find joy in the journey

and the giveaways go to . . . .

First off I have to say, wow.  I have been so touched by all your comments and your hellos!  It really has been such a treat to read your comments and to learn more about you.  And it has been so amazing to hear from readers all over the country and the world:  Philadelphia, Jersey Shore, North Carolina, Illinois, Washington, Texas . . . all the way to Norway, Canada, Denmark, Finland, England, Scotland, and Australia!  So cool!

Sometimes I get comments or emails from people who have followed along here for a short time or a long time -- and they worry that they are coming off creepy or stalkerish . . . . I say, don't even worry for one second!  I love hearing from you.  And I'll try my best to respond when I can.

I seriously have some amazingly kind and sweet readers.  I received an email just this morning that nearly made me blush and I had to share it with Scott because I wanted him to know what kind of people are following our little ol' lives here in the desert.  He was also pretty touched. 

So thank you, thank you!

Now onto the giveaways.  It's a busy day today so here are my super-styled giveaway photos.

Red tickets are for the "hello" art.  Blue tickets are for the Deliberate Motherhood book.

And the winner of the "hello" art is . . . . 

Congrats to Alison from Philadelphia!  She also wrote in her "hello" comment that she was getting married at the end of September.  Congratulations!

And the winner of Deliberate Motherhood is . . . 

Congrats to Natalie!  Many of you said that you planned to buy this book even if you didn't win the giveaway.  I think that is so great!  I'll even make it easy for you . . . . follow this link to Deliberate Motherhood on Amazon.  At the time that I published this post it was listed at $10.77

Okay, Alison and Natalie.  Check your emails for a message from me and be sure to reply with your address.  I will get these gifts off in the mail this week.

And this marks the end of my birthday / blog anniversary month!  Thanks for reading and playing and commenting along.  It was a great month!

Here is a little re-cap:

Mon, Sept 2 - hello september

Mon, Sep  9 - 33 Favorite Things

Mon, Sep 16 - 33 Favorite Moments

Mon, Sep 23 - Deliberate Motherhood

favorite things party #2

In 2011 I threw a favorite things party and it was a huge hit.  It was also somewhat meaningful for me because I threw the party one month after we announced to everyone that we were moving from Oregon to Las Vegas.  My last big hurrah, you could say.  The last gathering that I held in our home.

Ever since then I have wanted to throw another favorite things party.  And I even tacked it onto my 101 in 1001 list (#96) to make sure it would happen.

In January of this year I started thinking about it and kinda pegged September as the month to shoot for.  As the month approached I wondered if I was ready, did I have enough people that I could invite, would people even come, trying to get a sense for where I stood . . . I waffled around a bit.  Scott told me I had to do it because it was on my list! (that makes me so happy that he reads my list).  So I decided to just go for it.

I sent out 16 invitations and got back 10 RSVP's (one later had a conflict, so 9 attended).  Phew!  People came!  And we had a really good time!  Someone told me that it was so nice to get together and get to know each other better.  I know!!  That was my goal.  :)

I have learned that I am horrible at getting pictures during a party (totally slips my mind), but I have lots of pictures of the set-up.  Enjoy!

I found that woven silverware/napkin basket at Target on clearance ($3.88) and it became my color inspiration.  Kraft + shades of aqua + a touch of gold.  I designed the invitations in Photoshop Elements and added two little pieces of washi tape to cutify.  

Text:  "Think of something that you LOVE (under $6).  Bring FOUR of that item.  We will draw names and everyone will go home with FOUR new favorite things."

You can really set this up with any dollar amount and quantity of items to bring.  I like the 4 / $6 because your guests end up spending less than $25.  That's a dollar amount that should be manageable for everyone.

I tried to keep the decorations simple, pretty, cohesive, and inexpensive.  I had fun decorating for this party because it gave me an opportunity to test out some of the fun ideas that I have found on Pinterest.  Like the balloon garland above.

This is the "welcome" table.  The chalkboard was a tin Christmas sign that I sprayed with chalkboard paint -- easy re-purposing project.  And the aqua fringe on the table is actually a plastic tablecloth.  I cut a strip the length of the tablecloth (and probably 20-24 inches wide), folded it in half, and then laid it on a cutting mat.  Using my rotary cutter I started at the open edge and cut strips, stopping about 1 inch from the folded edge

Coffee filter pom-poms and tissue pom-poms

 More plastic tablecloth fringe, a pendant banner I made a few years ago, and a glittery title created the perfect backdrop for the food table.  To make the "favorite" letters I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut them onto cardstock, then sprayed them with spray adhesive, and doused them with glitter.

The main activity, of course, is the exchange of favorite things.  But I like to throw in 1 or 2 other activities  to keep the conversation and partying moving along.

This game is a repeat from my first favorite things party.  Everyone fills out the entire questionnaire.  Then we go around and reveal our answers, one question at a time . . . but we play it Scattergories style.  If someone else has the same answer, you cross it out.  (It's important that you don't leak this game play info before you start!)

[ Hey!  You can Download the Favorite Things Game right here. ]

The people with the highest number of unique answers received a little prize!  I gave out these adorable tiny boxes filled with milk chocolate Lindor Truffles.  Mmmm, my favorite.

One of my favorite things is crafting, so I decided to set up a little crafting station with some super simple, mess-free crafts.  The craft station was centered all around things you can do with washi tape (another favorite).

I set out the supplies, gave a little creative direction, but it was basically up to the party guests to play and create however they wanted.

And the big activity of the night . . . . swapping our favorite things!  We each wrote our name on 4 pieces of paper and added them to the bowl.  Then everyone drew 4 names (making sure not to get their own name or a duplicate).  One by one we went around the room and each woman shared her favorite thing and why it was a favorite thing.  Then she would give her favorite thing to the 4 ladies she had drawn.  

I've found that it is the most fun to keep the names you draw a secret, until it gets to your turn and you announce who your favorite thing goes too.  It just helps to build up the excitement and anticipation.  Kind of like Oprah's favorite things, but with less screaming.  

Here are the favorite things that were shared:

• Harry & David Red Pepper and Onion Relish + 1 mini latte bowl in seafoam
• Eggsact Egg Timer
• Skin care samples and cookies
• Keychain wristlet
• Room Spray from Pier1 Imports
• Ethel M Pecan Brittle
• Cakestands (such a cool DIY - she glued together a dollar store candle stick holder & melamine plate from Target)
• Mason Jar mug plastic water bottle - from Target
• favorite foods/treats from the bulk section at Winco
• L'Oreal Voluminous mascara

The menu for the night included . . . 

• pumpkin muffins
• chips and my favorite dip (Pepper & Onion Relish + cream cheese)
• grapes, cherry tomatoes
• peanut butter M&M's, Twizzler Nibs, and almonds served in nut cups
• Brie and crackers

Also some white chocolate popcorn in these adorable french fry boxes

And for dessert, chocolate chip pizookies with vanilla ice cream.

I love putting together favors to send home with party guests.  I did a repeat of the brown paper bag because it doubles nicely as a way for people to carry home their new favorite things.

Inside, I also put together a small packet of favorite things for everyone who attended.  Small notebook, one Lindor truffle, and a roll of washi tape. (All from Target)

And that was it!  Honestly, this is probably the biggest that I have ever gone for a ladies' night party -- the combination of decorations, food, activities, etc.  It was a lot of work, and it came out very nicely and I think everyone appreciated it.  (I hope I didn't set the standard too high, because it's all down hill from here!)  The best part is coming away from the party feeling like you just celebrated Christmas!  

I think someone said that we should do this every month.  Well, maybe not every month.  But I'm sure I'll be throwing another one of these in a year or two.  

sometimes it's a smartie for lunch

This has been a busy week.

Even though my calendar is stacked and we're running here & there and I'm supervising homework while multi-tasking 2-3 other items and sometimes my lunch consists of a Smartie that I found in the center console of the van . . . it's still a good kind of busy.  The kind of busy that I know is full of blessings.

My busy // My blessings

volunteered at the school 3 times this week (this is unusual) // got to give Payton a hug outside class

Relief Society Presidency meeting and a list of to-do's // received a handkerchief from one of the counselor's who returned from Ireland

exercise - 3 out of 5 days this week isn't bad // the mornings are the perfect temperature right now for running

religion class // always leave feeling enlightened

squeezing in errands // scored a $13 pair of shoes for family pictures

fixing dinner - 2 nights of crockpot, 2 nights of leftovers, and 1 night of corn dogs // dinnertime brings us together

a hair cut for me // hello pampering

cleaning the pool after a big wind storm = lots of leaves & crud // not sure what the blessing is here

packed up belongings for an elderly woman (also a hoarder) who is moving  // service is good

luncheon with women from church - they are all empty nesters // these ladies crack me up

missionaries came over for dinner // my kids love to talk

Cub Scout pack meeting // laughing & playing a game with the kids

put together a bulletin board for school (see below)  //  it's fun to be creative

not to mention piano lessons (x3), glee class, music ensemble // music is in our home

And the weekend will be no exception to the busy/blessing formula -- double date, moving service project (this time for Scott), General Relief Society Broadcast, shopping errands, and Anna's 8th birthday.

* * * * * * * * * *

I was pretty happy with the way the 5th grade A.R. (Accelerated Reader) bulletin board turned out.  Get it? . . . . A.R.rrrr!!  The student names will be on paper coins that can advance across the board.

My Silhouette Cameo got a serious workout last night.

* * * * * * * * * *

Good reads this week:

I like it when you laugh - Ali Edwards

Alma 7:23 

* * * * * * * * * *

I cooked this week:

Chocolate Caramel Goodness

Chicken Spaghetti - crockpot

BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches - crockpot 

contentment basket

(thanks everyone for your response to my Deliberate Motherhood book giveaway!  I love reading your comments and hearing from women who strive for the same things.  Hooray!  To enter go to THIS POST and comment.  I'll announce a winner on Monday.)

I have a spiral notebook that contains my notes from The Power of Moms - the retreat, articles, and podcasts that I've listened too.  I find myself flipping through the pages from time to time -- so many little nuggets of wisdom, thought-provoking questions, and ideas.  

One of my favorite little ideas, that latched itself onto my brain and hasn't left since, is this . . . . .
a contentment basket.

It is a collection of things that help you to feel refreshed, enlightened, creative, centered, peaceful, energized, inspired, focused, and content.  All in a handy basket.

We know motherhood can be crazy.  Being pulled in many directions, there's the to-do list that never ends, and so many demands on our time.  All this can add up to one frazzled mom.  Are we giving our best to our families when we are bug-eyed crazy?  Probably not.  We owe it to ourselves, and our families, to take some time each day (even 10 minutes) to take care of ourselves.  But really, I think this applies to anyone in any stage or circumstance of life.

So,

Think about the things that you need to nourish your emotional / spiritual / mental well-being.  What makes you feel uplifted and inspired?  What do you need to do to feel like a normal (sane) person?  What do you want to learn? 

Gather these things into one location.

Make your "contentment basket" part of a daily routine (morning or night).  Or if you're feeling stressed / stretched through the day go to the basket and choose 1 or 2 items that will help bring yourself back.

What do you put in your basket?  Here are some ideas

• scriptures
• journal - record a proof of your life, thoughts, I loved the presenter's idea for writing "10 things on my mind right now"
• yoga or pilates DVD, resistance bands, pedometer, etc -- some kind of reminder that you need to move your body
• essential oils, if that works for you
• something to spark your creativity -- a home magazine, recipe book, or a project printed out from Pinterest that you'd like to do, 
• pictures of your family or ancestors
• a book or novel
• gratitude journal
• a favorite music CD

The idea is to have it all in one place so that it can be a refuge for you.  The presenter at the Power of Moms retreat said this:  "I'm looking for a daily refreshing of life, without leaving my life."

And she also quoted Katrina Kenison from her book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day :  "A close relationship with myself requires slowness.  A thoughtful life is not rushed."

I have been meaning to put together my contentment basket for the longest time.  I thought a lot about it over the summer but never got around to it.  And then, last weekend Scott and I went to the temple and inside I ran into the woman who presented this very idea at the POM retreat!  Wow.  I don't know where she lives in the valley.  Somewhere.  But what a crazy coincidence to run into her . . . inside the temple.  It was just the spark I needed to finally make this happen for myself.

 Currently, my basket contains:

• my journal
• Book of Mormon and notebook
• Deliberate Motherhood and notebook
• a "happy things" journal
• Inspired You: Breathing New Life into Your Heart and Home (for creativity)

deliberate motherhood

de-lib-er-ate (adjective):  done consciously and intentionally

everyday moment:  I took some time before church to gather the kids around the piano and practice a song that they will sing at Anna's baptism in a few weeks.

intention:  I want the kids to love and understand music.  And I want them to participate in continuing a tradition.

everyday moment: I sent the kids outside to play on a warm Saturday afternoon.  Later when I checked on them I found them all sitting in the shade, hunkered around Conner's iPod screen.  From the garage I grabbed a street hockey net (still in the box) and handed it to them, "put this together and play."

intention:  I want the kids to learn how to work together.  I want them to have practical knowledge of how to build things by following directions.  I want them to remember that playing together is more fun than playing with a video screen.

everyday moment: Walking home from school.  Holding Payton's hand.

intention: Even though the school pick-up rounds are time-consuming, I choose to do it this way because I want those extra moments in the car and on the walking path, away from distractions (toys, snacks, friends), to hear about their day, talk, laugh, connect, and hold hands.  (I am thankful that our location & schedule allows for me to do this . . . I know that not everyone can.)

Recently I received a copy of this wonderful book in the mail.

It is a collection of stories, ideas, and motivating principles compiled by the great women at Power of Moms.  Earlier this year I attended a Power of Moms retreat and had such a good time.  Having this book in my hands suddenly reminded me of all that I learned there.

As I look back, I think the biggest take-away for me was simply getting to spend an entire day thinking about what I want for my family.  And deciding that I should spend regular time thinking about my intentions, purposes, and goals.  How do I want to mother?  What do I want my children to learn & remember?

I love LOVE the term "deliberate motherhood".  In the book's introduction, Co-Directors of Power of Moms April and Saren, define this:

" . . . it means that you really think about what you do as a mom.  You really care about your family and want the best for them. Plus you want to learn and grow and develop yourself as a person through the experience of motherhood.  You live life purposefully. You embrace what you uniquely bring to your family."

I think that is perfect!  I want to be a deliberate mother.  And I want to surround myself with women who are striving to be deliberate mothers as well.

Above I shared a few moments and routines in which I feel like I am mothering deliberately.  Making mindful choices with a purpose at heart.  But I know that there are many moments and many days that pass by in a blur where I feel more like a deliberate zombie than a deliberate mother.

It happens.

And then I realize that I have the ability to do better.  I am the mother.

"Living deliberately means that we need to acknowledge that we are in a mothering phase of life.  That doesn't mean that we can't or shouldn't do anything else.  However, we don't want to wish our mothering years away."  page 90-91, Deliberate Motherhood

I love the back cover of the book . . . 

It is not about perfection.  It is not about decorating birthday cakes, sewing halloween costumes, or being the most on-the-ball classroom mom.  It is about discovering the talents, skills, heart, and strength that is unique to each of us . . . . and utilizing this power to create a life in which your family can love and thrive.

"The power of mothering and living with intention is having a vision for our lives and key relationships.  It is refusing to live in a constant reactionary state.  It is choosing to have control over our responses even when we cannot control the causes.  It is making a mistake; as we do daily, even hourly; and regrouping, dusting off, and starting again.  It is knowing who we are and lining up our doing and being with the glory of our possibilities."  - p.100, Deliberate Motherhood

Love that last line.

I would love to share a copy of this book with one of you.  To enter this GIVEAWAY, just leave a comment on this post.  Sorry, this is for US residents only.  I will randomly select a winner and announce the name next Monday (September 30).  

* * * * * * * * * *

If you would like to purchase this book yourself, Power of Moms is offering a special during the month of September.

For anyone who purchases the book in September and sends their receipt (or an email acknowledging purchase) to [email protected], they’ll receive complimentary access to the Deliberate Mothering Podcast series (valued at $20). Also, on October 4^th, 10 Grand Prize Winners will be selected to receive the Power of Moms Premium Package (valued at $224)!  For all the information on this special giveaway, visit THIS LINK

* * * * * * * * * *

I received this book at no cost.  This review and all opinions are completely my own.  Additionally, I am an affiliate member which means if you click the banner below and purchase any products I will receive a small comission.

gifts of 34

Let me just start off by saying that I am one spoiled girl!  I have great friends.  A thoughtful husband who plans and prepares and shops a month ahead of time.  And sweet kids who's excitement for my birthday is right up there with Christmas.

Here's just a snapshot of my day and the many gifts I received.

cupcakes and mini bundt cakes

a new book, microplane, sweets, stamps, and rose-scented hand creme

Face-time (which makes the miles feel not so far)

phone calls and texts from my brothers and parents

a lot of door-holding and jumping at the chance to do chores for me (make my bed, unload the dishwasher, etc.)

popularity.  Anna told everyone that it was my birthday.  At pick-up she said, "Mom, Olga in my class says happy birthday to you."

so many sweet messages on facebook and instagram

being spiritually fed in religion class

pretty gifts waiting to be opened

halloween decor, goodies from Papaya Art

hooray for smelling good and stained glass stars (love Piggy & Dirt!)

epic gifts from the heart of a child.  That would be a Disco LED party light.

in action

The kids busted out an impromptu dance performance for me.  I can only imagine what the neighbors were thinking! . . . "what is going on at the Brown's house?"  It was so much fun.

Not only did the kids pick out this gift because they thought I would love it (I constantly joke about needing a disco ball in the dining room because of our awesome floor to ceiling mirrors) . . . . but they were bursting with excitement because they knew I had a party coming up and they were SURE this would be perfect for it!

What cute kids.

I am one lucky, spoiled mom!

fox friday

Hello!  I'm popping in for a quick post this friday.  It's been a good day so far.  Lots of cleaning, setting out,  beautifying, and so far no showering (that will come later).  You see, I'm hosting a little party tonight (Favorite Things - it was such a success 2 years ago I've wanted to do it again ever since.).  It's going to be adorable.  I promise to share photos and details.

In other news, I had my birthday this week!  I ate way too many cupcakes & sweets and it was a great day!  Bring on 34!  There were lots of birthday wishes from friends and fun gifts and surprises amid a very busy day.  My family treated me well and as usual the kids pulled out some thoughtful/creative gift ideas.  They are awesome.

The other highlight of this week was discovering our new favorite song, "What does the fox say?".  We love it.  But we also love Weird Al and Dr. Demento.  Anna has even decided that she wants to be a fox for Halloween.  I filmed a short excerpt of the kids singing it this morning.  Check out the official video below.  I am SURE that it will make your Friday and you'll be singing it all weekend long.  

You're welcome.

P.S. Go BYU!  We'll be watching the game versus Utah on Saturday!

week in the life 2013 // sunday

Day 7 of recording a week in the life.  Even though, at times, this project can feel like a lot of work (taking photos, writing notes, observing, etc.) I am so glad that I did it.  Already, as I scroll through my photos I see a life . . . an everyday rhythm . . . that is so different than what it was 2 years ago, even 1 year ago.

That is the special thing about this project.  Taking a step back and recording what life - real life - looks like right now.  

I plan to put these photos into scrapbook pages and add them to my week in the life album.  When I do I will share them here.  But you'll probably have to be patient.  :)

Here is a look at Sunday:

ready for church, waiting for me

gathering the binders (rolls and announcements)

practicing

squeezing in a few more minutes

the sunday party wagon

my door holders

egg salad sandwich craving . . . satisfied

naptime  (Scott - 2 hours, Me - 1 hour)

dinner prep - baked potatoes and lots of toppings

33 favorite moments

It's my birthday month and I'm looking back at the past year.  Last week I shared a list of things that made 33 great . . . . Now, I'm going to share a list of moments that made this year great.

* * * * * * * * * *

signing papers on our house.  Feeling giddy and pinching myself.  Is this for real?

getting a jar of homemade Oregon raspberry jam in the mail after depleting the stash we brought with the move

walking into the house for the first time with the keys in our hands.  And watching the kids' excitement as they discovered and explored the house for the first time.

moving into the house and being reunited with our stuff that had been in storage for 7 months.  It was like Christmas.

riding California Screamin' with the whole family

a visit from Jenn's family.  watching the kids play, feeling so happy, knowing that we'll be friends forever.

when Conner was ordained to be a deacon and then watching him pass the sacrament for the first time.

my girls' weekend in Oregon.  Hugging friends at baggage claim, a sparkling night out on the town, sitting on the bed in our matching robes, feeling friendship.

opening my email to find an e-vite to a New Year's party after being in the house for 1.5 month.  Feeling hope that I might actually make some friends here.

watching Anna sing a solo in a talent show for the first time

completing a #walk100miles challenge

watching the kids ski in utah.  I am not a skier, but it makes me so happy and proud to see them catch on and really enjoy it

unpacking my craft room

writing love notes to each other for family home evening

my "one year later" moment under a blossoming tree at the park

walking to school everyday

when Scott returned from Utah with 100 cake bites from The Sweet Tooth Fairy

attending the Power of Moms retreat

stepping off the plane in Kauai, smelling the sweet air, and realizing that we had 7 days of relaxation ahead of us!

zooming down the 1200 foot long King Kong zip line in Kauai with Scott

finding not one, but two heart-shaped rocks on Kauai

coming home from Kauai to find that Payton had finally learned to whistle

alternating between swimming in the pool with the family and laying on the warm trampoline

visiting the Bellagio Conservatory Garden with my mom

seeing my baby brother get married

enjoying 3 days of quiet, reading, and projects while the kids were at cousin camp

being in Oregon as a family and hanging out with friends.  A list of my favorite moments in this post.

roller skating with the family

making my own strawberry jam -- my first Vegas batch, with berries from Bountiful Baskets

greeting Scott back home after a week at Scout Camp -- his beard blew me away!

meeting my long-time online friend, Rochelle

jumping on the 40-year old couch in Mindy Gledhill's Provo studio

going on dates with Scott 2-4 times a month thanks to our wonderful built-in baby-sitter

* * * * * * * * * *

I have to say that this was a great exercise to think back and compile all these wonderful moments.  I've been gathering this list for a while and just now, as I read it all together in one body I can't help but be thankful for the blessings we have received.  It's amazing to think about the changes and growth that have happened in just the last year - where we live, our family dynamics and routines, my personal growth -- it makes me just a little teary (happy) to note all that we have experienced.

Life is good.

Find joy in the journey.

 

* * * * * * * * * * 

inspiration for this post here

week in the life 2013 // saturday

This week I am participating in a "week in the life" project, inspired by Ali Edwards (lots of details here).

from Ali: "A seven-day documentary project, Week In The Life is an annual opportunity to capture the simple everyday details of your life with photos and words."

Each day I'll share a few of my photos here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

lounging

saturday morning zombies

organizing her room

saturday morning chores

listening log (for piano lessons)

palm tree pruning

bathroom project

back from swimming with friends

date night

he creamed me

week in the life 2013 // friday

This week I am participating in a "week in the life" project, inspired by Ali Edwards (lots of details here).

from Ali: "A seven-day documentary project, Week In The Life is an annual opportunity to capture the simple everyday details of your life with photos and words."

Each day I'll share a few of my photos here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

family scripture time

balloon creations (thank you Heidi & kids for the package!)

ready for school

lunch

waiting at pick-up

after-school cool down snack

priming walls & ceiling

papa murphy's pizza

pizza and a movie (Star Trek)

loving it

week in the life 2013 // thursday

This week I am participating in a "week in the life" project, inspired by Ali Edwards (lots of details here).

from Ali: "A seven-day documentary project, Week In The Life is an annual opportunity to capture the simple everyday details of your life with photos and words."

Each day I'll share a few of my photos here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

scripture study

immersed in The Mark of Athena

post-run cool down

funny

walking home

a new lego catalog

bag depot

back to school night

diablo 3 night

bedtime snack

week in the life 2013 // wednesday

This week I am participating in a "week in the life" project, inspired by Ali Edwards (lots of details here).

from Ali: "A seven-day documentary project, Week In The Life is an annual opportunity to capture the simple everyday details of your life with photos and words."

Each day I'll share a few of my photos here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

making lunches - 5:27am

family scriptures

weights + abs with Jillian

never stops

my work space

after-school snack

pretzel math

dinner - stroganoff & broccoli

court of honor, leader award

laundry folding before bed

week in the life 2013 // tuesday

This week I am participating in a "week in the life" project, inspired by Ali Edwards (lots of details here).

from Ali: "A seven-day documentary project, Week In The Life is an annual opportunity to capture the simple everyday details of your life with photos and words."

Each day I'll share a few of my photos here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

one of us smells good

the browns walk to school

stripes

desire, believe, ponder

love this face

(free) piano lessons

pokemon obsession

sprinkles and overcast

pokemon obsession

bedtime stories

week in the life 2013 // monday

This week I am participating in a "week in the life" project, inspired by Ali Edwards (lots of details here).

from Ali: "A seven-day documentary project, Week In The Life is an annual opportunity to capture the simple everyday details of your life with photos and words."

I did this for the first time in 2005.  And again in 2008 (see HERE) and 2011 (see HERE).  It's a bit of work up front, but I love the result.  I love capturing this snapshot of our everyday lives with words and pictures.  Without a doubt, our lives and our routines have changed each time I attempt this project.  It is a reminder to me that time marches on and I should capture the present while we have it.  Each day this week I'll share a few photos.

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ready to go

getting a ride with dad

lunch for one

our family

a little iTouch time

baking cupcakes

velvety leaf on a blustery day

math homework