family – keep opening doors

The chandelier

Posted on April 15, 2014April 15, 2014 by Keep Opening Doors

For months, a momentous event has been underway in our family: my in-laws are moving out of the home they built and have lived in for more than 40 years.

As you can imagine, my focus has been on capturing and documenting as much of the move as possible through photos. I will share more in future blog posts; for now, I would like to share this moment from the move.

Upon discovering that the dining room was empty, our daughter said, “Mom, I’ve always wanted to touch the chandelier! Is it OK?” I nodded, focused my camera on her as she slowly reached up to touch the chandelier, and captured her excitement.

An empty house can be a wonderful place of discovery and adventure, especially from a child’s perspective.

Family books

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Keep Opening Doors

Earlier this week, we were surprised to learn that five eagerly awaited boxes from France arrived and were waiting for pick up at the post office. My husband dashed out the door to pick up the boxes and was back home surprisingly fast.

Knowing the boxes were filled with old family books, we carefully opened them, one by one,

making sure each book was removed gently.

We took time to admire the textures, patterns,

vibrant colors,

to read the inscriptions,

and to explore their pages.

All of the books were written in French, and the girls were curious to know more about the contents of each book. Thankfully, my husband reads and speaks French, so he was able to elaborate.

After the books were all unpacked and the girls went off to play, I remained close by with my camera. In the quiet, I watched my husband explore the books,

often smiling as he read more of the inscriptions. I imagined him establishing a deeper connection to some of his relatives from generations past.

We are so fortunate to have such rich family history to pass down through our family.

Food buddies

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Keep Opening Doors

Our pup knows who to visit for a snack at our table; her food buddy is the best bet!

Favorite Photo Friday: family photos

Posted on August 30, 2013August 30, 2013 by Keep Opening Doors

While my husband captures an image of our youngest daughter, our oldest throws in some bunny ears to elicit a smile.

Working on pull-ups in the hallway

Posted on July 14, 2013July 14, 2013 by Keep Opening Doors

Both girls are working on getting stronger; pull-ups have now been added to the mix. (More girl power!)

Pausing

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Keep Opening Doors

Pausing to quietly search for the right word. Her poem is almost finished.

Three at the window

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Keep Opening Doors

For me, quiet, relaxing mornings are one of the joys of summer break. I am thankful that there is no need to get sleepy kids out of bed, no need to find backpacks and pack lunches, and no need to rush out of the house to make it to school before the morning bell. I welcome the change.

At our house, (most of the year, but especially in the summer) the girls and I enjoy starting our day by creating; the girls wake up and start drawing before breakfast and I enjoy taking photos in amazing morning light.

As the first full week of summer break started today, it seemed like the perfect time to set up the art table again. There is a need for a dedicated space where art supplies are ready anytime and where the girls can come together and create. So, after moving a bit of furniture around, I set up a place for them at the front window, and they immediately started drawing together.

A few minutes later, their sweet pup joined them and all three sat together at the window.

I treasure these moments!

Not what I had planned…

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Keep Opening Doors

With a great photo idea in mind, I arrived at school early for pick-up, found the perfect parking spot, set my camera, and waited for the girls to walk into my viewfinder. I was ready to capture the excitement of the end of a school day on a Friday afternoon.

While I waited, I began to think about how I wanted to send this yet-to-be-taken-photo to my husband, as he misses these moments while he’s at work. Then, SURPRISE! Our youngest suddenly appeared in my viewfinder, ahead of schedule and was almost out of the frame when I captured this image. With all of my preparation, I didn’t even have the time to focus properly!

This was not the image I had planned, yet it is one of my favorites from the school year; I laugh when I see this photo and remember how happy the girls were to be starting the weekend.

Some of my best planned moments often turn into something different, and altogether wonderful!