January two thousand fifteen in photos

The first month of 2015 is now gone. I am back to trying to take a photo of the day. I love this project when I can complete it. I spend time in the day thinking about our life and what really is important to me.

I want to believe that if I pick up my camera daily I will get better each day and see the world with all of its lines and textures.

I want to capture the moments in life that make us who we are as the kids grow and change so much each day.

I want to remember what makes each member of my family happy or maybe just the dreams we each have.

I want to remember the best times are the little times. The simple times at home together.

Now on to February one month closer to spring!:)

Winter Views

Last week we had some winter.  I needed a break from "life" and took my camera to capture a little of the beauty.  There were some leaves that just never fell but looked beautiful with the snow!

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Time on the mat

Riley has started wrestling this year.  This is a new schedule for us. I can say from a Mom's point of view it is a little hard to watch.  

This young man of ours has grown so much in the past year. He is as tall as me and is catching up in weight.  He has been so sore and tired.  When I ask him if he likes wrestling I get a big smile telling how me much he loves it.

His Dad loved this sport too and I can see Andy expressing more and more of an interest in wrestling.  So I will figure out how to photograph it well and learn to watch it without closing my eyes (sometimes).

Week Two Two Thousand Fifteen

A week two of photos.
My Dad surrounded by most of his grandkids helping to celebrate with him.
Cold days lead to reading for Brianna.
A trip to the library means new cookbooks with hopefully new ideas for dinner!

My yarn addiction comes again this time with skeins for the girls and I to learn to crochet!
Brianna having some relaxing time right before bed with some down time to color.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

Katies Family Day

Today was a day to remember the first time I held Miss Katie.  She brings so much joy to us.  She has a smile that seems to stretch to the sun.  

She has been home for eight years and today was a celebration of her family day. It is not a complicated celebration but more a day filled with little moments of remembering the wait and the first time I held her.

I think of her birth Mom and her foster Mom today.  Two women whose hearts paid the hardest cost of letting go.  How I wish they could see her, to hear her play piano, and to sit and cuddle with her. All the privileges that I have and forget how lucky I am at times.

Adoption has become a part of who we are as a family.  There are pieces to it that are unfair and hard and yet if you asked I would not change anything. This little girl was the start of me seeing just how deep love can go and what the true meaning of family is.  

Two Thousand Fifteen Week One

The first week of January had a lot of snow.  Riley was not to be stopped when he wanted to grill dinner!

A new sound in our home
Brianna's wreath in her endless decorating
Helping in the greenhouse, how I love green in winter

My Dad turns 70
A sneak peak at Andy's last day of break
This family loves to sled

This little Brownie of ours getting a little reading in.

That was a sneak peak of our week. I have taken a photo a day in the past but last year I just couldn't get it done.  However a new year means new goals!

Our last family Christmas!

 January has come and it is time to end December's photos.  I had to do one more post with our second family Christmas.  It was filled with family and eight cousins!
 I have a nickname for this niece that is Minnie Me, and now we are two photographers!

Some people like to wear their gifts all different ways!

Lots of excitement over different gifts.  Even a little touchdown action over new shoes!

Too cute all these kids!

All family events end or start in the family game pitch.  Looks like my Dad is starting the next generation.  Riley has the game down and Andy is listening and learning all the rules.

Now on to January. I put away the Christmas decorations today. The house seems bare but also fresh and ready to start all that is new!