in_focus [Amy]'s photostream

By the world's standards, my littlest man is imperfect. Flawed. Not normal. He has a list of abbreviations that describe him. He is ADHD. He is ODD. He is PDD-NOS. Do I see these things? Of course I do. We live with them everyday. But they don't define him.

He is creative. He is sweet. He is loving. He is smart. He is funny. He makes us laugh on a regular basis and his imagination is amazing. Do I wish he didn't have the struggles he does? Of course. I hate to see any of my kids struggle and it would definitely make his life, and ours, easier. But he is perfect just the way he is.

The world sees imperfection. I just see my baby.

This week's theme took quite a bit of thought. I can think of a lot that inspires me-other photographers, the beauty of nature, the kindness of other people, my children. But what inspires me to do what I do? Yes, I love to create something beautiful. Or funny. Or meaningful. I love to make other people happy with the pictures I take. I like to feel like I might be good at something. Those are all good reasons, I guess. But still doesn't really answer the question.

It's history. It's having these photos for my children and grandchildren to look at long after I am gone. They love to look at the scrapbooks I made for each of them {when I still scrapbooked}. They love to see pictures of their grandparents, aunts and uncles when they were little. I have a few older pictures that have been passed down to me and I cherish them. Because it's our family history.

These are of an unknown relative, my grandpa playing hockey, my dad as a boy and me at about 3.

Spring is my favorite season. Especially spring in the south. It's earlier, warmer and prettier than spring in Michigan. I love that it's all fresh and new-full of new life.

I did take this this week. The warmer than average temps we've been having have some of the bushes a bit confused.

When I saw this week's topic, I was less than thrilled. I don't make resolutions. I could. There are definitely things I need to work on. Keep the house cleaner. Get more exercise. Eat better. Get organized. Stop procrastinating. But I know myself. I will not stick with a decision made because I think I have to make it based on the day or time of year.

But there are plenty of things I'd like to accomplish. This year and beyond.
I want to make more memories with my family. Laugh more and stress less. I want to learn. Not just about photography or my camera or photoshop-though those are all on the list. Smile more and worry less. Help people who need it and make sure the people I love know that I love them. Be the best wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend I can be.

I didn't want to go with this as the photo for the week. It's done a lot and I wanted to do something else. But I can't. This has to be it. I have never read the Bible all the way through. And I'm not sure I will this year. But I want, no need, to be in it more. A lot more. It's the only way I will be able to accomplish those other things I listed.

This is one of my favorite verses. I need to remember that there is a plan for me, my children, my family. It may not be what I have planned. It's probably a lot better.