Minty Fresh Monday: Shine

Mint. (adj.) meaning new, fresh, sweet, brilliant, awesome.

Being a teacher sometimes has it's perks, for sure.  I got to play host to twenty or so silkworms in my classroom, and I decided to sneak three of them home to meet Lilly.  She loved holding the little caterpillars, giggling at how sticky their feet were. 

When they made cocoons for themselves, it was pretty exciting, but not quite as exiting as the day when Mr. Moth came out.  Mr. Moth was fuzzy and had the coolest little antenna that looked a bit like little eyebrows.  He doesn't fly much.  He just searches for Mrs. Moth and tries to make little eggs with her.  My four year old squealed with  excitement as she got to hold Mr. Moth, and Jack wanted in on the action, too.  It's been a really great experience hosting these little moths.  I think we may try some Praying Mantis eggs next year.

(say hello to Mr. Moth)

So, watching Mr. and Mrs. Moth flutter around, and knowing how short their life span is, it made me start thinking... We have a short time here on this planet.  We need to make our mark.  We need to shine.

David Gray- Shine

Have a fantastic week.

xo,

Kristen

back to school

I feel like I've been MIA for the last few weeks.  I am definitely aware that my full time job throws me far off course when it comes to following my dreams, but I need to feed my children, right?  It's lucky that I happen to love teaching.  It doesn't give me the thrill that photography does, nor do I feel like I am very good at it. I adore watching the kids transform.  Last week was our first week back, and I can not explain what a difference I see in them ALREADY, after just one week.  They are certainly going to be the best behaved class that I have had in years!  I can't wait to see what they learn.
I'm going to try to keep blogging and updating things, even just to help keep myself on track.  I'm making a goal of blogging at least once a week, and I'm thinking of doing another 365 (year in pictures) starting on my birthday, September 11th.  It's going to be my 37th year of life, so I'd better get it together, right?  Meanwhile, have a peek at some things I'm dreaming of....

so, I guess you might say I'm dreaming of summer.  It was only a week ago that things were so carefree!  I know you'll come back to me, summer.  See you soon!

An amazing month.

This month, so many amazing things took place.  My second born, Jack, turned one.  On that very same day, my twin sister gave birth to her first baby, Benjamin.  I had the honor of shooting a wedding for one of my dear friends, and then I flew to New Jersey to visit my family.  While I was in New Jersey, I had 6 photoshoots in 7 days!  It was a whirlwind, and totally absolutely amazing.  I have to give a giant shout out to my mom, who watched my babies during each of my shoots.  It was definitely rough because Jack was going through some serious separation anxiety.
I had so much fun hanging out with old friends and family.  What an amazing trip.  So, without further explanation, I'll move on to some of my favorites!  Enjoy!

this is the end.

Well, the end of my 365 with Jack.  :) 
I definitely plan on doing another 365 (a picture a day) that will focus on my daily life.  So it will include Jack, Lilly, Matt, my job, my messy house.... it should be fun.  I really love the challenge of picking up a camera every day and creating art.  Here is Jack's 365, and in case you missed it, this is Lilly's 365.  When I look at the two sets, I can really see how I've grown as a photographer- thank heavens! 
If you've ever done a 365, I'd love to see it!  Just leave your link in the comments!