the stillness versus life

Some of my favorite moments involve these tiny, kicking, feet.

Photography creates an artificial stillness. Capturing forever one split second, imposing boundaries on the seemingly endless motions of life. Which is to say, life around here has been exceedingly busy. A whirlwind of holidays, friends, families, laundry, baths, cuddles, laughter and not a few runny noses. These days I seem to always be chasing myself. But, when I sat down this morning to review the scattered shots I had taken in the past months the pattern that emerged suprised me. There are dozens and dozens of "action" sequences--pictures of Everett playing with Beatrice, the "not-kitty" and Russ, but there are also punctuations of stillness. Moments that I must have captured to remember that precious quietness.

One "resolution" this year is to finally use some of these delicious stash fabrics.

Which will be much easier and considerably more fun with my BEAUTIFUL new sewing machine. Thank you again and again, sweetheart!

Everett has already reaped a few benefits of mama's new toy. This is Ryan the robot and Bobbi the whale. Not too bad for starting out! And it makes me so happy that these friends have the requested honor of joining Evie for naps and bedtime.

Everett has decided the bath is his favorite place to play. I don't mind as long as the water stays (mostly) in the tub.

It makes my heart glad to see them play together. Beatrice is so taken with her big brother and he thinks she is for the most part pretty great too.

So you don't have to say it, don't those kiddos look like their daddy?

Most days are sustained by a steady influx of caffiene. Poison of choice: Dunkin' Donuts Hazelnut with real dairy cream. (M-O-M-M-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E)

Everett and Beatrice gave Russ a 60-inch Flexible Flyer for Christmas. We have the snow and we have the hills, now we just need the time to get out and go!

Everett's easel, another wonderful Christmas gift, gets attention every day. I think I have a little Pollack on my hands (or maybe a Jasper Johns).

Beatrice enjoyed the paper more than anything. In fact, paper of any sort is her favorite toy currently.

I never seem to keep ahead of the tsunami of laundry. For all my friends out there with more than two kids--My hat is off and I stand in awe.

Everett still enjoys squishing himself into small boxes. Perhaps he will have a career as a Houdini impersonator if the painting doesn't pan out?

Sometimes, my bedroom looks like this.

Gingerbread houses were quite the hit this year. However, next year, I will hopefully remember to make our snow out of flour instead of powdered sugar. That is one never-ending mess!

I still haven't posted 4 month pictures or even thought about her 5 month ones. But isn't she adorable?

This wonderful stray wandered into my kitchen and into our hearts. He comes and goes as he pleases (or as Russ decides) but we couldn't have picked a better kitty for Everett.

Snow Days!

Yesterday we got about a foot of snow! It just kept snowing! It snowed so much that not only did they cancel school today but Russ got to stay home too! We ate pancakes for breakfast courtesy of my amazing husband and then decorated our beautiful tree. We played in the knee high drifts till we were frozen and then came inside to thaw with some delicious chili.

I was a little under-dressed but I changed into the plaid shirt above with lots of other woolies to keep me warm! I remember my mom wearing it every winter when I was growing up.

Phoebe loves the snow! She had so much fun dashing around.

Evie also loves the cold, white, wet stuff.

Russ went to town on our front walk. And then remarked,"I could have shovelled our old sidewalk four or five times already!"

Our living room, all ready for Christmas!

Evie's ornament this year is Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars.

Bea and her daddy hung up her first ornament. A little snowbaby angel! Seems even more appropriate with the weather. Poor baby girl was a bit too sleepy to get excited though.

Evie and Phoebe hanging out together. We think Phoebe regards Everett as her pale, less furry brother.

These are from yesterday before it finished snowing. We only had about 6-8 inches then.

Some inside snow day activity.

Seriously! Look at that snow!

He really likes throwing snow at mom and dad.

Our own December wonderland.

Sweet Bea

I can't believe our baby is going to be four months old in two weeks! These very late pictures mark her three month birthday. Big brother is already teaching her all about having fun!

And in turn she has to talk it over with her puppy.

Just look at those dimples!

But after all that smiling and talking, a girl gets tired and needs a little beauty-rest in daddy's arms.

Hold On Tight!

So I thought a brief catch up was in order so that I didn't end up with an enormous post Mid-January like last year. Russ returned from his deployment on November 4th and we all went to Forbes Field to greet him off the airplane. Evie even made a poster!

Evie was quite ready to bring daddy and daddy's truck home.

I got a hair cut. About 10-12 inches off. Mostly I like it. But I am already growing it back out. Seems to be the way I do things.

The Papa-bear with his cubs.

The very sleepy Mama-bear with her baby bears. Notice Everett is holding his baby too--it isn't real--so no questions about the appearance of baby number three!

Our first snow happened was a beautiful way to celebrate Beatrice's three month anniversary.

We went up to the hill to visit Oma and Baba and Bea got to wear her special red Oma sweater for the first time.

Just hanging out with Dad and the Baba.

Everett and Oma share a book. I hope he learns to love reading as much as we do!

For Thanksgiving we went to Branson, MO to visit Russ's grandparents. We had a really wonderful time. I stupidly left my camera in the car for most of the trip. However, I do at least have a few pictures proving we went. On the last night, our little family took a nature hike as the sun set. It was so beautiful. Each of my kids talked to the " Moon lady." And both Russ and I were reminded how much we love and miss the mountains.

Hanging out with dad in Branson.

This past Sunday, after unpacking and acclimating to our house, we took the kids to go pick out our Christmas tree.

Everett loved running through the soft pine and fir needles. We chose a 8 foot Douglas fir and it stands, soaking water, in the library. Soon to come: our tree decorating pictures!

Ignore the slight dent. It was the Volvo's first time to carry our Christmas tree. It did a nice job too!