My Final Thanks, for November

When I decided to start this project, I figured time would get away from me- I wouldn't make it to the computer every day to post, or even remember to take a photo. Well, time certainly got away, but I made myself stay up late some nights, to get these posts up. I found it almost therapeutic, for a number of reasons- it got me shooting every day, & not just with my phone. I use my iPhone a lot! Which means I use my good camera even less (for my kiddos). It also made me document little bits of our every day. In doing so, I played with new light & it inspired new ideas. I also enjoy looking back over the past month, at my own words & images. I feel like I unintentionally created a journal for my kids.

So while I had a completely different intention for this post, I'm changing course. I am thankful for my thankful project. I think I would be tempted to start one in December, except that we are leaving Saturday morning for a few weeks, but I'm sure there will be no shortage of images ;). I hope you enjoy your last day of the month & delight in the holiday season that has arrived.

Be Joyful

Be PeacefulHappy Holidays~

My Ry-Guy

I think there's something special about the first-born. Maybe it's because I'm also the first-born, I'm not sure. They're kind of your experiment; your on-the-job-training. Your first experience as a parent is because of them. It's overwhelming & incredible all at once. Ry is my first. We've been through a lot together, especially health-wise. He teaches me patience (or sometimes, that I don't have enough); he shows me intelligence, creativity & sometimes too much honesty; he explains unconditional love...& he's one of my three grand adventures. For him, I am thankful.

Home

Ella has started standing, as well as pulling herself up. Today, she walked by pushing their small rocking chair forward. I ran outside to get a picture of her at the bead table. It was gorgeous out, but freezing. Standing there, in that cold, made me want back inside- quick. It also made me realize I haven't posted about my house- it's warmth, it's space, it's noise- it's our home. Mike built it, along with help from my dad & another friend. For our home, I am thankful.

The Christmas Photo

We're leaving bright & early Saturday morning for a two-week vacation. I'm trying to accomplish a little bit more each day, to avoid frantically running around Friday. Who am I kidding, I'll still be thinking of everything I didn't do & remember the one important thing as the plane lifts off...oh well! Today I attempted a photo of the three kiddos, for Christmas cards. I adore unposed images of these munchkins & was reminded why today- as I tried to wrangle them all together for a moment. It didn't quite work. It was not the most pleasant experience & I'm pretty sure if they're every in therapy, they'll blame it our Christmas card photos. Therapy or not, I know they still love me. For surviving my imperfect parenting, I am thankful.

My Mom

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. I intended to have my thankful post up, in honor of her, but then I realized I didn't have any relatively recent pictures of her with us kids or her grandkids; so I"m a day late! Last night we had dinner & cake, with her & my dad. She had all her Christmas decorations up & it was fun to watch Ella with her first Christmas-tree experience. My mom has always been known as the Queen of Christmas. We usually decorated the day after Thanksgiving; & it always nearly coincided with her birthday. This meant, every single year, us kids would get her a santa. She always loved them (I think). Now she gets pictures of the grandkids, I think she loves that a little bit more ;) She'd be happy even if she got nothing. My mom is awesome. I feel pretty lucky- I have an amazing family & we are all so close. Plus, she's incredibly patient. I don't think I realized how patient, until I had kids myself. Some days, I try to reach real hard for her patients, because I need them! For my mom, I am so incredibly thankful!!!

Be Thankful

This month I have been working on a personal photography project called "I Am Thankful," each day I post images, along with some words. Our GHC blog theme this month is "Be Thankful." Going through images from the past 25 days, it's easy to see where my thankfulness begins- my family. That one little word is huge- & I am so thankful for the family I have, for everything we have together, for everything I have because of them.

Now head on over to view Michele's Be Thankful post.