A Proud Moment (Zach & Jumping Jack)

The definition of proud: “feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated”. This couldn't be more accurate of how I feel about my son, Zach. There's been many occasions when he does things that make me feel this way. At times it's something small, like when he finally learned to put a button through the hole, or the time when he completed his first puzzle on his own. But there are times where he just makes me tear up because my heart fills up so big with contentment!

I had one of those moments last week when I picked up my son from school. The teacher approached me to tell me that he'd been awarded with a special privilege... As she's talking to me, I'm looking at my son’s face, and his smile and excitement was just glowing out of him. He was also carrying a clear plastic tote that had (from what I could see at the time) a few books, crayons, markers, and a green fluffy object. The teacher explained that he had been chosen to be the class star leader of the week, because he’s doing so good! He’s well behaved, obedient, a good listener, and self motivated. And as a reward he earned the privilege of taking ‘Jumping Jack’ (AKA the green fluffy object inside the clear plastic tote) home for the weekend. This privilege also comes with other perks he gets to enjoy throughout the week. What an amazing & clever way to keep the kids motivated!!!

That friday afternoon I left the school in a state of blissful happiness. Although this is not the first time my son does something that makes me feel this way, I can’t help but to feel grateful for what he is and what he is becoming.

So, I set out to do a photo session of my son to document his most recent achievement. I want to think back a year or ten from now and remember that awesome fuzzy feeling I had when I left the school that friday afternoon. Because really, that’s what photography is all about... being able to look back at portions of our lives and feeling just like when we were there.

This is Jumping Jack, he is a puppet frog and Zach's class mascot. He is also a great motivation for the kids in the class. His journal is very special and is filled with great memories. When a child takes Jumping Jack home they also get to write on this journal, add pictures, and document their story with Jumping Jack.