he loves me…he loves me not…he loves me

A simple love, a simple flower. He loves me as his mom, the one who holds his hand. Why does it pass so quickly? The hugs, the laughs and the tears give me immeasurable pleasure. I wish I could bottle this time forever. He loves me and this I will always treasure.

Now please visit the wonderfully inspiring blog of Elaine Melko, Chicago to see her floral photographs.

I’m so glad that I am participating in this project with a fabulous group of photographers. This year is flying by – summer break is right around the corner for us. And because of this project I have a few memories captured. This day was just another day at home with a birthday party mixed in. I didn’t get started shooting this day until after the party but there was still enough going on to make it a full day.

Some face painting and bubbles from the neighbor’s birthday party.

We are trying to teach our daughter about finances, saving and spending wisely. Counting her dough so she can put it in the bank.

This is commonly part of her day – she loves drawing and being creative.

Almost an everyday event for her – dressing up and being girly. She raided my closet today.

A large portion of our day was cleaning the house – and I must say that my husband is a great helper in washing our floors. Thank you honey! I needed a shot of the clean floors because generally you’ll find something smeared on it!

My contribution was sorting and throwing away the bazillion piles of “stuff” on every surface you could find. Drives me batty! Here is the before and after of our cleaning efforts. Feels like a Sesame Street game – find what is missing between the two photos.

The first purchase of the year from the “ice cream guy”. The ever so healthy and natural Sponge Bob bar. :/ I must admit this truck looks a bit old (and perhaps sketchy). Far from the shiny, sparkly trucks I remember growing up. Wait a minute. It’s probably the same truck! I know it’s Texas but this truck is out and about ALL year long even in the winter. It’s funny I don’t ever see him in the winter but I hear the truck. Seems like it should be a Seinfeld episode.

Cars! This is part of his day everyday. He loves them and never tires of playing with them.

An after-dinner snack to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Thank you for allowing me to share my day with you. Please continue on to see my talented friend Roxanne Bappe | Imaging Rox | Central Iowa Photographer and her 10 on 10 for May.

For home is where the heart is
And my heart is anywhere you are
Anywhere you are is home
– Elvis Presley

My heart is with them. Lonely and lost without them. Wherever we are, all together and one, that is our home. This photograph is completely last minute and far from perfect – grainy, limb chops, underexposed, lost details in the darks, no catchlights, too posed – but at the same time I love it. It’s us and it’s my home. As flawed and imperfect my heart is, they always want to come back home to my heart. I love my home and blessed to call them home.

Up next is the talented Carrie Hyche of Wheatland, WY to share her home with us.

Living simply makes loving simple. – bell hooks

When my life is simple, uncluttered, organized and free from distractions, I am the happiest. I strive to keep my life simple but it is a battle with so much vying for my attention, energy, mind and money. Focus on the here and now. Love those around you. Make time for what is most important. I knew how I wanted my portrait to look this week. Uncluttered with simply the beauty of my daughter shining through. Simply her.

Please continue in our ring to the simply beautiful photos from Jennifer Capozzola, northern New Jersey children & family photographer.

Sweet sixteen! This is my weekly Wednesday photo that has a different theme every week and I am joined by a group of talented and fun photographers. This week’s theme is “colorful” and I couldn’t think of a more colorful place to go than to the amusement park! This is Kiddie Acres and it is about 8 minutes from my home. To put it nicely, this place is filled with vintage rides that have swung, twirled and carried many kids over the years. But let me tell you this place is packed on weekends. It made for a nice canvas of color, lots of color. It was the first time for my son to go and he enjoyed the train, planes, automobiles and carousel. We drive by it everyday on our way home so now that he has been there I’m sure I will not hear the end of it.

Please continue on in our circle of talent to see the colorful eye candy of the wonderful Laurie Schultz- Cincinnati, OH.

So many delicious choices for this week’s theme. After perusing the produce department, I decided upon the pineapple. I thought it would be very pretty to photograph such a richly textured fruit (that and the fact that it was on sale). It also may be one of the more neglected fruits in the world of photography to the popular and classic portraits of the apple or pear. Did you know that one pineapple plant produces only one pineapple every year? Or that the pineapple plant can fruit for up to 50 years? It contains an enzyme called Bromelain that is useful in the digestion of protein and therefore is also a great meat tenderizer. I’m definitely giving that a try this summer.

Enough of the fun facts for pineapples! See all the other fruit photography in our fantastic group by visiting the ever-so-artistic Tiffany Anderson – Katy TX Photographer.

This photograph is not what I would consider as illustrating nature in a traditional sense. But I just loved this photograph. The water is so fresh, clean and brilliant. This water *is* from manmade fountains but it’s still water, right? Although we did not come prepared to play in the fountains I could not undermine the excitement for them – so in they went fully clothed and all. I love the fun, the movement and the freedom that I see as a result of being surrounded by nature in this photograph.

Our group is so talented make sure you continue on to Laurie Schultz, Cincinnati OH and see her beautiful photos of nature.

Here we are again for another 10 on 10! This has been perfect to select one day a month to dedicate to photography and documenting my day. The rundown of my day was:

After breakfast the kids played a game with a display of the winning gameboard. Notice the plaid overkill outfit that sister picked out for her brother!

A trip to Panera for some coffee and sweets.

Headed into the city with a quick stop at the bookstore for Dad and sis. We stayed outside and played.

Onward to Lady Bird Lake where we ended up at the fountains. Charging in full force with clothes and all because we obviously did not come prepared with swimsuits to play in the fountains. These are my favorites. And I couldn’t resist a shot of the droopy drawers.

Back home and all tuckered out after the fun we’ve had so far.

Sister is off to play at a friend’s house so we played in the front yard. Practicing with his new scooter he received for his 3rd birthday last week.

Upon her return home, she brought me a bouquet of flowers (with evidence of having played “nail salon”).

Getting in all they can before sundown

Some light reading before bed

Please be sure to continue on with the talented Katie of Kate Suzanne Photography, Heber Springs Photographer, Little Rock Photographer and view her 10 on 10 for April!

We have arrived into the second quarter of 52 wednesdays for 2012. This fun and talented group should be proud. I know I am for the fact that 12 of my 13 photos were taken new every week! Maybe I’ll allow myself a Mulligan every quarter. I really wasn’t sure what I was going to do for this week. At first I was going to take a photograph of my daughter’s oil pastel crayons but they didn’t convey what came to mind when I think of pastel in color. Those crayons are very vibrant, deep and rich. I needed something light and airy in color. The light bulb went off – of course, Easter is being celebrated this weekend. So I had my husband grab a dozen eggs and some egg coloring at the store yesterday. Unfortunately, my kids did not partake in this tradition for they were in bed. Yes, another assignment completed last minute. However, mommy will allow them the pleasure of coloring their own eggs this weekend.

Please continue on to enjoy the display of pastel with Cheyenne Bell, LoveJoy Photography, Fort Worth, TX.

I love spring and the fresh beginnings it signifies. Everything is blooming around me and it brings a fresh outlook on life. Now is the time to bring change and renewal into my life. I know that attitude could really happen any other time of the year but for some reason it is just natural for it to be in spring. My children continually remind me of this attitude of spring all year round. Their eyes brighten when they have learned something new or accomplished something difficult. This portrait of my daughter is the epitome of all this. It puts a smile on my face. I am a lucky person.

Please continue on to see the fascinating photos of spring from Marsette Guerrero, Kingwood, Texas.