Week In The Life | Thursday

I've noticed throughout the week there are many moments I have been unable to capture with my camera. Sometimes there are photos that I simply miss, moments have passed that can't be recreated. Sometimes it's moments that are best told only through words.

Through this process and my 12of12 project I have learned not all stories told must come with an image. Stories appear in our life in many different forms. My friend use to call them mental images, whi
ch reminded me so much of the movie  Elizabethtown, where Kirsten Dunst's character puts her hands up to her eyes in the form of a camera when there is a moment she doesn't want to forget and pretends to take a picture. Sometimes the picture is elusive, but that doesn't mean the story isn't worth telling. Share it with your words.

THURSDAY PHOTOS



The story of today includes a very busy morning for us. Friday, Halloween, my kids are out of school so they are doing all the festivities today. Pretty bummed about it, but it always seems our district is doing this kind of thing. Can't we just have Halloween on Halloween?



The story of today includes my frustration of having to leave the kitchen this way. I am not fond of coming home to chaos, but I didn't even have time to eat breakfast this morning let alone clean up. I know, it could be worse.




The story of today includes Megan's school parade -- she played the nerd very well.



The story of today is about how much I love walking through crunchy leaves. It's one of my most favorite sounds.



The story of today includes getting lost in The Container Store. It just opened up a couple weeks ago and since I had to stop by the mall to get a case for my phone I thought I would walk through the store on my way. Big mistake. Not sure how much time I was in there.



The story of today is about nourishment. I've been thinking a lot about what I put in my body and how best to fuel it with how active I am. There are so many differing opinions out there about food it's hard to know who to trust.



The story of today includes these puppies waiting by the door for someone, anyone to come and give them attention. Megan loves to be welcome home this way.



The story of today is about how much I adore this friendship. I said it before, probably yesterday, but knowing Lola has a friend makes me so happy. They are so funny together.



The story of today includes Megan reading me Scary Stories as I edited Wednesday images. She said she is glad I'm doing Week In The Life because she loves to look through the pictures.



The story of today, and one of the most heart wrenching, includes Megan sharing what was in her heart. Apparently there was a Halloween party (she thinks) she wasn't invited to and it didn't feel good to have friends talking about it at school. We had a nice chat and I'm grateful she opened up to me.



The story of today is about finally getting the chance to clean that kitchen. By the time Megan got home and we spent time together I  had forgotten what was waiting for me.



The story of today includes my guy and his passion for 911 Porsches. He has a buddy that buys and sells used Porsches so he is constantly bringing a different one home. This one though just happens to be his. He fondly calls it Jessica.



The story of today is about how giving this man of mine is. I can't remember the last time I gave him a hug that he doesn't reach up and message my neck and shoulders. And that is just the smallest piece of what he does for me. I am blessed.



The story of today includes Adam, like usual, engaging the girls in meaningful conversation. I can't now remember the topic at hand, but he is so great at getting a discussion going with the girls to get them to think. He wants his girls to be thinkers.



The story of today includes just one more pumpkin before the big day tomorrow. Sadly, and I hate to admit, this is only the 2nd pumpkin we carved all season. It is so not like  us. We usually start early September -- not sure what happened.



The story of today includes a visit from our home teachers (they our members of our church who visit us once a month).



The story of today includes ending the day with homework, or so I thought.

Week In The Life | Wednesday

Wednesday photos

I don't have a lot to say so I'm just going to jump right to the photos. I will say this, I am still loving this project I think I might miss it come next week.



The story of today includes me waking up at the crack of dawn, 4:40am to be exact, so I can get my workout in and then head to violin lessons. If I don't do it then, it won't get done.





The story of today includes us being sufficiently occupied while Bella has her violin lesson. Megan's reading Counting By 7s. She is loving it. While I work on updating my Project Life journal.



The story of today includes Bella dressed as a nerd for spirit week at school (they dress up everyday and Wednesday was NERD day) and her violin teacher not realizing she was in costume. Megan and I couldn't help giggle when she asked Bella if she got new glasses.



The story of today includes coming home from violin to find the scriptures open on the kitchen counter clearly having been read. It made me smile and I couldn't help make a note that Tess chose to spend her morning this way.



The story of today includes another morning routine -- making lunches. Yep I'm one of those moms that make their kids do it themselves, that is unless they fall behind and need added help.



The story of today includes me getting ready as quickly as I can. Breakfast is an important part of my morning and I wanted to make sure I had time to eat before I had to be out the door.



The story of today includes me and my dear friend working at Welfare Square at the bakery slicing and packaging bread. It was such a delightful four hours to not only be able to serve, but chat with her while we worked. Plus, it doesn't hurt to be able to take home a fresh loaf or two.



The story of today includes this little one feeding the puppy. She has not always been fond of Lola, but she sure did enjoy the close proximity today. Lola is obsessed with her smallness.



The story of today includes this little rascal. He, along with her, kept me moving constantly all afternoon.



The story of today includes this messy room. I try to advert my eyes when I walk passed, but Lewis likes to spend time in the loft, so I found myself in there quite a bit today. I'm ashamed of it myself, my kids really can be so messy, so disorganized. If you have an ideas for me to help me encourage my kids to have room pride, I'm all ears.



The story of today includes this boy, this boy, and this dog. They all seems to have quite an affection for one another. Lewis calls Adam uncle and demands to be played with whenever he's in the room, of course Adam is more than happy to oblige. I do wish he would of had a son.



The story of today includes my sweet girls helping me with these two when they got home from school so I could get dinner made. We had such a busy night, we were just beginning.



The story of today includes someone else picking up the camera and taking some pics. Thanks Bella.



The story of today includes getting this in the mail. Tech heaven! I had gone back and forth for weeks and finally decided it's going to happen so it should happen now. I have yet to set it up because I don't have a case and knowing my track record (i drop my phone at least once a day) I don't dare walk around with it without a heavy duty case. You better believe I'll be shopping for one tomorrow.



The story of today includes Megan inviting friends to the neighborhood trunk or treat.



The story of today includes this scene. I will never tire of this scene. We have been soaking in the sun, the delightful fall weather as much as possible while it lasts. I've said this before, but it's truly been an epic Autumn.



The story of today includes sitting around our island together for dinner. What can I say, it was chaotic and sadly I ended up frustrated by the time we left for the trunk or treat (so much to do with not enough hands to get it done). Although I got frustrated, I did love having this table full of people. I couldn't do it every day, not if I'm to stay sane, but I definitely appreciated the moment.



The story of today includes Megan getting sprayed by a neighborhood hooligan at the trunk or treat.



The story of today ends with these two zombies. Bella had a ballroom and orchestra performance tonight at the Junior High, and these two were definitely the highlight. I have loved watching her blossom.

I just finished reading Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks and out of so much death (the book is about the plague) the main character faces, she finally does find a reason for being one of the survivors. It's got me thinking about my life, my purpose.

I've always thought I was put on this earth for a specific purpose. Adam tells me we all feel that way...do you?

Lately, I'm beginning to see my life changing. My life once full of babies and diapers and the constant I need you and middle of the night wake ups is slowly passing and being replaced with more self sufficient independent girls ready and willing to do for themselves. I can see in the distance this change in season and I wonder what else is out there for me? I dream of greatness and not in the famous way, heavens no, in the I want my life to be about something way. I don't want to just let the days pass and hope I fill my time wisely. I don't want to wake up 20 years from now and wonder what it is I did for all those years. I don't want to just live for living sake, I want to make a difference...I want my life to have meaning and purpose.

Please do not misunderstand me, I'm not trying to say that my rolls as a mother and wife are not meaningful, they are the most important and rewarding purpose I have, rather as my life begins to change and my family will need me in different ways so shall the way I go about my life change. Demands will be different

I like to believe my purpose will find me, like fate, that one day I will look in the mirror and realize I have what I was searching for, but I understand enough of life to know that greatness isn't found it's created. Adam told me to envision what it is I want and that will determine the path I should follow. It's sounds simple enough, except, I'm not quite sure I know what that is.

I think for this reason, not really knowing what road to take and being afraid of what else is out there, are the reasons I kept thinking about having more children. Being a mom is what I know, it's what I do. I admit without it I'm not quite sure I know entirely who I am. Please do not misunderstand me, I'm not trying to say that my rolls as a mother and wife are not a grand purpose, they are the most important and rewarding purpose I have, rather the prospect of looking outside that is frightening and at times overwhelming that it makes perfect sense to continue with what I know.

I know what I'm leaning towards...definitely something create. Besides my family and my faith it is the one thing that brings me so much pleasure. I'm hoping my love of creating and XYZ will come together and make a The problem is I like my own vision. Yes, I can do a lot of things, but

sucess fot me is spending your time doing something you love

Of course, this year, it's been strange, me and creativity have not really been friends. I can't understand how it happened, but I have lost my way a little bit and I am desperate to find my way back. Perhaps I need to issue myself another project a week challenge. can do a lot of things, but I don'

week in the life | Tuesday

All I can say is how much I love this project. I mean really love.

I'm writing this post on Thursday so I have another day and a half under my belt as I share these thoughts. The documentation I have done this week is not getting old or overwhelming. In fact, it has actually sparked in me a creative spirit I've longed for for some time.

My philosophy I have stressed for the last few years as I've taught classes about documenting your life and the everyday moments is that through the lens you can see how truly beautiful your life is. That statement is once again solidified by this experience. At the end of each day as I reflect back on the moments that made up that day, I am more and more grateful for the life I have and the individuals in it. Capturing these seemingly basic everyday moments has opened my heart.

Ok so onto Tuesday photos.



The story of today includes Bella's morning routine. She is up at 5am to get her violin practicing done. Then like any good teenager it's spending the rest of the time getting ready.



The story of today includes trying to get Megan out of bed. It's not easy. Remember how I said she was a free spirit? She has a much harder time than anyone else in the family at getting up from her slumber.



The story of today includes violin practice for not only Bella, but Megan too. If the morning goes my way she will have her violin practice done before school. Usually this mean I make her lunch.



The story of today includes me getting pumpkin bread ready with a bow and tag to drop off at a few neighbors.



The story of today includes visiting the Junior High to help with reality days. The 9th graders choose a career are told how many children they have (if they have any), what there husband does (if they have one), and then go about making their way with all the responsibility of adult life. Bella choose to be a composer even though her annual income was very low. She said it was important to her to choose something she loved. I think after this experience she will be very careful about what she decides to do in the future -- after all she had to get a second job. Go Bella.



The story of today includes a half hour break from my regular routine to got to a LDS Relief Society class. I was late due to reality days, but I was grateful for the bit I did hear. It was the last one this year.



The story of today includes these two puppies following behind me as I carried my lunch to my studio. A regular occurrence to eat with an audience. As a side note, June is Lola's across the street friend.



The story of today includes me working through my Week In The Life photos from Monday and other editing left from weeks past.



The story of today includes these two girls coming home from school together and Lola waiting to welcome them home. I don't know how dogs know the time, but Lola gravitates towards the door at 245pm and waits.



The story of today includes spending a good amount of time with this girl in the car back and forth from dance. She's spunky and into being silly and I particularly love that she'll do selfies with me.



The story of today includes the puppy getting too much love. Look at that expression!



The story of today includes this amazing girl. The more time I spend with her the more I realize my eldest is rad. Really RAD. She is one of the most fun people to be with -- very down to earth, considerate, and hilarious! I love her.



The story of today includes delightful fall smelling candles and some Halloween ones to throw into the mix.



The story of today includes a oovoo chat with my friends Bella and Michelle. What a blessing of technology that we can video chat with friends and family who live afar. My 2 cents for today -- oovoo is so much better than skype.



The story of today includes our typical "dad out of town" menu. Homemade pizza and salad.



The story of today includes getting our tax return in the mail (we always file oct15). Not going to lie, it wasn't bad. :)



The story of today includes watching how the evening light behaves in our home. I love this golden hour, but wish it didn't come so quickly.



The story of today includes being painfully aware of just how dark it is at 7:10pm. I love the fall, but man the fading light is hard for me. I wish I could stop it there, but come Sunday this is what 6pm will look like. Shedding a tear. I took this on my way back from getting Megan from dance (I was pulled over). I really do love where we live.



The story of today includes all of us congregating in my room before heading to bed. Bella was catching up on laundry (when you don't get it in on Monday you're on your own), while Tess and Megan joke about


If Week In The Life isn't something your interested in I would encourage you start now to document your life in your own way. You could even join me for 12of12  and just document 1 day a month for a year. Whatever you decide start now -- you will not regret it.