Let's Do 52...Red

A scene I find so striking (and fairly common because I live in New England) is a red barn, in the snow. As it happens, it snowed this week, just in time for the week's theme:

RED 

This week I grabbed a kid for company, rewarded him with DD and stayed within a couple miles of home. Many favorites, but these two were top.

Project 365, Week 4

Last January went by so slowly, in contrast this one has flown by! Work has definitely ramped up, but we're pacing ourselves and counting our many blessings.

January 18

Worked out, showered, house picked up, breakfast made, toddler fed and bathed and his laundry done, packed up and ready for work, out the door at 730am to drive 30 minutes to meet his mom. After waiting in the empty parking lot for as long as I could it became clear she'd overslept, so we headed back. I was a little irritated, but honestly, I had such a sweet time talking with both Jesus and Dakota that I was glad for the ride. (Thankfully, the kids were off of school, so I dropped him at home after waking up Avery and was able to get to work.)

On this MLK Day, I was reminded of a quote by Dr King's daughter: Love puts in work. Action is required beyond voting, beyond posting a quote. Jesus' way is one of justice and love, faith and works. And sometimes its messy...first and foremost within me...as I die to my own selfish instincts and desire for comfort, as I work to become more just and loving. And second, without us, as we try, as a society to slowly but surely put things how they were first intended to be.

Thank you, God for grace on this day and for the things you use to make me more like you.

January 19

If it hadn't been the DMV, I would've thought for sure it was the set of a comedy show. Just wow. But...my license is good for many years now!

January 20

Such an enchanting morning with a light dusting of snow.

January 21

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a 

long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being.

 Romans 1:19-20

The day Amanda has been waiting a very long time for...her room getting painted in the color she picked out. It was not as peaceful as this photo makes it look, but it is done.

January 22

The sky was so pretty as I was leaving work.

Youth group was streamed as they held a special send-off/welcome service for the youth pastors. For six years Kendra and Sterling have lead the youth.  We're so very grateful for the influence and impact they have had on our kids and so many others. They love big and wide.

What stuck out to me is how quick they were to give others credit. Thy were genuinely humble, even when it was their moment to shine they jumped to point out where others had supported them, worked with them, helped them. 

We're excited about the new roles they'll have in the church and excited for the new ideas and energy the new youth pastor brings. What a beautiful thing it is to see a life yielded to God, one that says God, steal my show...make of my life more than I could ever do in my own striving. Take my life so that what I do now will hold an eternal weight.

January 23

Its that time of year...weekly ironing. I don't know what Shaun's favorite color it, but based on this collection I have a guess.

The last Saturday for a while that we're all just hanging out. It was lovely to get the time together. I saw the beautiful light coming in (January does a really nice job with that) and snapped an everyday-life photo.

This husband/wife duo, both beloved pastors at our church and amazing humans in life, have moved on to a new church. This weekend they came back as guest speakers for our mission emphasis month. It was SO good to see them again!

January 24

Time at the office with my guys. Aiden came to clean and earn money and Shaun got a few projects done. Just a few more months in this tiny space before we move.

The girls were cleaning/organizing their rooms and got sidetracked with a makeup session using new products they'd gotten for Christmas. It was so heart-warming to watch them enjoying each other's company and a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Reminded me of another makeup kit they got years ago for Christmas. Please tell me how the days add up to years, suddenly getting us from there to here. I'm blown away that I get to be their mom. What a gift!

Walks with my little guy. We have the most interesting, thought-provoking, meaningful-to-life conversations.

And with my big guy, drawing up floor plans for the new office, making decisions that will be in place for many years to come.

 

Let's Do 52...Window/Door

She spends lots of time perched here by the window that looks out onto the street and the front walk, the picture of loyalty, hope and patience. In those way, I want to be just like my dog. :)

(Also, we had the treat of the most beautiful morning snow that then disappeared all on its own.)

Window/Door

Bonus content:

When I think "window" photos, this one from a decade ago comes to mind. My niece Maddy was my willing subject as I worked on honing my photography skills. I really like the mood and the moment. She's always been a beauty and a blessing.

I also have 50 million photos from our house on North Street where the girls were little together. They shared a room that had a turet with a window seat. Such days of fun and laughter and innocence and sweetness...my heart aches for just one more day to sit in that room and watch them be little girls.

 

Project 365, Week 3

A banner week!! We had a fun family day in New York City, where we also got the good news from my oncologist that all my test results look great (not that we were worried, but its always nice to hear!). In related news, I had another birthday, celebrating another year of life! Believe me when I say, coming very close to having life "cut short" (whatever that means!), makes you appreciate the "extra" days and years you have. No more begrudging getting older! :)

January11

We had some stunning sunrises this week!

Aiden was asked to do remote school for the week because someone he may have come in contact with at school had gotten Covid. He enjoys being home and he enjoys being alone, but he does not enjoy doing school on the computer. But, being the resourceful young chap that he is, by week's end he had figured out how to have two computers going...one for school, the other for games when there is a "lull" in his classes. And...this is why kids his age need supervision (but really, I think lots of adults do that too).

January 12

I felt bad leaving him to go to work every day, but he had Ginger and they did fine together.

January 13

New York City! Since I have a check-up at Memorial Sloan Kettering at least every six months, we try to do a family time once a year. Miraculously, the kids equate these trips with happy memories and not the gloom and doom that a trip to the cancer center has the potential to bring. (Let me say up front, all reports were good...my doctor is happy with all the test results!)

This year we ventured downtown, for the first time in a long time. We saw Trinity Church, Wall Street, and the New York Stock Exchange. We walked the length of the Brooklyn Bridge and ventured to Battery Park to get a look at Lady Liberty. We paid our respects at the. 9/11 Memorial and talked about the day's events at length with the kids.

Then we drove up to mid-town, so I could do my appointment. No one under 18 was allowed so Shaun and the kids hung out in Rockefeller Plaza while I was at Sloan. We met up in Times Square, which was eerily deserted, and finished up with dinner outdoors in January.

January 14

Living the life....both the remote student and the dog.

January 15

Birthdays used to be fraught with feelings like ack...I'm getting older! and who am I, who do I want to be? But now? I cherish getting a year older, having another day to live. I'm just grateful. 

I worked 9-5 but I received texts and cards and calls from people I love, reminding me that I am loved. I am blessed!

My boys brought me flowers and lunch and then we grabbed dinner as a family before the girls were off to youth group.

January 16

Dakota brings extra love and laughter with him...he and the kids are wild about each other.

Post-nap hair. :)

January 17

Our typical weekend crew. These faces bring such joy!

A little visit to Grandpa's farm.

We weren't able to see them over Christmas, so they had presents waiting for us. Aiden was overjoyed with his latest edition of Guiness Records. He will pour over it for hours in the coming weeks and months.