Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 28



Another day, another birthday. This crazy little girl just turned eleven! She has an enthusiasm and zest for life that is hard to keep up with, at least for me. She is incredibly motivated and loves accomplishing whatever is put before her. She is still all about the extremes and that means wonderful, amazing highs and oh so difficult lows. She is sweet, kind and caring and loves to help others, she's my little right-hand and I know I can count on her. We are the same and yet so different and I love her fiercely, excited and nervous for her to grow up in this sometimes scary world.

Here she was early this morning, very ready to open some presents, classic Bryttain...while we were desperately trying to get up to speed...






She's not very into cakes and once again requested a pavlova for her birthday dessert, fine by me...yum!



And just like that the months is over. Thanks for following along, see you again next year.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Monday, February 27, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 27



The cutest little dog that you ever did see. There's something still so puppy-like about him and he's such a happy chappy.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 26






We visited friends today, three sets of them. There were friends who recently bought their long-awaited-for-first-home and we couldn't be happier for them. There were old friends of my husband's and their fun little home zoo (hence the snake photos). Then finally old YWAM friends, one of whom is now particularly old and was having a 40th birthday party.

I kind of wish I'd taken photos at all three places, but I hate to intrude. My family knows to expect it, but I'm never quite sure how others will feel or respond...that's one of the good things about this project, it forces me to be more active and intentional again with my camera.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 25



I love their relationship so much. One of the hardest things about moving overseas was breaking them up. They managed to skype and do things online, but in person is just so much better. Cousins, best friends, better than a brother.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Friday, February 24, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 24



Our family went bowling with friends today, it was a fun little outing (although we discovered prices vary drastically from day to day and Friday probably is the worst day - oh well).

Also...I like him.



*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 23



They just grow up too quickly...

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 22



This photo isn't the one that shows her doing aerial silks, but this is the photo I took today that I love the most. It shows that she's having fun, that when you're working hard and sometimes you fall on your butt, you can laugh at yourself, you get up and try again. What's the point in crying? Or getting mad?
She's resilient this one, and smart, she's picking up this skill faster than others in the class and I couldn't be more proud. She's always been a go-getter, although she can seem quiet to outsiders, those who know her and love her know better!

And just because it's pretty impressive stuff...



*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 21






One of the fun things about homeschooling is that we've been able to sign the kids up for extra enrichment activities in line with their interests. Arran has always been interested in drama and has been attending improv classes in Berkeley. I snuck in for the end of today's class to grab a quick photo or two.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Monday, February 20, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 20










It was a three day weekend, that ended with a fun busy day; an unexpected play date, picking up our boy from his weekend camp, then cooking dinner for a friend with a newborn. It was so lovely for our youngest to have another little girl to play with, it's just a different level of play.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 19



This doggie is truly loved. He is such a special part of our family and brings comfort and joy. He has his own bond with each of us. It's not always about a technically 'perfect photo', but about capturing the moment. The perfect moment.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Photo Project February 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 18



The big brothers left for a weekend Young Life camp today, so the girl cousins got some time together. It was a full day and this chilled out moment, with the dogs, was as they watched a movie together.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Friday, February 17, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 17










This is another constant, and I have many variations of this photo over the years. This may be the first with this particular guitar though, a pretty birthday gift from last year that he seems to be enjoying.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Thursday, February 16, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 16



I swear this one was born singing and she rarely stops. We finally signed her up for vocal lessons and it's been so great to see the improvement and strengthening of a natural talent in a relatively short amount of time. That has been one advantage to homeschooling, which overall is not my preference, that we've been able to use the funds for some fun extra-curricular activities and enrichment classes...and it's part of our school. Even if she never uses it outside of personal enjoyment, she's learning and growing and having fun. Love getting to be a part of it, even if I'm mainly the chauffeur.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 15



He requested a ukelele for his birthday this year, and today he had his first lesson. Such a fun little instrument that we hope will bring years of joy.

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.
his first lesson!

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 14



Don't you do your work with a Valentine's balloon attached to your wrist?

My husband and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day as such, we don't like to be told that today is the day to make loving gestures and we've already declared our undying love for each other, but I do put together a little package for each of the kids. It's pretty simple, normally some candy, a balloon, of course, a little soft toy and maybe some other little heart finds. I'm always amazed how much they look forward to and appreciate it. Just another fun little tradition.

(Edit - so he decided to surprise me with flowers, even though we don't 'do' Valentine's Day...he's a keeper)

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Monday, February 13, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 13






This one, unlike the others, has never really been one for stuffed toys at nighttime, but in the last year she has become enamored with turtles. This little guy is her current bedtime companion.


 *As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Sunday, February 12, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 12






My heart broke a little. I came out from church and found her like this. Her brother had left to spend extra unexpected time with his cousin and her sister had made last minute plans with a friend...she was the only one left, abandoned with nothing to do. Mommy and Daddy did not seem fair in comparison. Fortunately Daddy saved the day and took her to see a movie.


*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Saturday, February 11, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 11


Sometimes the day just gets away from you and you get to the end and just have to snap a quick photo while everyone is tired and waiting for food and hope for the best. This is them, just comfortable together, she can truly lean on him.

The boys had their day (cousin time of parkour and trampolining but it was 'boys' so I wasn't there to take any photos) and we girls had lunch and shopped and went for a bike ride...I didn't take my camera and there hadn't been time for photos, apart from a quick phone selfie as we seriously were losing light, thrown in here just because it's one I'm in.



*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Friday, February 10, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 10



Oh my goodness, just like that we have a teenager! This amazing boy turned thirteen today and he has more than likely caught up to me in height, we haven't checked in a few days but he's excited to overtake me. He is, and has been, visibly changing before our eyes. We can see him growing up. The little boy is vanishing and being replaced by a much bigger boy. Of course he will always be my little boy, but we are no longer at the beginning of the journey, we are well on our way...























He is such a great kid; he is a thinker, he is kind and compassionate and feels deeply. He is funny and intelligent and remembers details and facts and notices the little things. He is grateful for so much and speaks his gratitude, it is such a blessing to me that he doesn't take things for granted, that he'll thank me for cooking meals or driving him to his activities.



He had simple requests for his birthday: for daddy to make a spicy Thai curry and for me to make (my first) ice cream cake...and of course, time with his cousin, arguably his favorite friend in the whole world. Happy birthday you incredible boy!


*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Thursday, February 9, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 9



The thing about anniversaries is that they come around every year. For the celebrations, this is wonderful, but there are hard anniversaries too. It was twelve years ago we lost our Mum. I still feel robbed, for myself, for my kids, for my brothers and sisters. I don't often talk about the details but she didn't get to die a peaceful death due to natural causes, she was let down by a hospital 'error' and then nobody could figure out what was wrong, nothing was done and then it was too late. Maybe it would be easier if her life had ended differently? I mean, I would still miss her, but the feeling cheated wouldn't be a factor.



I really don't anticipate this day and yet it always hits me. I never forget it, because it's the day before my son's birthday, and I obviously never want to forget her, but the rest of the year life just goes on as normal and then the day comes and it's still painful.



Once again it was rainy and dreary, which just added to my sadness. The one tradition I have is to buy freesias, because they were her favorite. I have them sitting beside me tonight and they smell amazing and I wonder why I don't buy them more often? They weren't easy to find, again...as I approached the third florist I was starting to get frustrated; why did it have to be so hard? Why was it grey and raining and miserable? Why did nobody have these flowers I wanted? Why hadn't I thought to plan ahead and actually order some? Finally at the fourth florist they had three little bunches, they cost the most I have ever spent on them, but I didn't care. This is what I did, and still do, to try to remember and celebrate this woman.

I grieve the years I took her for granted, saddened that it wasn't until I became a mother myself that I finally saw her as a friend and could appreciate her in a whole new way, then less than a year later she was gone.



She would have been so excited this year to finally welcome two new grandbabies, to two of her sons. Sons living in the same country as her, not across an ocean, babies that she would be able to get to see and dote on. She would already have been setting aside toys and clothes and would be checking on her daughter-in-laws, probably a little too often. But she's not here to share in any of it...they don't get to share that with her, to see her in her element. She would have been so very happy, I know from my own, too brief, experience, this was something she longed for and looked forward to.

Nothing can bring her back. It's a sad fact...and life still has to go on...and it does. But she will be forever missed.



*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos.

 I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 8



Ah bedtime! As a kid it may be the worst part of the day; the end of fun, as an adult I look forward to it. I look forward to my own bedtime, but I look forward to the kids' bedtime first. A chance for last minute reconnecting with them. We always pray for them before they go to sleep and if there's something on their minds this is often when we'll hear it...sometimes legitimately, sometimes as a stalling tactic. Kisses and hugs and then a few hours of freedom and getting to hang out with my hubby (aside from any last minute random reasons that might cause any one of them to just have to quickly come in to tell us one last thing). 




*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 7



We still enjoy the occasional tea party over here :) especially on rainy, cold days. In reality it's often just the girls, but throw in a few homemade cookies and we can sometimes entice the boy to join us too!

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Monday, February 6, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 6



We seem to be in the middle of a two week stretch of rain. It makes it hard to get out and about or to do much of anything. That also means that I feel like my photography opportunities are limited. I stepped outside for a few minutes earlier today to see if there was anything at all I could shoot, and a little patch of long grass caught my eye...there is something about raindrops beaded up on a surface, that is a little captivating.


*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Sunday, February 5, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 5


This is not staged, this is real life, our life. My man, helping with chores. He could even be a catalog model, don't you think?



*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Saturday, February 4, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 4





The sixth member of our family!

*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Friday, February 3, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 3


















Each of my kids is totally different; creative in their own ways. One of the things about homeschooling is that I can say 'Go paint!' (or draw, or any other medium I choose) and they have to do it, because I'm the teacher and it's part of our schooling. They're talented and I know they enjoy it when they sit down and set their minds to it. Maybe if I wasn't telling them to do this right now, they'd opt for something else, like computer time...but maybe we'll get to the point where they love it enough that it will be something they choose to do on their own (some are further along that road than others). 

Creativity is like a muscle that needs to be exercised and the more you use it, the easier and more enjoyable it becomes. It's another reason I push myself to do this each year, because I get lazy too and it's just the jolt I need to remind myself how much I love this craft.*


*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!

Thursday, February 2, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 2


I love it when my kids read, yes there are times I make them do it, but sometimes, my favorite, is when I find them just doing it of their own accord. Expanding their minds, their imaginations and vocabulary!*


*As in years past, I am once again doing a February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!



Wednesday, February 1, 2017

February Photo Project 2017 - Photo A Day - Day 1

I never made an official announcement about no longer being in business, but after our international moves and having to dive into full-time homeschooling, that is what happened. I still shoot for myself, of course, and occasionally take on a small project, but this is a different season. 


One day I hope to return, but in the meantime, as in years past, I am once again doing my February photo project and will post a photo a day. It may only be one month of the year, but I love to look back on these photos and it never hurts to have a bit of discipline. No real rules, just our life documented a little. Maybe there'll be captions, maybe not, there could be the occasional phone photo thrown in on busier days and sometimes it may be hard to narrow things down and there could be bonus photos. 

I'd love for you to follow along, or even join in. Let me know!




These girls! I have so many versions of this photo over the years; sitting together on one of their beds, hanging out, maybe watching a show or listening to some music...and it never gets old. There are times when they cannot stand to be together and they can drive each other crazy, but they have the sweetest bond too. I hesitate, sometimes, to take this photo yet again, but I do love to see the variations and progression.