I sent Juliette outside with my camera yesterday afternoon to “find some spring.”

Mostly, she found some gray. New England in early March is a world awaiting its colors.

Found this painful picture on Ambrose’s camera — a leftover from Valentine’s Day.

You should hear the audio that goes with this picture:

“This has been Gabby Bean. Thanks for listening!”

Look out, world. This one was born to broadcast.

Octopus by Daniel

Fun with the self-timer:






“candid” mom in the kitchen shot:


and boy’s best friend:

Outside my window … More snow. A new blanket of white — a fresh clean start to a fresh clean year.

I am thinking … that I love the holiday season, but I love ordinary time too.

I am thankful for … the love and fun and support of my family. I am blessed with an abundance of grace and love.

I am hoping … to get caught up on laundry today. I am only not hopelessly behind because my sister forced me to fold and put away 4 loads (that I was tempted to let sit) when she arrived here on Wednesday night. But by yesterday afternoon, even she was feeling lax about laundry. It’s been a lovely few days of visiting, and I think both our families are exhausted enough to prove it.

On my mind … looming deadlines. The summer issue of Faith & Family, believe it or not. Nothing keeps you thinking a season (or two!) ahead quite like magazine publishing.

Noticing that … there are many people bidding “Good Riddance!” to 2009 this year. I find it sad that so many seem so unhappy with the year that just passed. While I am not in love with everything that happened in 2009, I wouldn’t wish a bit of it away. All of it, even the messy parts, brought me right here where I am right now. And, thanks be to God, this is a lovely place to be.

A few plans for the week … Dan goes back to work on Tuesday and we … go … back … to school? (ouch)

From the kitchen … gingerbread cookies, rum cake, pancakes, sausage, coffee, peanut butter fudge, and leftover Chinese food, chicken dinner, and steak & cheese sandwiches. I will not be cooking today.

Around the house … Dan recently re-did the boys’ dresser drawers, installing new ones in their closet. They did their best to fill them and organize them, but I think there might be a need for some mom-intervention up there. This week, I hope.

One of my favorite things … naps with my littlest boy, made all the cozier by the bittersweet knowledge that he won’t consent to these forever. But for now, he snuggles, he pats, he sleeps.

A picture I am sharing …

How about a few?