It’s a rainy afternoon in central Virginia.

A quiet afternoon with no where to be…watching movies and just plain relaxin’.

These themes are getting harder and harder…this week was a self portrait.  I don’t even like having someone else take my picture let alone taking one of myself.  But I did it, as hard as it was…and I ended up with two.

So the theme for this week was “I Dreamed a Dream” in honor of Martin Luther King Day.  I really struggled with this, but after a few days of thinking about it, I came up with this…

I bought this wood carving when I went on a missions trip to West Africa in 2010.  It was an experience I will never forget and I have dreamt of going back ever since.  If all goes well I will be returning this summer.

This week’s theme…”Made With Love.”  This is my 15 year old son and I took this picture this morning.  Becoming a man but still very much a boy…

I really want to become a better photographer.  I got a new camera (DSLR, my first) and I am trying to figure out how to use it.  I stumbled upon this blog and a 52 week photo challenge.  Since I only found it last night I am already a week behind.  The theme for the week ending 1/6 was resolution.  We can be as creative as we want (or not).  Here is my picture for the week…

I read Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts” in 2011 and in 2012 I have resolved to write down 1000 gifts.  And now I have resolved to post one picture a week!

I can’t believe 2012 is here, but I guess we say that every year.  So much to look forward to this year and I just want to savor all of it as it comes.

Olivia and I have been working on an advent calendar that I saw here. It took us a while but we finished it!

I am currently reading Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand Gifts.”  I started writing those gifts on Thanksgiving Day.  I don’t know how long it will take to get to 1000 but I will keep writing until I get there.  There are so many things to be thankful for…big things but so many more little things that I just need to take the time to listen and look for.  Won’t you join me?

The hubby and I are headed to Family Life’s “Weekend to Remember” for the weekend.  Click here to check it out and see if there is a weekend near you.