma's boy. You are sweet and kind hearted. And love to snuggle. You are so affectionate and loving. To me. To your sister. Even to your Dad. You love to hold hands. To have your back scratched. You ask your Dad or I to "tuck" you into bed every night. I dread the day you grow up and grow out of my lap, which by the way you still love to sit in. You still ask to play with my hair or give me a massage. I realize I don't have much longer. And I also realize you have to compete for those snuggles with your baby sister. You are obsessed with Rocky right now. We recently watched all the movies in preparation for the release of Creed, the newest in the series. You loved them all. And watch them over and over. Now you have even started "training" like Rocky and punching the air. We finally got to see Creed last night. The 4 of us went and left Bella with Honey. You were so excited. Jackson was, too. Both of you asked questions throughout the movie, talking nonstop. You couldn't sit still, you were so excited and nervous for the main fight. I loved it. I loved seeing you so excited and so happy. The look on your face.
You haven't really asked for anything for Christmas. And it made me realize something very important about you. You aren't really into material things. Sure, you like playing Minecraft and PS3. But what makes you the happiest is being with family. You love going to the beach house, staying in a hotel, visiting Great Wolf Lodge, spending the night with your cousin, riding your bike around the neighborhood. Even simple things, like movie nights at the house when it's just our little family of 5. You had so much fun at Busch Gardens the first time you went (last weekend), the very next day you asked if we could go back and take one of your friends. You love spending time with family and friends. That is what you makes you the happiest. And that makes me so very happy. I appreciate these things about you, and the fact that you are content with just enjoying these little things. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas break with you and your siblings. I'm so grateful to have this time with you. I'm so grateful to be your mom. Love, Mom. |
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November 2018
AuthorMy name is Kaci. I am a working mom of 3. Wife to Josh. Mom to Jackson, Cameron & Isabella. My life is dinner, homework, baseball, basketball, grocery lists, laundry, middle school, wine, video games, and schedules. I started this blog because I love taking pictures, and I needed a place to document our life. I wanted a place to write it all down, to remember little details so easily forgotten in the mad rush that is the life of a family of 5. Through my photos and words, I endeavor to capture our story. Categories
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