Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Bye Bye Mommy

When I drop my child off in the morning, he pretty much throws out the bye bye as he is walking away, looking for his breakfast and his favorite Valerie. Not even a backwards glance.

A little part of me is sad, doesn't he love me?

But mostly my heart is so very thankful for the wonderful family that cares for him everyday. My boy is never upset when I leave him, never not wanting to go. Yet he is without fail extremely happy when we pick him up.

Here's to good mothering, whether it's your own child or not.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Miracles on the Frozen Pond

Today is the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. On this day in 1980, in Lake Placid, NY at the Winter Olympics, the US Men's Hockey Team defeated the heavily favored Soviets. Comprised only of amateur and collegiate players (no NHL dynamos), they went on to win the Gold Medal.

I was only 3 at the time, so I don't remember it. But those I have talked to who do, even if they weren't hockey fans, remember it in all its excitement. It was a proud moment for our country, and I can't even imagine how great it felt for the skaters.

I own this book (though I'm embarrassed to say, I have not finished it).




My 17 month old son grabbed it yesterday off of the book shelf, raised his hands in the air, and yelled, "GOOOOALLLLLL!" I should also mention that that is his reaction to anything hockey.

He also did this when he saw a picture of my niece celebrating her own win the other day. This picture makes me proud. As it does her parents, I'm sure.



Another pic of Matt and I when we had *2* hockey teams, we were the Maroons. This was during the days when Matt still let Becca and Julie die his hair blond from time to time.

I love the game of hockey.

I love that I am the captain of a team that loses more often than wins, but is laughing the entire way.

I love that it is something I can share with my husband, my family, my nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers, and someday my children.

I love that it is a cold winter sport, because hot outside stuff is yuck. So even in summer, going to play on ice is always refreshing. Ok, sometimes stinky.

I love that I have made some lifelong friends playing hockey. People that are now a part of our lives that I would never give up.

There are things in my life that obviously come before hockey; God and my family take top billing of course. But it is a wonderful way to spend time with the ones I love. To watch it in the Olympics is very exciting.

So today, here's to Herb Brooks and the 1980 Gold Medal winning US Ice Hockey Team. We are all very proud.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Photography Phun

As if my time isn't busy enough, I am in another photography class at Carroll Community College learning about "Photographing the Family like a Pro". The class should really be titled "How to use your flash correctly and not make people look yellow or fat". :) I have actually learned a lot.

We spend a good amount of time in class sharing photos we have taken and discussing the goods and bads. I brought this one taken during the big ole' snow we had the other day and it was really liked. I used flash and it's a little bright, but otherwise well composed.


I also follow a blog from a photographer who always posts good tidbits. I don't even know how I found her but if you are interested, check her out. (oh just added my first link, yea!)

Also, would like to say congrats to my friend Citymouse who received a beautiful SLR from her loving Countrymouse. May you take many beautiful photos.