January. 31 Photos. Week Two.

I've made it through fourteen days of photos this month. Slightly proud of that accomplishment, only 17 more days to go, & I'll have completed my goal (I'm attempting 365 with the iPhone)! The last five-ish days have been spent sick, but I still took pictures. The kids have definitely had it worse than me & have kindly rotated days ;). So here's hoping for a healthy week ahead & our last seven days, in photos: 8. Day Eight. Silly new expressions + new wagon.

9. Day Nine. The introduction of solids.

10. Day Ten. The calm before the (puking) storm.

11. Day Eleven. At attempt at getting on the other side of the camera.

12. Day Twelve. Hanging at auntie's house.

13. Day Thirteen. Garage sale score.

14. Day Fourteen. Nine months old.

Now head over to see what Carrie's week look liked in Las Vegas.

26 Fridays: Week One

I really, really enjoy being a part of different photography blog groups. As photographers, it gives us different challenges to focus our skills on, which in turn helps us grow. It also leads to friendships with other tremendously talented individuals, who may live thousands of miles away. This particular group will post bi-monthly, on fridays, which results in 26 posts throughout the year. Our first theme is a combined one- light & self-portraits. Although I'm joining the group late, I coincidentally took an image today that included myself (something that doesn't happen often). I was inspired to take the image because of the way the light was hitting Ella's face. Of course incorporating the tripod & self-timer led to missing the light I was aiming for, & altogether a different vision than I had in mind, but you know what? I was really happy with the final outcome. It always feels strange being on the other side of the camera, but I'm making a conscious effort to change that this year. Be sure to visit Callie Anne Photography, to see her views on light.

10 on 10 - January

This month kicks off my involvement with a 10 on 10 group. Each month, on the 10th, we post 10 images (or so). This is a seriously talented group of photographers & I'm honored, & quite giddy, to be joining along with them. I took these ten a couple days ago. It was a day we didn't leave the house. Covey wasn't feeling too good & it was our second day with Ry back at kindergarten. It was more or less, our typical day. Except there was sun. That is something we don't see all that often. These pictures of course leave out details of the day- the tiredness from waking a few hours earlier than we're used to; the fights between the boys; the piles of laundry (I still need) to put away; the dirty diapers changed. They also remind me of our little bits & pieces that make it ours. The sunrise on a cold winter morning. The table we eat at, a lot. The dishes, oh the dishes. I think the picture at least makes them look a bit prettier. Most importantly, the kids' simple joys.

Here are my ten:

1. Good morning. 2.Waffles for breakfast. 3. Dishes, arghhhh. 4. Sun's too bright. 5. Smile. 6. Her favorite Christmas present. 7. His favorite board game, at the moment. 8. Thankfully, this is not the 'I'm filling the diaper' face. 9.  Star Wars consumes us. 10. Violin practice.

When you're done looking through these, head on over to Jill Greenwood's blog, & make your way through the entire blog circle!

Now go visit Jill Greenwood's blog, & don't forget to go through the entire blog circle!

January. 31 Photos. Week One.

1. January. Day One. 20132. January. Day Two. Lunchtime. 3. January. Day Three. Happy Birthday, Rylee James. 4. January. Day Four. Goodbye Christmas. 5. January. Day Five. Birthday Party. 6. January. Day Six. Bedtime. 7. January. Day Seven. We Mailed the Christmas Cards (finally).

Now head on over to Carrie's blog to check out her first week of pictures.

Happy Birthday

Today my oldest baby turned six. We had a very, very good day. He opened all his presents immediately upon waking; our local Wildlife Refuge had an awesome Lorax event (including face painting); he got balloons from a friend; & we had a yummy dinner & tasty cupcakes. It was full of the love, laughter & fun the day deserved. Now to swallow the fact I have a six-year old- not too easy to digest. My wish for him:

'think creatively live adventurously work diligently share generously listen patiently try fearlessly laugh heartily help willingly speak graciously run steadily love completely' - The Indigo Bunting

Be Merry

Our final CM Monthly Challenge - Be Merry. I decided it'd be fun to finish with some iPhone photos. They were all edited with VSCO & squaready, & uploaded to Instagram (you can follow me here). I am a bit addicted to those apps- my phone helps me capture all our little moments I want to hold on to. I hope you had a merry season over the past month or so...& a happy new year!

Now head on over to Celeste's blog to see her "be merry!"