rusty.

there are moments that are smaller than family vacations. smaller than landmark events. these moments are the most precious to me, and the ones that i find are the easiest to forget.

moments when the kids are all playing a simple game. moments when we laugh, but we couldn't explain exactly why.

lately Ossi has been adding subtle commentary to our conversations. after someone is done talking he might say, "daaang, boy!" or "tell me, what?" in a high-pitched squeak.  his comments are totally unrelated to whatever we say, so they spin the whole tone of what we're conveying. it creates a furnace of comedy around everything we do. 
these little moments are treasures, tiny bursts of joy that bring purpose to our life. we might be doing productive things like reading together, or working in the garden, but we might also be just watching a movie together or laying in bed in the morning. wherever we are, there are these little treasures.

the day we walked the tree roots liam had a bubble gum face. earlier he'd learned how to blow big bubbles and then he realized that his face was still covered in gum, now encrusted with dirt. just watching him giggle as he tried to get it off was one of those moments. those precious flecks of gold.

i never want to forget to collect those little flecks in pursuit of less-worthy lucre.

i mean, look at this face. my little finn commands the universe with this face. i'm feeling pure glee.

i'm so rusty with my camera. my charger has been broken for a month and i'm running on empty batteries. this situation is an appropriate metaphor for my own need to reflect and readjust attitudes to be able to recognize, reverence, and retain those little moments. camera or no camera, we can't let this gold pass by unnoticed.