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Nov 17 2009

Great Photography

Every once in a while, we get priceless moments in time that we just want to capture. There have been countless times over the past 22 years where I have thought to myself, "OH, I wish I had a camera right now!" Instead, we try hard to keep that moment in our memories and hope that we never forget it. Sometimes we do, however, until the memory is jarred back by a thought, a smell, or a laugh.

A great picture isn't only about the actual photo. It's about what was going on at that moment..and about how the photographer felt. For instance, don't they look like twins? They're actually three years apart, and this was one of those priceless moments where they were at complete peace with one another.

Jonathan & Isa

The picture below is actually of me and the Drama Queen. We were at one of the Smart One's karate testings. It's not a great photo in terms of quality, but it is one of my favorite photos.  I had no idea my picture was being taken. I think it shows me as a mom. And a wife. And I wonder what my husband was thinking when he took this photo.

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I can't even begin to express this picture. It's simply a boy and his rat. What other's may not know is that this wasn't just any rat. This was my son's gift from God; his special friend that he needed. Buster picked my son; and his heart was broken the day Buster passed. We all cried. But I'm glad that he was able to have his time with Buster.

Crazy Buster 

This is one of my all time favorite pictures. It's my dad. My dad instilled the love of picture taking in me. He loves to capture life. This was taken during one of those moments when he was filming my children; his grandchildren. Again, I love those moment when the person is caught unaware.

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The next two photos are of my children. The first is of B-boo. She was getting ready for a production she was in and kind of caught unaware. This was her last year before becoming the big teenager. I had helped her put on some make-up for the show. That was fun. And then, I grabbed the camera and she looked up and smiled, and I remember thinking to myself, "When did she grow up and become such a beautiful young woman?"

Rebekah

This is of the Smart One getting ready for a test. I laugh every time I look at this photo. He was obviously having a good hair day! I just love the look on his face. Happy. Content. Excited.

November Testing 008

These next two say it all. At least I think so! Ah, the beauty of God's creation! The sunset will always remind of a time when I just needed some peace…and to know that God had a handle on it, know what I mean? And so, God gave me that sunset. It was amazing!

Hume 

Hume (1)

But THIS is my favorite photo of all! It is the photo that inspired me to write this blog. You see, on Good, True and Beautiful's blog today, they are giving away a rolled canvas print of a digital picture. I immediately thought of this picture, because I've always wanted to get it printed on a canvas. This picture is of my youngest two children. We had *hatched* some butterflies from caterpillars. We had a special net home and we watched them spin into cocoons and then emerge as butterflies. When it finally came time to release them, we went out into our backyard on a beautiful, spring day. The Smart One was so careful to take them out without harming them. The Drama Queen wanted to hold one, so he carefull placed the butterfly on her fingers. This picture is of that moment, as he was handing it off. When I look at this photo, I see the wonders of His creation; my beautiful children enjoying something so rare and wonderful. This was one of those moments when I was so glad to have my camera handy; a moment
not ever forgotten, and always cherished.

Butterfly Spotlight

Written by Mama Vivas · Categorized: Faith, Family, Pets

Nov 12 2009

Joy of the Week

It's that time of the week again…sharing my joy for the week, hosted by

JustfortheJoyofitcopy 

And did I ever have a joy for the week! Shall I share? Well, ok, you twisted my arm! My joy hit big time Saturday night. After a full day, (and a pretty good one at that!), Punky came over and we got ready for…oh..shall I say it? My FAVORITE Christian artist, Todd Agnew and the Promise Remains Tour! I was so excited! Punky knew how bad I wanted to see the concert and so insisted that we go. She took B-boo and I with her and we had a blast!

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Do we look like we're having fun?

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I love this picture!

Anywho…first we listened to an awesome new group, Kimber Rising. Their voices are amazing! What a treat. Next on was Building 429. I liked that they were pretty versatile. They'd go from party animal energizing music to a ballad on the piano. I especially enjoyed, "I Am Free!" Finally, we took a 10 minute break and then…Todd Agnew came on! Yeah!

Todd Agnew

First, let me say that he looked nothing like I thought he would! I loved that he was so comfortable in jeans, a t-shirt and yes…completely barefoot! And Todd didn't just come out and give a concert. He led a worship experience! Not only does he have an amazing voice, but a wonderful sense of humor and amazing heart for our God. I nearly cried when he played Grace Like Rain and than took it right into Amazing Grace! Yup, that was definately my joy for the week! And when it was all over and we were walking out, another friend who'd come to the concert came up to me and handed me Todd's new cd! I'm telling you, pure joy!

Oh…and there was this other little thing that gave me some joy tonight. The Drama Queen has been trying hard to pull out her tooth. She's nine now and has only lost two teeth. Yes, really. She finally succeeded tonight in getting that top tooth out! Oh what joy, I'm sure!

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Written by Mama Vivas · Categorized: Faith, Family, Friendship

Nov 05 2009

Be Kind

JustfortheJoyofitcopy 

Last night as I was putting away clothes in my closet and looking around thinking that I really need to reorganize my own closet (not just the kids), I happened to glance down at something on the floor. It was shoelaces that I bought for my husband's shoes at least a month ago. I picked them up and set them on the ironing board and started putting things away. Then I went to go get the kids ready for bed and try and make it through the rest of the night as all I wanted was a bed because of my allergies and Benadryl.

In the wee of the night (or early morning), a thought came to me. Instead of grumbling to myself about how I bought the shoelaces and he didn't even put them on his shoes, I could be kind and put them on for him. I know how much I appreciate the little things he does for me, so why can't I do the same for him? I could try going the extra mile to be kind. And you know what's worse? When I finally went to put the shoelaces on, I found out that these were some stray laces…he'd already put them on! Ouch!

Fourteen months ago, today, our dear friends lost their son in a terrible accident. Josh was such a sweet heart and set an amazing example of being kind. His family has started a foundation in his name, recognizing children who have a heart for kindness. You can read more about it on their web page.

I would encourage all of my readers today, to be conscience of their actions today and look for ways to be kind. Go the extra mile to be kind to your spouse, children, loved one…friend. You never know, you just might find a little joy today by being kind to someone else!

Written by Mama Vivas · Categorized: Faith, Family, Friendship

Nov 02 2009

Weekend Blogging

Weekend blogging doesn't happen a lot for me. Why? Because I have six children living at home; translation? I'm too busy to blog! This weekend was a four day weekend to top it off! So here goes!

Thursday to Friday was our youth lock-in. This meant I was up all night. Yes…ALLLLL night!

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B-boo taking a dive at broom ball…she bounced back up and kept going!

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Kajabe Kan Kan…four against one…and he still beat them!

There was more, but after three days, I still haven't recuperated from staying up all night. I am getting old!

Saturday was full of dress up fun.

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Aren't they cute?

And finally, today. For our extra day off, we decided to spend some time at the park. What a great idea!

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Weird Teenagers!

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Awesome shots of jump roping!

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And Skateboarding!

There's so much more I could probably say, but I need to save my energy for the rest of the week!


Written by Mama Vivas · Categorized: Faith, Family, Friendship, Humor

Oct 29 2009

Lemon Squares

I know I already posted today, but I actually had time to do some reading today, and I happened upon a blog that is posting about joy this morning. And I thought to myself, "Do lemon squares count?"

I'm not sure, but I'll try and explain. See, this week's been kind of tough. But I don't like to always share about that. Instead, I prefer to post on the good things that happen. I guess you could say that It's a Vivas Thing is about the real me, the me I want to continue to be. Sometimes, I feel like there are two of me. There is the real me; the old me…and then there is this other, newer me, that keeps trying to come out. And frankly, I don't like her so much, but she forces me to continue to fight to keep the real me in me.

Gee, I just looked over that and thought, "They could place me in the looney bin for that sentence!"

(Those of you who know me personally can stop laughing now!)

So anyway, back to my joy.

It had been a long week; a very long week…and it was only Wednesday. And it just so happened, that I was on the phone with someone who was having an even harder time than I was. And so I listened. And then, I noticed someone wanted my attention, but really, it just wasn't the time. But there was a note:

"Fresh, hot lemon squares."

Oh, but you don't know how I love those lemon squares! I mean, I'm a chocolate lover, but those lemon squares make me have second thoughts about chocolate, especially when they're fresh! And this friend knows how much I love her lemon squares. She said she thought of me when making them and bringing me some tonight. See…isn't that cool?

And oh, what joy those lemon squares brought! Not only to me, but to B-boo, too. Apparently, she's never had one. (I think it's because she's too much like her mama and automatically goes for the chocolate!) And B-boo loved them, too.

And so, because of the lemon squares, we invited our friend (I think I'll call her the Lemon Lady) along with us on a speed shopping excursion. We had exactly one hour to purchase 26 prizes that teens will be willing to fight over and it had to cost less than $200. So we headed off to Wally World while eating the lemon squares and had so much fun. We were like maniacs, running through the toy section in search of Mr. Potato Head and other games and prizes! And we finished coming in at a grand total of $173.28! (And apparently, in our eagerness we actually purchased 29 prizes)

And then we headed back, picked up the little ones and headed home.

But not before grabbing some more lemon squares for the ride!

See, Lemon Squares really were my joy for the week!

Thank you, Lemon Lady!

(As a PS: I'm not crazy, really. I honestly did post another blog this morning, but apparently cyberland kidnapped it. doo do doo doo!)

Written by Mama Vivas · Categorized: Faith, Family, Friendship, Humor

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