Little Ordinary Joy.

Today.

I felt like today was absolutely PACKED with little joys. It was crazy- from the taste of the sandwich (thanks, Jersey Mike’s!) I had for lunch, to the story I was listening to on NPR, even sitting in the driveway for a few minutes to finish it. It was amazing - the story of a Jamaican poet who interviewed HIV/AIDS patients and created an exhibit about their stories. It was so beautiful, and I highly recommend a listen. You can find it here. And listen to it on itunes here.

After the sitter left and my workday ended, the kids and I had a pool party in the backyard. We were joined for much of it by our small Jungle Stalker, Level 1. I was practicing with my focus points and my Tamron 28-70mm f/2.8 lens, and by heck, I think I got it! A few times! Hehe. I love good pic days.

Here are some:

I must say, these make my mama heart sing. I am so, SO blessed to have small people in my life who love me unconditionally. They show me about lighthearted living, unrestrained ideas, and the therapy - the universal cure for tightly-wound adulthood - that laughter is.

I might point out that just behind that flying supergirl is where my new fountain/bench will go. Lots of my sweat on the ground back there in the corner under those trees…

And here’s the Jungle Stalker, who loves being outside with us, exploring the grass! Jane is a timid cat, loving to stay on the porch steps, but Cassie loves roving, chasing her tail, diving into the grass, and generally killing me with cuteness. Also, I laid on the ground to get these, which I only do in special circumstances. :)

We grilled (JARED grilled, I should say) hamburgers, and popped popcorn and watched our favorite family cartoon: Phineas and Ferb on Disney On Demand.

On the way upstairs to put kids to bed, I spotted this sweet little lady asleep - on my purse. No apologies from Miss Cass! She obviously comes from the “what’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is mine” school of thought.

Come to think of it, EVERY cat belongs to that school of thought. There’s something in their fur and their purr and their LOOK - like this one she is giving the camera right up there that is total brainwash.

…

Excuse me, I feel this compelling need to go fill  a food bowl…

Comments

[Jacki]

Beautiful pics! Did you edit? :)
I am in Candice's Photography class right now- we're working on focas points too!
I am excited to know you use that lens- I've been wanting to buy it.

[Stefanie]

I love the last kitty photo, she knows what every good estate agent knows...location, location, location!
Beautiful.
www.jounalingjunkie.blogspot.com

[Sara Elliott]

Jessica - are you a Canon or Nikon girl? Thanks!

[pinewoodtoo]

Loved your blog today. It just spoke to me. I love the extraordinary "ordinary" days. ~Ann

[jacki janse van rensburg]

gorgeous kids, and cute cats!

[Michelle K]

:( can't see the Jane pictures you laid on the ground to get. Big red x marks the spot where these should be. Anyone else having issues with this?

[SkyB]

Love your language describing children and laughter... "universal cure for tightly wound adulthood"... perfect :) Awesome, inspiring thoughts and pics today- thanks for sharing!

[Trude]

That's why I love NPR. I don't listen to any other radio anymore! And that last photo totally fits "You know you're a creative woman when..." - when your cat is laying on top of two awesome fabrics! ;) I have that same Tamron lens and love it as my general walk-around-town zoom, nice and lightweight.

[Terri Porter]

The saddest thing about a kitten (and I guess this applies to children as well) is that they grow up WAY TOO FAST! It seems like only days a go you posted about Cass and she was just a tiny little thing and now she's stalking in the jungle! LOVE the pic of her on your purse. Such a cutey! The kids in the goggles are just priceless!

[Cyn]

Oooo, a fountain/bench? Can't wait for the pictures of that so I can covet :)

[Tammee]

My fam loves Phineas and Ferb, too. As far as I am concerned, it is the best cartoon on currently.

[Karen Ellsworth]

Phineas and Ferb rock. My kids and I are trying to learn all the words to the opening song.

[Jenni N]

Love reading your blog and thanx for all of the inspiration. Just curious what settings did you use on your camera for the pictures of your children above? Also since you are used to chasing 2 little ones around and snapping pictures what autofocus setting would you recommend. It seems like I always miss "the moment" or "the shot" due to my auto focus readjusting all of the time. Aghhhhhh. So Irritating.

Thanks so much!
Jennifer

[~sharon]

If only cats grew into kittens.
I read that once, soon after my kitty had reached adulthood. It made me pine for those days when she would pounce on a leaf blowing across the yard.

I love your photos! TFS

[katey]

LOVE ur pix and love ur kat!!! super cute.