//Beautifully Foolish//

//“I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” 
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby//

Being smart and responsible, holding hard to what you are supposed to hold hard to has become such a funny thing to me.  It's funny because we only have one life and I think the best thing we can do is dream so big that our eyes have to catch up to our hearts.  Our hearts move quick and furiously, with strength and valor- respectively putting down all of the world's expectations and instead, clinging to what we cannot see.  How the world has changed!  There were those who dreamed and now, it is so normal to us.  But there must always be those who see what others cannot.  

I watched The Great Gatsby last night and although it is such a sad story- depressing in a lot of ways, it is not the story line that inspires me, but the creativity behind it.  To create not only to teach, but to inspire.  Have you ever listened to a sad song, but felt happy?  It's the connection of hearts- the value of art that does not depress, but instead picks us up and opens our eyes.

Lately, I feel as if there is so much I want to do and it seems like I could not possibly fit it all into one lifetime!  Whether I do or not, I think it's a great and foolish feeling!  Beautifully foolish really.  To put all these dreams above the status quo.  If I can teach my boys to live fully I will be satisfied with my parenting.  Oh, and to value and respect women as equals.  :)

These pictures are unrelated, except that they make me feel alive and grateful.  Grateful for family and that we took a chance- Newly married and pregnant we moved from our birth place (new jersey) and moved our family from the east to west. We took this huge chance and although it has been hard, we have never regretted it.  (okay, we got a little confused when we moved back for six months, but that's all fixed now!)  I hope I always encourage my boys to follow their dreams- even if that sounds a bit too romantic. 

// They've Got Personality//

My kids are so different yet so alike.  Every day I realize that yes, Asher is pretty much a spaz like his brother, yet he is way more chill.  For example, we went out to eat last night and while both kids were moving a lot, Asher was pretty quiet.  Jimmy and I thought back to Elliot at the same age and we laughed.  We laughed because Elliot was always making noise!  He would "da da da" all the time. (It sounded like he was speaking German!) Every sound was harsh and intense, while Asher does a lot of really soft "da da" and "ma ma's." It's so interesting to see how different kids can be, but at the same time it can be so obvious they are related!  The development of personality is my favorite thing about parenthood.  There is so much surprise involved and you get to know these quirky and funny little creatures.

 

Here is a video that perfectly showcases Elliot's personality.  This kid loves to dance!  All dances are inspired by Blue's Clues and Yo Gabba Gabba. 

//A Few Favorites//

//B+W//

I attempted some b + w pictures of Asher.  Elliot was napping and it was a sweet time between my little one and I.  I'm glad I have these pictures so this memory can continue to be crisp and savored.  

//Visual//

Pictures from our walk today.

//A Rare Moment//

I put Elliot to bed the other night, but sleep was not what he wanted.  I heard the desperate pleas of "mama" "mama, mama, mama."  I do not believe that any Mother can ignore those words.  They are small and delicate, yet they resound and fight their way into our hearts.  I did a quick switch, putting a sleeping Asher into his crib and grabbed my two year old.  I was quite upset at first, because I wondered why he would not sleep.  Yet, my "why" was soon answered.  My fiercely independent son needed some cuddles and his momma did as well.  It was a perfect night.  He drifted into sleep by my side and all I could do was look.  I could not stop looking at my son.  I am so full of gratitude.

//A Monday Afternoon//

The days are so beautiful.  The weather is so kind to us, as nature has undoubtedly outdone herself.  We went to the beach on a whim yesterday and did not bring any toys, towels or extra clothes.  So, today we planned ahead.  What a notion!  

These pictures speak of happy faces and enjoyable times, yet there is a story behind the pictures.  Elliot, my adventurous lad, was off discovering the unknown and happened upon an old fire.  It was out, yet still hot.  A bonfire from the night before.  He now has blisters all over his feet and my Momma heart was broken.  I wish I had seen it or was paying better attention.  My poor independent toddler clung to me and Jimmy tightly and cried for a while.  My husband is at Urgent Care with him at the moment and I am praying for good news!  (no severe burns)

Well, here is the happier part of our day!