I just made a pot of chili and it simmers on the stove.
On the L-shaped couch sits a huge plastic Sam-sized container of animal crackers, the lid nowhere to be found. Along with my two boys, a bowl of popcorn, one (empty, thank goodness) plastic cup, a pillow, a remote control, a stuffed teddy bear and a used kleenex.
A.N.T. Farm is on the t.v.
My little girl plays with her favorite toy today, a generic zhu zhu pet.
Some and all homework is done (for the kindergartener and 3rd grader, respectively).
A light rain falls outside, off and on.
We wait for Daddy to come home from work.
It’s a chilly January day and I am reminded of how blessed I am to be warm and dry inside, and to have food to feed my kids and clothes to put on their backs.
And how much extra there is in our life to entertain us and keep us busy and to keep our minds going and our bellies over full.
This family. This love. This everything that I want and have and cherish…
p.s. these photos were taken back in November when I wanted family photos and pics for our Christmas card. We used my friend Sarah’s backyard that backs up to a “Coulee” (Cajun for “creek”). The same creek is now flooded and her backyard looks like a lake! Oh this weather!
Your family is gorgeous, Elaine!!
And oh the moustaches, so awesome!
Yay! Good for you for jumping into the photo! That is SO important! 🙂 You’re family is beautiful!
Love the mustaches & cute hats!! Actually, all of your pics look great!
Getting family pics is such a freakin’ challenge with us! Nobody looks in the same direction and smiles at the same time. Ever.
Oh I love this! You have a beautiful family. 🙂
WW: Unique Kitty Ornament
Beautiful!!!
LOVE the mustaches. 🙂
I was going to say! You must live somewhere in the south!!
It is so heart warming to read a friend’s words and see that they are truly happy. Life may have its ups and downs but you always take the time to capture the memories in such a beautiful way.
What a fabulous description you provided. I felt like I was right there.
And the photos are wonderful. I have to get our family photos going, we have yet to have a decent one…
All such beautiful pictures!
Beautiful pictures! I’m serious about having you up to MI to take D & K’s senior pictures – it would be so fun! We’ve got 1.5 yrs to plan it 🙂
You are so good at making the everyday normal stuff sound sound so special. I hope you’re enjoying some sunshine today!
BEEEEEautiful!!!!!
I would never recognize them with those mustaches… 😉
I love these photos every time I see them. I also love that feeling that is all is right with the world that sometimes settles around us like a warm blanket.
I love those moments you captured – in your picture and in your post.
Those disguises are brilliant. Hardly knew it was the same family!
Kiran
I love these pictures!! Your family is beautiful.
Its amazing how blessed we realize we are when we take a moment and step back.
What a gorgeous family you have, Elaine! There is something so magical about those ordinary moments that make you really see what you have an appreciate it.
Beautiful words and beautiful pics. Love it. 🙂
Katie is your mini me! I would love to see side by side pics of you when you were little and Katie.
Such a gorgeous family!
so beautiful.
Beautiful photos, Elaine. And yes, we are lucky and blessed beyond words.
xo
Great shots! We did ours this year for the first time as a family. so happy we did it!
Oh such a beautiful, lovely, and loving family!
And the mustaches? Hee! Too. Much!
xo