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Restaurant Etiquette

2/28/2014

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Day 59/365:  This is NOT what I call restaurant etiquette!  Oh well, we were the only ones in the whole place so I was letting them have fun.  And I may have even joined in for an eye-cross or two. 
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The story of my life.

2/27/2014

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Day 58/365: Besides photography, my other love in life (besides my family) is scrapbooking. I have been scrapping since 2000. I can look back on these pages and literally see my life unfolding. The images in these books are of those around me whom I love and events that have shaped all of us. The time poured into these albums is priceless. I have put my all into these books when I work on them. I have spent countless hours working on these - some of those hours alone and some of those hours have been spent with great friends who love scrapping as much as I do. Those times are so enjoyable - visiting while creating our own works of art is so relaxing and comforting.   

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Stop. Look. Listen.

2/26/2014

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Day 57/365: This might not be a typical idea. At least not with the picture that I am showing. What I am trying to express with this photo is that, surprisingly, this project has really done more for me as a mother than a photographer so far. At least that is how I'm feeling. But to explain myself a bit more, today I was riding along with my kids and they were talking and talking and I was halfheartedly listening. I was focusing on the windy conditions and how my truck gets pushed all over and also the bright sun right in my eyes. All of a sudden, as I was noticing myself notice how beautiful the sun looked over the clouds, I realized that if I can notice outside influences so clearly, why am I not wholeheartedly concentrating on my children who have so much relevant stuff to tell me?  So, we pulled over.  I stopped.  I looked.  I truly listened.  Sometimes we let the little conversations pass by because we hear the same thing over and over again. But if you think about it - that's what they hear.  They hear parents and teachers repeat things over and over... I think that's an important way to teach our children. Repetition. So, when they want to tell me a story for the 50th time, I need to stop, look, and listen. How else will they know how much I appreciate them and how much I enjoy hearing how much they learn? How else will they know how much I love them? 

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A cousin, A friend

2/25/2014

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Day 56/365:  Twice a week I am a lucky auntie as I get to pick up my niece along with my daughter after a day at daycare.  These girls are so sweet and play so nicely together.  For both of them, not having a sister, being a cousin is the next best thing.  Another thing that I think is even better is that they get enough of a break from each other that when they do get time together - things feel fresh and new and there's no fighting like siblings tend to do...  Seven months part these two girls and I hope and pray that they grow to be best friends.  After all, no one understands their crazy families like each other!  :)

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Predictable

2/24/2014

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Day 55/365:  Our days are thoroughly predictable.  We wake up, brush teeth and handle the bathroom stuff, get dressed and out the door to school.  Then throughout their days - there is structure and transitions that are predictable...  Then mommy picks them up and they immediately get their folders out - give me the stuff that stays home and they sit and get to work on their homework.  I sit with them and patiently wait as they work to assist in any way I can.  They blow me away with how much they soak in and how much they are even teaching me.  I love these predictable days.  There are hectic times even within the predictability of these days but there is never a guess as to what is coming next.  It works so well in our world and I think that it really allows them comfort in their days. 
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A Precious Moment

2/23/2014

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Day 54/365:  My daughter loves to be tickled.  All three of my kids will lay on my lap for hours (if I let them) while I tickle their backs.  Today, my daughter had me lay with her while she enjoyed a tickle.  I love this time with my kids because it truly just feels like "us" time.  One on one with each of my kids.  When we can look in each others eyes and just talk.  It took my breath away when my daughter reached up and pushed my hair out of my eyes.  A precious moment that I will have forever.  Thank you to my husband for capturing this for me!   

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Something Strange

2/22/2014

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Day 53/365:  Coming home to a living room covered with goose and duck decoys was quite interesting!  Then between my dog and my daughter, they made the decoys a maze which was quite entertaining to watch them navigate through.  It was strange for sure! 
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Notice

2/21/2014

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Day 52/365:  Oh how I want to experience everything that my children do in their life!  I want to watch them grow and see them succeed and go on to experience their dreams and see them fall in love and start families.  Oh how I want to notice the little things.  I want to be there for all their ups and downs and I want to see how they experience life in their own way and by their own standards.  They are so small now.  But yet, the years are flying by and it is surprising to me.  It's so hard to believe that the boys are 7 and my daughter is 3 and even though these years have passed I can remember vividly the day each of them were born.  I hope they always hold onto the fact that between me and their father, they will always have someone to turn to and hold on to.  And then if you take their father and I out of the equation, that they will have each other to hold on to.  I want to take my time with their lives.  I want to make sure that I notice things.  I want to make sure they know that I notice them and that I notice all of the things they want to show me and tell me.  I want to notice my life.  Not just let it pass me by. 

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Escape

2/20/2014

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Day 51/365 These cold winter days are good for one thing for sure.  Right now, I am cuddled up next to my hubby, with big fluffy slippers, comfy pajamas, a super thick quilt, and a bowl of ice cream. (Yup - that's how a real Minnesotan does it).  :) But today, as I enjoyed watching the snow and had fun capturing the beauty as it poured out of the sky, I couldn't help thinking of somewhere warm.  I dream of visiting Bora Bora someday.  Where would you escape to? 
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Grateful for helpful little hands.

2/19/2014

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Day 50/365:  I have a bad habit as a mother to not allow my children to help me more.  They always want to but (call me a control freak) - I feel like when I do it - it just gets done faster which frees up the time to do something else we all enjoy.  And yes, I'll admit (control freak again) that when I do it, (doing my best to be honest here even if it puts a dark light on myself), it's as if I feel it's done well and right the first time so we don't have to go back to it.  Well today I really took a step back and allowed my daughter to help me all she wanted to.  She moved from the kitchen, to the living room, to the hallway, to the bathroom, to her room, back to the kitchen, and so on.  Each time she asked me to plug this little vacuum in for her and she vacuumed to her hearts content.  I also have to realize that as they grow it's absolutely necessary for them to help out around the house and I do look forward to that part.  I guess I have procrastinated on having them help because sometimes the fight is just not worth the end result.  Oh the lessons we learn as parents...
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Pride

2/18/2014

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Day 49/365: This is our own family badger.  He usually finds himself being traded night after night between by two boys. 

Some of you may be familiar with the show/cartoon Wild Kratts.  Yesterday, we got to see a whole episode on the Honey Badger.  I saw three little minds soak up as much information as they could.  My daughter couldn't get over how cute it was and they boys thought that they were really smart.  It was so neat to see them perk up the minute they heard their name and then they actually got to see the little critter moving around.  They really got to understand quite a bit about our name.  And that was just the coolest thing ever!  They really showed me how proud they are to have their name and I'm so happy that I am a part of giving it to them. 


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Where I stand

2/17/2014

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Day 48/365:  Oh this snow...  I know that everyone hates it by this time of the year, but today I woke up and looked out and thought to myself, "WOW - things look absolutely beautiful!"  The weather was warm (well warmer than we have been used to these days) and I had an opportunity to just take a short walk with my best furry friend...  I truly don't mind the fresh snow because it brightens up the world a bit.  It takes the dingy and dirty part of winter and puts a new blanket on top.  We may as well enjoy this because we are stuck living in it right?  :)  
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Writing on the wall.

2/16/2014

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Day 47/365:  Oh the joys of the young ones getting older and able to fend more for themselves.  This is a catch 22 in my world because I don't want my kids to grow up.  And it's killing me that they are.  (It's just happening to fast).  But, when things such as shower/bath nights come around - it's extremely helpful for the older ones to handle things on their own.  And, then it's even better when you get to see this on your shower walls.  This so made me smile.  Blake was obviously thinking of his sister and his brother, and then he had to say "I love you mom and dad."  Makes my heart happy for sure.  :)

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Skating

2/15/2014

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Day 46/365:  These lucky 7 year olds got roller skates for their birthday.  Since there is still so much snow on the ground, we cleared out a big area in the unfinished part of our garage for them to enjoy and practice some skating skills.  They are doing really well! 
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Happy Valentine's Day!

2/14/2014

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Day 45/365:  How do you say I love you?
Albanian: Te dua
Belarusian: Ya tabe kahayu
Croatian: Volim te
Dutch: Ik hou van jou
Esperanto: Mi amas vin
Filipino: Mahal kita
German: Ich lieve dich
Hawaiian: Alhoa Au Ia'oe
Icelandic: Eg elska tig
Japanese: Anata ga daisuki desu
Kiswahili: Nakupenda
Latin: Te amo
Moroccan: Ana moajaba bik
Navaho: Ayor anosh'ni
Pig Latin: Iay ovlay ouyay
Romanian: Te iubesc
Swedish: Jag alskar dig
Tahitian: Ua Here Vau Ia Oe
Urdu: mai aap say pyaar karta hoo
Vietanamese: anh ye^u em
Welsh: 'Rwy'n dy garu di
Yoruba: Mo ni fe
Zuni: Tom ho'ichema
No matter how you say it - remember that there is always someone out there to shower your love upon.  Happy day of love to you all! 
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Conversation

2/13/2014

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Day 44/365:  I was a lucky friend last night when a great friend came unexpectedly to my door...  We had a big long visit, made some dinner, visited some more, drank a little wine, and visited some more.  Love these unexpected visits. 

Love the conversation between two friends who have known each other for countless years and who have experienced SO much together!


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Another great day done.

2/12/2014

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Day 43/365:  When the day is done, when kids are home, homework is completed, stores of the day are told, this is how I truly feel settled.  The backpacks are hung under their coats and everything is completed for the day, that's when I feel like another day has finished.  (For the most part).  After all this we can just focus on family time.  Games, conversation around the dinner table, maybe a family movie night, and then to move onto the hustle and bustle of the bedtime rituals.  Days are busier and busier as the kids get older and when we can slow down and relax after all the busyness of the day.   
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A love of reading...

2/11/2014

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Day 42/365:  In the inside cover of this book there is a short note written by my mom that says this: "Danette read this while on vacation in August 1993 - 8 years old."  I have kept this book all these years.  I remember getting this book, reading this book, and loving this book.  This is the first piece of writing that I remember truly loving and has since fueled my love even more.  This story is a short 58 pages but I remember that it took me quite a while to get through at 8 years old.  Today, however, I found myself reading a 260 page book in a few hours.  I go through spurts - I will read like crazy for a couple of months - book after book, and then I'll go a couple of months without. 

My love of reading is something that I hope to show and teach my kids.  Books are amazing!  They are worlds that you can escape in.  You can become a beautiful princess or a pirate sailing the huge seas.  You can immerse yourself in fiction or fact.  The opportunities are endless. 

I read something once that said that the pages of every book contain a magic to each individual reader.   I am a true advocate of not judging a book by its cover - the saying is true because you never know where a book may take you.


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This is what perseverance looks like.

2/10/2014

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Day 41/365: Definition of perseverance: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

That is exactly what Blake showed me today.  I watched as he set these pieces up many, many times, only to watch his joy at actually being able to catapult his little bird at his creation to knock down the intricate towers he built.  I watched as his steady little hands took their time while trying to make these towers perfect.  I witnessed his patience when they fell before he was finished building them.  He taught me a lot today.  He showed me that no matter how many times his creations fell - he would sit back, put his hands on his lap, sigh in frustration - but always, he would start again.  The very definition of perseverance.  :)  He was perfectly content in just having me watch.  He didn't want help and he only wanted to play by himself.  It's so wonderful as a mother to be able to witness these life lessons.  Where he is finding out for himself that if he works hard enough and he tries long enough, he can and will achieve what he sets out to do.  And the happiness that will bring him is absolutely priceless! 

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A little bit of heart.

2/9/2014

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Day 40/365:  This might look like the most ridiculous thing ever.  Believe it or not, this little piggy has sat on my windowsill in my kitchen for as long as I can remember.  I don't remember where I got it - or even what appealed to me about it.  I do think it's cute but it's no bigger than my thumb and I have no idea what it's really supposed to hold with the metal stand out of its back...  Last year my boys would come home with these little hearts for me around this time of year.  They were making Valentine's Day projects at school and they asked their teachers if they could have a heart or two to bring home to me.  Gavin wanted his heart to live here on this piggy's stand and Blake has his heart on my bedside table.  They are so happy knowing that they have given me something that I see on a regular basis.  And these things really make me smile.  Also today, Gavin and Blake got their Valentines ready for their party that they will be having in their classrooms this Friday.  It was fun watching them fill these out (making sure that the boys didn't get something that said "be mine" on it - and then giggling when they put a girl's name on one of those instead).  It sure made my hubby and I giggle - soon enough those "be mine" cards and treats will really mean something real!  But I'm not going to lie - I'm quite happy that my boys still think girls are weird and want to have nothing to do with them.  (Except mommy that is)...  :)

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Brotherly Love

2/8/2014

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Day 39/365:  Today was finally warm enough to at least brave the outdoor weather for a short time for me to capture my boys as they are now officially 7 year olds!  It's amazing how quickly I can snap away - we were outside for 5-10 minutes and I took 145 photos.  They are so used to me with a camera that they work with me so well and to be honest, they are some pretty handsome models!  They even played along and start doing different things without me even asking.  I love that the most - their ideas keep my ideas fresh and simple.  You don't need to have complicated lighting or fancy backgrounds to get some nice photos.  This was the wood pile at my parents place and it worked out so well as a natural background for these photos.  Makes for some truly unique images - not only of the people in them - but what surrounds them.
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Old School

2/7/2014

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Day 38/365:  These Legos have been together for 20-21 years.  My hubby made these when he was between 10-15 years old he's guessing.  He has saved these for his kids to play with.  Today, while her brothers were at school - she got to enjoy these all to herself.  She enjoyed playing with daddy and driving all over the couches.  I love how my kids can experience joy from the things that we had as children.  We are hoping that they enjoy these same things for many years themselves. 

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Shadows

2/6/2014

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Day 37/365:
We were having fun with shadows on the wall tonight...  Just an impromptu "puppet" show before bedtime.  Now they are asking that tomorrow we look up how to do more fun stuff because mommy could only do a bird and daddy can to a really cool dog.  :)  So, I guess tomorrow we'll be having more fun trying some different shadows on the wall. 

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From the top

2/5/2014

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Day 36/365:  This has become routine for me...  Taking a photo a day (which I am finding extremely easy as I am never far from my camera), and also doing a quick edit and a quick blog post.  I have read about others taking on a 365 challenge and how they have already felt like being done.  I barely feel like I have started.  Maybe it will be more of a challenge when the busy months of summer come, but I am also looking forward to those months because I know that the opportunities for images will really be endless.  But for now, I am enjoying this routine and getting to have a nice cup of hot chocolate as I do my edits and posts.  :)  
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Heartwarming

2/4/2014

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Day 35/365:  I love photography because it allows me to slow down and notice more.  I take time to look around with a keener sense of awareness.  I notice details - I notice colors - I notice textures - I notice all the beauty that surrounds me on a daily basis.  Even without my camera!  And by slowing down I feel like I can breathe easier and it allows me to slow the hectic pace that life throws at me. 

Today was a day of reflection for me.  My boys are now 7 years old.  As a mom I found myself going back in time today and thinking about when they were welcomed into this world. It was an insanely memorable day which was the beginning of many memorable days. 

Today, I was pulling out some old jackets in my closet and checking my pockets.  In one of those pockets, I pulled this heart out.  My boys are collectors.  Sometimes, Mommy is the keeper of these collections.  I think they got this heart from their grandparents and I remember they would trade off who could keep it in their pocket.  I don't remember when I was lucky enough to be trusted to hold this little treasure but it was a special find for me today. This was a little token of those little boys who are growing up so quickly.  A little reminder for me to hold on to those heartwarming memories that are passing us by. 


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    Danette Badger

    I have taken on a challenge to take one photo a day for this entire year.  I have been excited to join up with an amazing community of talented photographers who have also taken on this challenge.  The goals I have for myself this year is to, first of all, complete the whole year of 365 photos.  I also want to allow this challenge to teach me all I can about the equipment I have in order to better myself as a photographer.  I am excited to learn and experience so much this year through this challenge.  Thank you for taking the time to look through my journey.  It truly means a lot to me. 

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