Looking back over the year...

This project, this project, this project... This project has been a double-edged sword. It has shown my weakness and my strength. It has caused tension with my spouse while also bringing us together occasionally. Looking over the course of the year in pictures as I did just now almost brings the pain that I was experiencing at the beginning of the year too close to the surface. Those photos bring back memories that in my memory happened longer ago than a year so to see that they are still within the past year is strange. I am thankful that time truly does heal wounds as long as the scabs aren't constantly ripped off. What I see happening from the beginning of the year until now, too, is healing taking place not just in me but in my whole family. Never would I have guessed that all five of my kids would be gathering around a basket of gifts taking turns opening them laughing and giggling and later playing Nintendo together. Were Christmas's different in the past? Not exactly but this Christmas I saw more cohesion than in the past. Thanks be to God. I am happy to have shared my pain and joy with my old online friends and my new ones. Peeking in on everyone else's life in photos as opposed to only in words has been nice for me as well.

On an artistic level, I was able to produce a few portraits and a few other photographs that I am proud of. At the beginning of the year, I felt more compelled to experiment and to create while mixing in family photos. I also felt pressure to perform since many of my online friends know I have a Bachelor's of Fine Art. I feel that February held some of my better shots. My self portraits were especially important to me since this was such an emotional rollercoaster year for me. My weakness of becoming bored with a single endeavor reared its ugly head during this project as well. It became burdensome to have to take a photo a day. Breaking my ankle and having my dear G3 ibook die early in the year also affected how I felt about the project. Either way, I feel like I have a (old)new tool for creative expression in my arsenal. The sky, while always beautiful to me, has become even more so.

I have no idea what the future holds in regard to this blog. Posting here and there as I have been for the past few months will probably be the extent of what I do. I'm ready to tackle new art projects, finish that studio of mine, and throw a few more sticks into the fire because that's what I do best.

I love you all!

Christmas Eve's Birthday!

Eve turned 6! I didn't take photos but Jeff did so here is one... (yes, her hair was might close to the flame!)

Bye Bye Baby Girl...

Yes, it was the first day of school for my other kids, too, but this is little E.'s first day of all day kindergarten. :( She seemed to like it. She said she made lots of friends, liked going outside for recess, and liked riding the bus.

Turning Back Time: My First College Roommate!

She used to watch my oldest son, now 16, when we were in college when I was a junior. Crazy. She knew me before kids and this past weekend I finally got to see her as a Mom. She's a great mommy!

That long red hair of hers came in handy many times, btw!

New Magna Cum Laude Graduate in the Family!

I love the expression on my sister's face in this photo.



Yep, that's us.



Showing off the cute polka dot dress under her robe!



The waterfall on her campus.

Mother's Tea

Josiah's Team Won the Space Day Challenge! (Tues)

Out of 200 teams across the U.S., Josiah's team came in first overall! Woohoo!
The reward is a trip to Washington DC with a banquet honoring the winners and an opportunity to meet various astronauts and congressman. They also will have their project displayed at the Space and Aeronautical Museum for the days they are present.

And Away We Go...

I actually took Eli to drive for the first time yesterday but I forgot my camera so you get the SECOND drive photos.

Eli driving the Suburban...



Mom gripping hand grip with right hand and snapping photo with left.



E: "Why do you always look so nervous when I drive?"

M: (surprised) "This is me trying my best to not look nervous."

Today I actually screamed I think because he almost sideswiped a dump truck. I let him drive through the side streets of my favorite town and it was much harder to remain calm as opposed to when we drove through the park yesterday. Town has narrow streets in some parts and parking on both sides of the road in other parts offering all sorts of challenges for the new driver. He is actually doing a great job and is much more cautious than I expected.

The Roads Will Never Be the Same...

ELI GOT HIS DRIVER'S PERMIT TODAY!
(he did NOT want his picture taken)



He finally cracked a smile...



Found Object: Driveway Yesterday