Bloggers Are a Kind Bunch

Before I get to what I really want to write about, here are a "few" pictures of Shav. :) I'm doing this because Misty asked for them in a comment she left on the last post. Somebody's actually asking me to take and post more pictures of Shav? Alrighty then! I'd be glad to honor that request! :)

We went outside today for a short photo shoot to show off the new 'do.

Shav was full of smiles today - in sharp contrast to yesterday!

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The next set of pictures made me laugh when I downloaded them and saw how they turned out. I proudly present to you Mr. Shav Fisher, orchestra conductor extraordinaire!

Everyone ready? Here we go, softly now.

Second violins, I need more from you; it's your turn to shine.

You in the back, give me more volume from the trombones.

Lovely, just lovely. Well done, everyone!

Maybe by the time Maria Lorcas (the talented conductor of our local youth orchestra, for all of you non-locals) wants to retire, Shav will be ready to take over her spot! :)

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After I had snapped some pictures outside, I realized that my goal of showing off Shav's haircut wasn't being met extremely well because of the lightness of his hair and the brightness of the day. So inside we came to try some more...


Shav has been making this funny little scrunched-face grin recently; I love the way his expressions are developing. :)

If anyone is missing Shav's long hair too much, don't worry; you'll see it again in May's header. :) Ironically, I had taken some pictures of the boys on Tuesday to use for my new header, not knowing that on Wednesday, Jeff would do the big haircut for Shav. Now that Shav has lost his wild hair, I'm especially glad that I have those photos; but really, I'm not too sad because I think Shav is terribly handsome with his new haircut. Not that I'm biased or anything...

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What I really wanted to write about today is how very kind bloggers are. I have been BLESSED by my relationships in the blogging world; and as any blogger can attest to, the community aspect of blogging is one of the most significant parts of it. I love how, through blogging, I've become closer to people I know in real life...and how I've gotten to know people that I would never have met otherwise. What a gift!

Here are some (relatively) recent acts of kindness that have been shown to me by bloggers:

Valerie (she blogs at Stepping Heavenward; but her daughter, now married and expecting her first baby is a much more "active" blogger - her blog is Feathers in Our Nest), has shown numerous kindnesses to me during the past few years. Her latest gift to me was these name signs for each of the boys, with first and middle names, meanings, and related scripture verses. Since we paid a good bit of attention to the meaning of names when we were choosing them, it's special to me to have these signs to remind me often of the significance of my sons' names. Thank you, Valerie! :) (And, by the way, it's totally worth it to check out her blog just to read what she wrote about "Glass Balls." Click on her blog, then scroll down in her sidebar until you get to that section. Good stuff - and a clear visual image that often comes to my mind as I sort out what is the most important thing to which I should give my time.)

Another blogger friend who has been especially kind is Michelle of Somerset Cottage. Shortly after Shav was born, we received a package in the mail with a beautifully wrapped gift inside. She sent this adorable sleeper for Shav, and he has worn it many times. Every time, I think of her. :)
I took these pictures LONG ago, as soon as he was big enough to fit into the sleeper without being swallowed up by it! Of course, I intended to post these months ago; but you know how it goes... It's funny now to see how different he looks! Babies change so fast, don't they?

When I was taking these pictures of Shav, Tobin was trying to "help" me - or something. I'm not sure what he thought the glove would accomplish; regardless, Shav seems unimpressed, to say the least. :)
My favorite thing about this sleeper is the turtles on the bottom of the feet. It's the little things that make me smile. :)

Another blogger I want to mention is Margie. Dear, dear Margie. She is such an encouragement to me. Recently she awarded me the Beautiful Blogger Award, and it actually caught me off guard. The thought that anyone else reads my little scribblings about our family life is still sometimes amazing to me, and I'm humbled by Margie's affirmation. Thank you, Margie. I'm looking forward to {someday} meeting face to face!

Through Margie, I've "met" two other bloggers that I want to pass this award along to:

Patti from Bird Dog, Ladybug, and Firefly

and

Krista from Not By Might.

Both of these women have a real gift for writing; and whether they're sharing silly stories about their children or deep spiritual insights, I'm sure to feel something as I read. They can make me laugh, they can make me cry, and they always leave me wishing that they posted more often. ;)

I also want to award this to two other blogs:

Cindy from Along the Way - she's a homeschooling mom with tons of great ideas...I'm constantly amazed by her creativity and dedication to her children...me? I've got dedication, but creativity? not so much...Cindy is definitely inspiring!

Jeanette from Blessed by Baseballs and Bows - I've actually given her an award before, but I want to bring her up again because now - RIGHT NOW - she and her husband are in Ethiopia adopting two boys!!!

Tonight I am once again reminded of how thankful I am for the way blogging keeps me connected to other women. Even during this season of life when the vast majority of my time is spent with my little ones, it's a treasure to be able to reach out on a daily basis and receive encouragement and nourishment through the wonder of modern technology.

THANK YOU to each of you who is reading this. You honor me, and I am grateful.