idealism
1. The property of a person of having high ideals that are usually unrealizable or at odds with practical life.
2. (philosophy) An approach to philosophical inquiry which asserts that direct and immediate knowledge can only be had of ideas or mental pictures.
So I have been accused (and rightly so) of being uptight around Christmas time. I almost cringe and the memories of getting so stressed to have things just perfect for Christmas. The right pajamas..the perfect tree..gifts, plate for Santa's cookies, perfect wrapping paper, and let's not forget the perfect pictures...all in the name of having an ideal Christmas. This Christmas I was determined to do things better...and I did. Not sure where this whole idealism started but I am certain of one thing, it is a murderer of fun! Strong words, but oh so true. Where did I get the picture of what Christmas is supposed to be like? Who is the person that sets that standard for everyone? For me, (especially since I have moved away) Christmas is about people...family and friends together. All of the things listed previously are good and they make Christmas special but if they get in the way of people and my ability to enjoy myself with them..then I need to cut back on something. The truth is we LOVE to go to a beautifully adorned home and eat a lavish meal and receive thoughtful well wrapped gifts and capture perfect images of the whole event...but I am not there..not even close..so with this and so many areas of my life I hope to strike a balance. This year I probably swung too far to the left but it felt great to take the pressure off of myself to produce this 'ideal' Christmas...whatever that is, anyway.
Onto photography...I am afraid that some of this idealism is rooted in my photography addiction. The striving for the perfect picture to really capture the essence of your family, or event. No pressure or anything, huh? The absolutely crazy thing is the more that I let go of this self induced pressure the better (IMO) my photography has become. I also understand that if I hadn't striven through the last 5 years then I wouldn't be as far as I am with my photography skills...so I know that is important too..Once again..it's all about balance. Learning to not ruin the 'fun' in order to capture it. Being able to get enough decent pictures for a Christmas card without becoming a scrooge...add a few kids to the mix and it is so hard to not get uptight and frustrated. Isn't it? But the more I am that way..the faster things go down hill. So it is almost that I have to just determine to have fun and let the chips fall where they may. Who is it that I have to impress anyway? Who? Letting the imperfection be perfect is my desire...Striking a balance and letting go of my preconceived notions of the way way things 'should' be. Ahh, I love being 30. Wish it hadn't taken my so long to get here. Feel free to add your thoughts on this...here or email me. I am curious to see other perspectives on this. I have a feeling I am not alone in this struggle.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
October..oh how I love thee!
Well it seems that this blog has been neglected a bit. Lately, I have been just throwing a few pictures at it and calling it done.
Yesterday, the kids and I headed to the Dallas Arboretum. Kenny was with Gordon and Kelly for a much needed (and deserved) guys weekend. If you have never been to the Dallas Arboretum, it is something to behold. The place is what I imagine a slice of heaven to look like. In the spring, the tulips and daffodils are unbelievable. In the fall, they have a couple hundred thousand pumpkins with the most beautiful fall flowers. They have fountains and lakes, giant pirate ships for the kids..I could go on and on. Yesterday, my favorite part was just sitting on a bench near a stream, watching Avery run and plan in a huge open field surrounded by pumpkins and flowers. As a kid it must feel so freeing to just run and run. I had a real wake-up call yesterday. They place was buzzing with people, all dressed up in costumes and adorable fall clothes. The mother's were eager to snap photos while the dads relentlessly tried to get the kids' attention. The poor kids..was all I could think. It made me realize how ridiculous I must have looked over the years. So instead of stressing and trying to get the perfect shot, I just focused on trying to play and have fun. What a concept, eh? I know, I am a genius. I ended up with some photos of the kids that I treasure. Seeing Andrew and Avery interact just kills me. She is a great big sister...and dotes on him..but he has no problem putting her in her place. It is really funny...even though Avery doesn't always think so. :)
I met with Avery's Kindergarten teacher this past Friday. Avery is doing great. She had no concerns except that she as a teacher was struggling to find ways to challenge Avery while helping the other students as well. I was very torn with approaching the subject...I didn't want to come off like my child is so smart she is bored in your class...but I didn't want to ignore the fact that Avery is sad that 'she never gets called back to the teacher's table'. I tried to explain to Avery that her teacher is working with the students that are trying to learn what she already knows. But that sounds just awful too. I don't want her to think that she knows everything because that is not the case. The truth is, she is a very bright girl...so I will constantly need to find new ways to challenge her at home too. On a side note, I tested Avery on the Dolch sight word list..which is 220 words that you should know how to read by the time you reach third grade. Yeah...she could read ALL of them. Amazing! And finally, on another side note...I cried during her conference...I CRIED!! I wanted to kick my own *butt* for that one. It seems like everytime I go to her school I get teary. It is just really hard to lose so much control over what goes on in your kids life..just like that! Poof! She is with you every second of the day...and then, BAM...you have no idea what is going on in her little world. I know they are taking good care of her...it is just hard to let go. And there you go...I cried at Avery;s first parent-teacher conference. I am officially a freak! :)
So I could go on and on...but I need to go and clean my house. Thanks for stopping by and reading our blog. We love you!
K2A3
Yesterday, the kids and I headed to the Dallas Arboretum. Kenny was with Gordon and Kelly for a much needed (and deserved) guys weekend. If you have never been to the Dallas Arboretum, it is something to behold. The place is what I imagine a slice of heaven to look like. In the spring, the tulips and daffodils are unbelievable. In the fall, they have a couple hundred thousand pumpkins with the most beautiful fall flowers. They have fountains and lakes, giant pirate ships for the kids..I could go on and on. Yesterday, my favorite part was just sitting on a bench near a stream, watching Avery run and plan in a huge open field surrounded by pumpkins and flowers. As a kid it must feel so freeing to just run and run. I had a real wake-up call yesterday. They place was buzzing with people, all dressed up in costumes and adorable fall clothes. The mother's were eager to snap photos while the dads relentlessly tried to get the kids' attention. The poor kids..was all I could think. It made me realize how ridiculous I must have looked over the years. So instead of stressing and trying to get the perfect shot, I just focused on trying to play and have fun. What a concept, eh? I know, I am a genius. I ended up with some photos of the kids that I treasure. Seeing Andrew and Avery interact just kills me. She is a great big sister...and dotes on him..but he has no problem putting her in her place. It is really funny...even though Avery doesn't always think so. :)
I met with Avery's Kindergarten teacher this past Friday. Avery is doing great. She had no concerns except that she as a teacher was struggling to find ways to challenge Avery while helping the other students as well. I was very torn with approaching the subject...I didn't want to come off like my child is so smart she is bored in your class...but I didn't want to ignore the fact that Avery is sad that 'she never gets called back to the teacher's table'. I tried to explain to Avery that her teacher is working with the students that are trying to learn what she already knows. But that sounds just awful too. I don't want her to think that she knows everything because that is not the case. The truth is, she is a very bright girl...so I will constantly need to find new ways to challenge her at home too. On a side note, I tested Avery on the Dolch sight word list..which is 220 words that you should know how to read by the time you reach third grade. Yeah...she could read ALL of them. Amazing! And finally, on another side note...I cried during her conference...I CRIED!! I wanted to kick my own *butt* for that one. It seems like everytime I go to her school I get teary. It is just really hard to lose so much control over what goes on in your kids life..just like that! Poof! She is with you every second of the day...and then, BAM...you have no idea what is going on in her little world. I know they are taking good care of her...it is just hard to let go. And there you go...I cried at Avery;s first parent-teacher conference. I am officially a freak! :)
So I could go on and on...but I need to go and clean my house. Thanks for stopping by and reading our blog. We love you!
K2A3
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Texas Size Fun
Howdy loyal blog readers...How is it that a month has just about passed without a post?? I think it has something to do with all the places I am trying to keep up with posting...Facebook, flickr, emails, etc...let's not forget the hours and hours I have spent this month ordering pics from the past year and scrapbooking...whew! I have been scrapbooking...yes..I have!! For those who insist that Andrew is neglected in comparison to Avery...let the record show that I have now caught his scrapbook up to date....before I worked on AG's...I might add. hehehe
Sooo, lots of pictures to add...All from my small point and shoot camera. A video of Andrew crawling is also in store for you! So here we go!
Avery was invited to a craft playdate...I brought apples and caramel dipping sauce...this little froggy wanted to join in on the fun too!
Avery and Andrew have enjoyed their weekly trips to the waterpark...NRH20!!
I just happened to have my camera with me when we ran into the mascot!! How fun!
Rise and Shine..sleepy head. Actually Andrew is quite the early riser. He is up by 6:30 and usually takes a morning nap around 9ish. He adores Plex...and I adore him! :)
He fell asleep in his bouncer again...so sweet!
Seriously, I had no idea how much fun having two would be...these guys are so fun! Their love for each other is amazing!
Can you tell what Andrew is thinking?
My sweet family....and yes Milwalkee Joe's ice cream is on the menu every now and then.
She came up with this one all by herself...Our Statue of Liberty!!
Sun + Sticky fingers=fun!
What a handsome boy!
What is wrong with this picture?? Kenny ordered a salad...because and I quote "all the other side options were starches!!!" I almost fell out of my seat...What a change! I am so proud of him!
From the waterpark this week...Avery invited a friend and her grandma to come with us...so nice to have adult conversation and fun!
Last but not least...the video of Andrew crawling!
On a more serious note...please continue to pray for me to get a teaching job. I have applied at 3 districts and have heard nothing. I have heard that they like to wait until the last minute...and I would be okay with that...I just want a job so I can have a house for my family again one day. I have moments when I am good and trusting that God is going to continue to take care of us...and then I am driving along and pass an elementary school and feel like I am going to have an anxiety attack... August seems to be the month that God blesses our socks off...(met Kenny in August '01, Sold House in August '08..perhaps I will be able to add teaching job in August '09) God's will be done!
Sooo, lots of pictures to add...All from my small point and shoot camera. A video of Andrew crawling is also in store for you! So here we go!
Avery was invited to a craft playdate...I brought apples and caramel dipping sauce...this little froggy wanted to join in on the fun too!
Avery and Andrew have enjoyed their weekly trips to the waterpark...NRH20!!
I just happened to have my camera with me when we ran into the mascot!! How fun!
Rise and Shine..sleepy head. Actually Andrew is quite the early riser. He is up by 6:30 and usually takes a morning nap around 9ish. He adores Plex...and I adore him! :)
He fell asleep in his bouncer again...so sweet!
Seriously, I had no idea how much fun having two would be...these guys are so fun! Their love for each other is amazing!
Can you tell what Andrew is thinking?
My sweet family....and yes Milwalkee Joe's ice cream is on the menu every now and then.
She came up with this one all by herself...Our Statue of Liberty!!
Sun + Sticky fingers=fun!
What a handsome boy!
What is wrong with this picture?? Kenny ordered a salad...because and I quote "all the other side options were starches!!!" I almost fell out of my seat...What a change! I am so proud of him!
From the waterpark this week...Avery invited a friend and her grandma to come with us...so nice to have adult conversation and fun!
Last but not least...the video of Andrew crawling!
On a more serious note...please continue to pray for me to get a teaching job. I have applied at 3 districts and have heard nothing. I have heard that they like to wait until the last minute...and I would be okay with that...I just want a job so I can have a house for my family again one day. I have moments when I am good and trusting that God is going to continue to take care of us...and then I am driving along and pass an elementary school and feel like I am going to have an anxiety attack... August seems to be the month that God blesses our socks off...(met Kenny in August '01, Sold House in August '08..perhaps I will be able to add teaching job in August '09) God's will be done!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Camping Trip
Right now I am sitting in my comfy bed with the air turned way down...ahhh...nothing like sleeping in a tent in June to make you appreciate your air conditioned home!! That's right people...the Watts fam went camping. It was 105 that day but after we set up the tent..it was smooth sailing. We learned a few things that we want to do differently next time...like Kenny and I both can't fit on a twin size air mattress...not even sideways...:) Camping is a fun family activity though...and after the initial purchasing of equipment it is a relatively inexpensive outing as well. I am really looking forward to trying it again in the fall..for more than one night too. It really is too much work for just one night.
Also, we just finished up our week at VBS. The theme was StudioGo and we had about 200 children attend! Avery absolutely loved every minute of it! Well with the exception of her melt down on Tuesday. She did not want the game at game time to have ANY rules... Her independence just reiterated to me that she is sooo ready for school. I worked Games outside for 2 days and played paparazzi the rest of the week. I put together a slideshow of about 250 pics for the big family night at the end of VBS. It totally made me realize how much I miss teaching.
In addition to camping this weekend...I went on a date!! We managed to plan out our next 12 years or so. It is a lot of fun to look ahead that far. We figured out Avery will graduate in 2022. A couple of surprises in store for the future as well. We will reveal them when we can...but I am excited! Soo, here are a few pics from our week.
Also, we just finished up our week at VBS. The theme was StudioGo and we had about 200 children attend! Avery absolutely loved every minute of it! Well with the exception of her melt down on Tuesday. She did not want the game at game time to have ANY rules... Her independence just reiterated to me that she is sooo ready for school. I worked Games outside for 2 days and played paparazzi the rest of the week. I put together a slideshow of about 250 pics for the big family night at the end of VBS. It totally made me realize how much I miss teaching.
In addition to camping this weekend...I went on a date!! We managed to plan out our next 12 years or so. It is a lot of fun to look ahead that far. We figured out Avery will graduate in 2022. A couple of surprises in store for the future as well. We will reveal them when we can...but I am excited! Soo, here are a few pics from our week.
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