Our fabulous year...

Ever since the kids were babies, I've made an annual slideshow from all the pictures we'd taken that year. Although the kids love it, I must admit it gets quite long. Like 100's of pictures long (especially these days!) For most people (except maybe my mom and sister), that version would be as painful as sitting through a distant relative's slideshow from their 1987 trip to the Grand Canyon. So, I've made this shorter version to share.

And, if anyone wants to sit through the long version (which includes Anna's running commentary on each photo), give me a call. The popcorn is ready!!

Here is "Our Fabulous Year: 365 Days in 4 Minutes"

Untitled from Debra Pexa on Vimeo.

Seeking balance...

Picture Winter: There is something wonderful about January. After the holiday buzz, there is a little more time to slow down and figure out what's next. As we tread softly into 2011, let's focus on ways to keep balanced. Sometimes to achieve the kind of harmony we need in our own life, all we have to do is look at the world around us.

Today was the first of my days off. And I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was off to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In any season, this is my happy place. I've been waiting for this day, for weeks. A slow morning walk among the trees and snow. And then writing and reading by the fireplace with a hot cup of coffee...

Hours on my own and uninterrupted. All. By. Myself.

(Wake me up. I must be dreaming.)

It was so lovely. A light snow falling all day. Quiet muffled winter sounds. Crisp air. It was exactly what I needed today. If anything could give me balance today, this was it.

(I finally figured out how to make my photos larger on my blog. Yay me! So in honor of my accomplishment, here are LOTS of photos from my day)

And because I'm being brave these days (and for me, nothing takes more courage than being in the picture myself), here is a-hold-my-camera-out-and-snap self-portrait, right after my walk.



Balance restored.

Off...

Today marks the first day of my vacation. 16 days off. SIXTEEN!!

I slept until 7:53 a.m this morning. Oh sweet luxury!

And the wonderful thing? I don't have any concrete plans. None. (well, besides that two page list of things I want to do....) Ray and Henry will be at school. Anna will be at daycare. Oh my....

We celebrated this morning with pancakes. LOTS of them!



My poor family is starting to expect this from me....

"WAIT - - don't touch the pancakes. I have to get a shot first!

(really, who else takes a picture of breakfast??)