When I was first asked to be a part of this project, I was admittedly very excited for the group of photographers I'd be working with. They're an amazingly talented group of women. I was also looking forward to documenting a new aspect of our lives, which I gave little (or no) attention to with the camera. Yet it is such a significant part of our everyday. These left-behind toys, the messes, the food, the strewn about clothes; somedays, I think they're staring me in the face, laughing. You vacuumed? ha! You just emptied the sink? Too bad! The entry way has been cleared of shoe piles & coat mountains? Nope, not today! But a funny thing happened to me, with this photo project. I am now pausing more & taking more deep breaths. Do I still enjoy all these messes? If I'm being honest, not so much, but incorporating my photography into the daily disasters has given me a new perspective. I know that 'the days are long, but the years are short,' but sometimes I have to remind myself about the years. Most the time the kids remind me, even though I prefer being reminded by myself. When they do the reminding, like a week ago when Ry finished kindergarten, it sort of provided a big ole' emotional jerk that I was completely unprepared for. Even though I know it's happening, I'm still not ready for it. I'm not sure I'm ready for all the 'remember when's...' either, but I don't have much choice. So I see this project as the perfect opportunity to help me treasure what's happening now, & embrace it.

Remember when you (Covey) kept sneaking the raspberry muffins off the counter, you thought I didn't know you we're doing it.

Remember when you (Ry) always left a shoe by the upstairs door, & then we could never find a pair, as you rushed out the door to school.

Remember when you boys loved waffles for breakfast (Covey, you were especially particular about it being topped with maple syrup & jam).

Remember when you (Covey) ripped a whole in my favorite tablecloth & you (Ry) tried to fix it with duct tape, when you were supposed to practice your violin.

Remember all those socks you boys left lying throughout the house, & how many times you (Ry) couldn't find socks on school mornings.

Remember that doll Nanny made you (Ella) for your first birthday.

Remember that Cheerios box we turned into a mask, which you boys didn't wear much, but pulled out of your costume box excessively...I think to remind us to smile!

Remember that morning you (Covey) asked for eggs for breakfast; I told you when I was done changing Ella & then came out to find a counter covered in eggs, thankfully unbroken.