let the pictures tell the stories

Light

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.