catch the moment: week ten

Week 10 proved to be a fantastic week!  The weather is warming and we celebrated our big boy's 4th birthday. I've yet to get his party post up yet but did write his love letter before time got away from me. I've got so much to write about but am struggling to find the time to blog lately. Thank goodness for this project - it definitely keeps me coming back, even when I'm feeling stretched for time.

Linking up again with our hostesses, Mindi (Simply Stavish), Sarah (Nurse Loves Farmer), and Stephanie (Behind the Camera and Dreaming).

Without further jibber jabber, here are week ten's photos:

64/365: March 5th. I found this love letter in Theo's back pocket after school. Apparently he made an "all diamond ring" for his favorite teacher.

65/365: March 6th. This was the day of Theo's birthday celebration at school.  It was so super cute (and one of the things I need to include when I write about his birthday party) but this photo is grainy because I had to zoom in to crop out other students in the class.  

66/365: March 7th. Our first day in 2014 playing outside!  It was in the 50s, which felt just about like the 70s considering the long, cold winter we've had. You can see the snow still in the background, even after many days above freezing. 

67/365: March 8th. Theo's 4th birthday. I felt lucky, loved, and happy to have so much family around to celebrate Theo's special day. Especially my mama!

68/365: March 9th. Theo playing with his new Lego Movie trash chomper set. A gift from friends, of course! 

69/365: March 10th. Monthly dinner date with my friend that lives too far away. Hello fresh-made-at the-table guacamole! And tequila sunrise!  I think I have a new favorite restuarant. (Locals, it's Adobo Grill downtown, have you been there??)

70/365:  March 11th.  Had to pull off to the side of the road on my way to work when I saw the beautiful fog rolling across the field with the sunrise in the background -- see? Daylight Savings Time is good for something after all! 

So, I just realized as I was putting this post together that it was very THEO heavy, which makes sense since it was his birthday week.  But there was this photo from Day 70 that almost made the cut. I just have to share it since it almost looks like Dexter moved out: 

70/365 (BONUS!): March 11th. Second time playing outside this year and I treated the boys to their first ring pops.  Theo's was gone in minutes and we ended up throwing Dexter's away hours later because he couldn't seem to figure out how to eat the whole thing. It was a glorious 65 degree day that has me excited for more Spring weather! 

SOOOooo the weekly question for you -- which photo was your favorite? I love the genuine smiles on my mom's and Theo's faces on Day 67.  I'm also in love with 69, 70, and 70(bonus).  Sorry -- I can't pick just one this week!  What? I told you it was a great week...

xo,

~C~

my big four year old boy

Dear Theo, 

My big four year old boy. 

Your birthday was yesterday and it was a fantastic day for you and our whole family.  Some of our dearest friends came over to celebrate you on your special day. 

Grammy and I were so busy getting ready for your party that I didn't spend much time thinking about life four years ago. I've done more of that today, the day after your birthday. I've been picturing your dad and I at the hospital, brand new parents to this brand new beautiful baby boy.  The entire four years have been an adventure. You've surprised us in small and huge ways along this path and I have no doubt that your journey from four to five will be just as remarkable.

Four!  Four sounds like such a long time.  High school lasts four years.  A bachelor's degree takes four years.  A presidential term is four years.  Olympics are every four years.  Many amazing things happen in increments of four years.  Four is officially a kid - there's nothing baby about you anymore.  You have been diaper free for months. You stopped sucking your thumb cold turkey, because you said it was time. You are starting to sound out letters.  You can dress yourself from head to toe.  You have manners and know how and when to use them (even if you don't sometimes). You love reading stories and playing games. You also enjoy watching movies at the theater and at home.  You've been to Disney World and bring up memories from our vacation often. Your favorite thing in the world is Legos.

You have a great appetite and enjoy a wide variety of healthy AND junk foods.  We call you "Green Eggs & Ham" sometimes because when you come to the table you often turn up your nose and say "I am NOT eating that!" But 9 times out of 10, within moments of trying the first bite, your plate is clean and you are saying "Mommy! Next time you make dinner, you should make this again!"  

You are creative and bright and bossy at times. Stubborn to a fault but you know exactly what you want. When you decide you are ready to do something, there's no going back. You are sweet and shy and unsure of yourself.  You love hugs and kisses and our goodnight routine.  You know you have our undivided attention and you like to draaaag that out as long as possible. But Theo? 

I will read the extra story. I will play the extra round of Curious George Matching or Sneaky Snacky Squirrel. I will get you one last sip of water.  I will sing the extra song. I will brush your teeth a little longer and hug you a little tighter. You're on your way to being five now.  BUT. That's okay - I'm all too aware that it won't always be like this. Today...for now, you're just four.  My little, big four year old boy.  And I'm gonna hold on tight and fly through this year right beside you. 

I love you so much. 

xo,

Mommy

catch the moment: week nine

Week nine: done. This project is not getting any harder - In fact, think it's actually getting easier. I'm just accustomed to carrying my camera around with me and looking for things to take pictures of. My next photography goal is to stop being a wuss and start taking pictures even when I know people are looking at me like I'm crazy!  Sometimes I shy away from pulling out the giant camera because I know people are thinking I'm one strange lady. 

Linking up for week 9 with Stephanie @ Behind the Camera and Dreaming, Mindi @ Simply Stavish, and Sarah @ Nurse Loves Farmer for Catch the Moment 365.

57/365: February 26th. I tried to get an up-close shot of this church in week 6 but was scared off by someone in the parking lot.  I don't know a lot about architecture, but I just love this kind of historic building. 

58/365: February 27th.  A lotta TMNT going on in this photo.

59/365: February 28th. Friday morning stop for tea at my favorite spot.

60/365: March 1st. An after-dinner trip to Target and just one of many photos from my "Day in the Life" post. 

61/365: March 2nd. Sunday morning craft project - I made this little page for Theo's birthday celebration at school.

62/365: March 3rd. Monday afternoon Lego time. 

63/365: March 4th. Mr. Dextie Bear was being such a cutie in the car on the way to the sitter.  

I'm enjoying the project so far and like all of my pictures this week for one reason or another, regardless of their artistic quality or depth. I think my favorite is day 58 for the rich colors. Which one is your favorite this week? 

xo,

~C~