Life is crazy busy and it's EASY to stay focused on the to-do's of it all and miss the littlest moments that mean the most. My camera is my tool to slow down, get present and SAVOR the FEELING of moments that I LOVE and that make MY heart HAPPY with JOY. When busy with my to-do's and I see something that makes me light up with a big smile, I stop, grab my camera (iPhone or SLR - it doesn't matter because what does matter is that I capture the moment...) and SAVOR the FEELING of that LOVE from behind the lens. And when it comes to my kids, I LOVE to capture WHO they are what they love, in their current stage of life, so they never, EVER, disconnect from themselves as they grow older, like I did.

Last week, I got to savor her moment stillness, and this week, I got to savor his moment of stillness. As Luca walked, ran and explored our backyard, he stopped for a moment to watch our neighbors dogs.

This boy LOVES doggies! Just look at him laughing away. LOOOVE it!! I know, once we get a dog again, he'll be in heaven. We all will.

But, right now, I'm not sure when that'll be. I can tell that I'm starting to feel ready to look for another labrador, but my heart knows it can't give to a puppy right now. And when the time comes, I want to be able to give to our new doggie, just like I do for my kiddos. And that time, I know, will be, once my kiddos are more independent.

So for now, we're lucky that we're surrounded by dogs, all day and night. Yes, they bark all night, too. Can be a good thing and bad thing, especially when it comes to this mama getting a good night's sleep.

But even if I'm lacking in the sleep department, his cuteness makes up for it. Big time!! :)

I just LOVE savoring his teeny, tiny standing cuteness. Awwwweeeeee!!

Before I ask ya...What moments have you SLOWED DOWN to SAVOR today with your camera?

Wanna SLOW DOWN + SAVOR moments through YOUR the lens?

Here's what you do!

1. When you see a moment, happening right in front of your eyes, that makes you STOP + SMILE, grab your camera and WATCH the moment. ( I couldn't help but STOP, click and SAVOR his cuteness as he stopped and enjoyed a moment of stillness to say hello to the doggies next door.)

2. While watching and just BEing in this moment, snap what you SEE. Don't say anything...BE still, watch and snap. (I just stopped with him, watched and clicked as we stood there)

3. Try different angles. Stand up. Sit down. Lay down. Get on your knees. Stand on a chair. But, for the most part, just sit, snap, smile and watch. BE in the moment with your camera in hand. (I backed up a lot and moved forward and then captured his view from my standing level).

4. The magic happens when you sit sit back and WATCH!! Don't ask for any direction from the subject. Just be a fly on the wall...making your "human" subject think you're not there. It's when you do this, you get the true authentic personality of your subject!! But, if they want you to play with them...do it!! Just keep snapping at the same time! :)

It's pretty easy, and, the coolest part of all, your camera makes it even EASIER to SLOW DOWN, BE present and SAVOR what means most to your beautiful, mama heart. When you're snapping and watching, the to-do's of the day melt away and your heart is focused on the JOY and HAPPINESS of what's most important, which, in the end makes you not only a better mama to your kids and family, but a better mama to yourself! :)