capturing a moment

ive been thinking a lot lately about photography and

how my absolute favorite pictures capture a moment

as it is happening.

they reveal the personality or character

of a person, which is so beautiful frozen on film.

it is my goal to be better at attempting this,

as daunting as it may be.

i read a while back how unnatural smiles are for

the camera and i just had to nod in agreement.

ive always felt rather silly and particularly

uncomfortable forcing a photo,

but then again i guess we need some of those,

for memories sake, i gather.

i do not know who took the above photo.

(taken at the old restaurant)

i think it was me

but it could have been my sister as she liked

to take the camera around and snap lots of surprise

photos for me to find later.

dont you think its a great photo of my dad?

what are your favorite kind of people pics?

staged or caught in a natural moment?

happy kitchen

just love this image.

it makes me want to start from scratch,

or simply satisfy the urge by making a fun grassy centerpiece for our table

and painting a chalkboard wall near the kitchen table.

january is for new beginnings right?

christmas morning

because of the craziness of that morning,

few pics were snapped.

but im glad i caught what i did.

all she wanted was a pink present.

boy, is that santa a smart guy.

and boy was she a happy little girl,

still wearing the dress she fell asleep in the night before.

lots of treasures inside that box.

and declan was surprisingly easy going,

as ruby helped him open all his presents.

thanks to uncle al,

we were able to attend midnight mass

and stay in our pj's for the morning.

it was a wonderful and blessed day!

merry christmas and a happy new year to all!

i think i might...

have to make my way out to mesa

this weekend.

some last minute christmas shopping perhaps?

i spied these two treasures

from flour clothing.

doesnt that sweater just scream ruby?

and this jacket for dec?

he loves to be stylish.

{above event mentioned here and here}

its beginning to look a lot like...

....christmas

around my home.

i can not believe it is so soon.

the kids tree.

we dont have a big one yet.

soon.

i cant wait.

gum drop people

thanks to martha's ideas in the december issue.


many a gingerbread house
i mean candy eating extravaganza
has occurred.
and one chimney devoured.

and everyday,

the pending question,

'can i open an envelope?'

yes. our advent calendar is strung across the mantle,

and holds a treasure for each day.

oh to be two again!

happy b day eduardo fastidious

we love you!

we started the 10th...ed's bday...
just right with rainbow donuts (yum)
and while he was at work ruby helped me
make this lovely trader joes cake,
which i confess i bought b/c the box was so cute.

and we celebrated later that evening
with a lovely dinner,
cake and vino
and topped it off by meeting up with some
friends after kids went to sleep.
it was a pretty good 31st.

i am pretty sure ruby lives for birthdays.

she may in fact think we are celebrating Jesus' birthday

every night she blows out the advent candles.

silly girl.

happy birthday anyhow; a couple days late big guy.

we love you lots

and think youre the absolute best dad around.

toy calendar

wouldnt this calendar make the cutest kid gift?

this guy makes the greatest stuff.

fabulous ideas up currently on what to do

with old cheerio boxes.

i may have to make one soon.

buy the calendar here.