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Home » Best moments of the year

Best moments of the year

December 21, 2012 by L. E. Mastilock 11 Comments

You know how sometimes time seems to just stop? You’re standing in the
warmth of the sun watching your kids smile, hearing them laugh, your
heart swells with love and pride. You’re overwhelmed by the beauty of
these little people’s souls as well as the awesome world around you. And
you know that this moment will never happen again.

They’ll be grown in
the blink of an eye, so you just soak it all in, every sound, every
smell, the whole moment. You wish you could wrap it up and hug it to
your chest! You glance at your partner and know he, too, is savoring
these sweet times that could be ripped away without notice. We had a lot
of those moments this year.

Other than my few freak out moments, see: I’m a failure.. and What am I doing?!,
this has been the most awesome year! No babies were born, no lotteries
won, but every moment was treasured more than ever before.

My
husband and I realized how very precious every moment of this year was
because it started out as the scariest time for our family, with him so
sick. Not knowing if he would get better, if we could keep our home,
continue to home school (more details on my post Appreciating the Great things…)…but, we were unbelievably blessed!

We took time to notice the little things, took advantage of every moment together, splurged a little too much, spoiled the kids a little too much, stayed a bit longer, worried less, and enjoyed more.

What a wonderful life we have! On that note, I wanted to share my favorite photos of the year. I tried to narrow it down to top 10, but it was so hard! Enjoy!

Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
This is my all time favorite! His face is priceless!
Every time I see it, it reminds me how I want my kids to continue to live and learn; outside the classroom, fascinated, living and doing, not just reading about it.
See where this is on my local field trips post.

Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year

  Monkey always hides, but hey, we’re all in one photo!

Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year

Dads make the best seat!

Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
Adorable. Need I say more?
Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
I LOVE my SISTER!!
 Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
Our home is full of love 
(these two now have their own cat blog)
Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year

Our classroom. We live in such a beautiful place and my kids are so lucky to be able to learn out in it!

 Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
 The best at making my day a joy, even when waiting in line at the store.
Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
I am so proud of how much this boy’s confidence has grown this year! And he looks pretty bad ass in this photo, I must say!

Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
Another of my very favorites! 
We were at a farm class in the rain (of course she wouldn’t wear her jacket) and covered in mud. All the kids were paying attention, listening to the teacher and I look over and see this. 
I absolutely love her spirit! 
Such a big personality in this little girl!
Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
Childlike Wonder   
I wish we could all remember to see the world through the eyes of a child. Everything so new, exciting, amazing, and wonderful.

The world is still full of wonder! You just have to notice it.

Camped out by the window to watch the Christmas lights Daddy put up.
Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
 I found him like this the morning after decorating the tree.
Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year
Secrets for Santa

Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year

 The kind of smile that hurts your cheeks! 

(Little excited for snow day in Santa Cruz?!)

Sandy Toes Creations- Best Moments of the Year

 Precious

I tried and tried to get a good pic of them both looking up and smiling at the same time, but gave up. Then when I put the camera down and let them be…, my heart wants to burst at how much they love each other. And how much I love them.
It’s been an amazing year!



Filed Under: Educational Activites, Family, Field Trips, Fun Activities, Homeschool, Kids & Family, Local Learning- near Santa Cruz, CA, Parenting Tagged With: cats, Life, Nature, Santa Cruz

About L. E. Mastilock

Author, Artist, Pro Blogger, and Social Media Manager. I encourage parents to nurture children through art and nature. I homeschool my kids and advocate for alternative education, creativity, family values, clean eating, rescue pets, and a playful childhood.
I blog at naturalparentguide.com & RascalandRocco.com

Comments

  1. Helicopter Mom and Just Plane Dad says

    February 7, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    What a great idea for a post! My two absolute faves are the aquarium shot and the sticking out my tongue in the rain. I bet their grandparents love your blog.

    Reply
  2. eCrocus mom says

    December 28, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Hello Leah,
    Loved all your photos! The first one is just a fabulous reminder of our kids' great sense of imagination.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      December 28, 2012 at 7:51 pm

      Definitely! I love that one! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 😉

      Reply
  3. Joaniecat says

    December 23, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    Little reminders of how blessed we are. I really enjoy your blog.
    Hugs from Grandma.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      December 24, 2012 at 5:00 pm

      Just looking at these pics, I can't possibly feel sad! Love my family (you included!) 😉

      Reply
  4. By Word of Mouth Musings says

    December 23, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    This post really makes my heart smile – so much love in each and every frame!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      December 24, 2012 at 4:54 pm

      Thank you! It's sad how much I took for granted before this year. We really did savor each moment and I hope I can keep that mindset! Do you get to see things through a child's eyes once in a while?

      Reply
  5. Pamela says

    December 21, 2012 at 11:40 am

    Love all the pictures! You have a beautiful family!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      December 21, 2012 at 5:22 pm

      Thank you! It really helps to look back at these pics when I'm having bad days and remember how wonderful life is!

      Reply
  6. The Aums Mama says

    December 21, 2012 at 7:44 am

    Loved this post, Leah! Such wonderful photos!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      December 21, 2012 at 8:02 am

      Thank you! Those little ones really help put life in perspective! I loved your last post! http://www.theaums.com/2012/12/19/checking-in/

      Reply

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Hello, I'm L. E. Mastilock. I am a lover of food, family, and nature. I encourage parents to live a green, healthy lifestyle and have fun learning together. I am a published author and multi media artist, homeschooling my kids in the beautiful CA mountains. Read More…

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