February 2020 – The Shutterbug Mom

Monthly Milestone Cards

Valentine’s Day gifts for toddlers

My son’s half birthday is Valentine’s Day. I never thought I would be the type to celebrate “half birthdays,” but the fact that it falls on this day makes me smile endlessly and feel the love over and over again. Sometimes a fun gift can prompt the best memory. That being said, I compiled a…

{I'M CRYSTAL}

This blog started out as a way to promote documenting the moment, but I am re-focusing it on my passion…

theshutterbugmom

Blogger and Career Development Expert

Speaking of graduation, I volunteered at commencem

Speaking of graduation, I volunteered at commencement for graduating college seniors, masters, and doctoral candidates last week. I’ve done this for several years, and I have the privilege of sitting among the graduates during the speeches. It’s also fun, because I can put on my own cap and robe again.

This year, there were quite a few references to the skills gained in academia that would prepare them for the world of work; networking that would help them land their future jobs; and the implication that there would likely be fourth, fifth, and sixth jobs during their career. As these references were made, graduates would lean to their peers to say things like “do you have a job yet?” and “Fifth job? How about just getting a first job?” This feeling of discombobulated ambiguity also was normalized in the speeches. And it’s hard to grasp as a 20-something ready to embark on their next step. Whenever I volunteer, I always imagine my children being at that stage of life, and I hope that if they’re still not sure what they want to do in adulthood, that they have had the character development, skill-building, and experiences to equip them with the determination to imagine possibilities. Because when we imagine who we might become, we sometimes actually become it. I have a good feeling about this group of graduates 🎓. They were a cool bunch.

#careerdevelopment #values #momlife #boymom #careeradvice #dream

My oldest son will be “graduating” kindergarte

My oldest son will be “graduating” kindergarten in about 10 days. I’ve noticed he has built some amazing skills and strengths. He also has had some setbacks. The vulnerable part for me is to admit that I have felt disappointed in those setbacks. I want my son to excel in all parts of his life, and I am ashamed to admit that I get stuck on the “weaknesses” at times. I love my son for all that he is. He’s funny, silly, thoughtful, polite, gracious, conscientious, a good friend, and encouraging. He isn’t as interested in school, and really, why should he be? He’s five.

I remind myself of the above frequently, knowing that the best way to support him is by believing in his abilities and loving him, so he also can love himself and build confidence. Building character, resilience, and confidence are the building blocks to career. Helping children see themselves as something and believing they can achieve it. Let’s keep building toward a positive future for our babies. Does anyone else have a continuing kindergartner out there? Please follow, like, and share, and we can keep learning together.

#careerdevelopment #values #momlife #boymom #careeradvice #dream

Happy Mother’s Day! 💁‍♀️💕

Happy Mother’s Day! 💁‍♀️💕

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! An

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! And a special THANK YOU to my own mom for being my voice of reason; sounding board; encourager; and accepting mother for all of my formative years and beyond. I love you, Mom. 💕

Happy Mother’s Day! 💕🪴 I get to spend toda

Happy Mother’s Day! 💕🪴 I get to spend today with my two boys—breaking bread, baking cookies, drawing, and playing games. I feel a deep sense of gratitude in today, and if you are a mama, I hope you find joy and peace in today, too.

Just keep going. Sometimes goals change and fluctu

Just keep going. Sometimes goals change and fluctuate, but revisit them and remember your original motivations. This — and resilience — are key in early career development. Allow goals and dreams to shift and change. #career #goalsetting #milennialparenting

Ready for summer and family time 🏕️ 🥾 We e

Ready for summer and family time 🏕️ 🥾 We enjoy camping and being outdoors. We also love hiking in state and national parks. Anyone else ready for some outdoor, summertime? 💕 #summer #camping #futuredreaming

Instagram post 18053387032558428

Instagram post 18053387032558428

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