001:366

001:366

We were sitting together New Year's Eve when I looked down at our hands intertwined and knew that was what I wanted to be my first photo of the year. I wanted it be something representative of what a new year and a new beginning mean to me. When I know nothing else, I know that, God-willing, John is going to there with me to celebrate, to cry, to learn, to love. Whatever 2012 holds, we are in it together. I can't think of a better way to start a year.

Day 200

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Super John!
John to the Rescue!

My husband is my hero. He has to deal with a lot more than most and still manages to love me unconditionally and keep his faith. I love you,John!

Day 196

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My husband--the Van Halen addict. He wanted to walk down the isle at our wedding to Hot for Teacher. :)

We've gotten back into reading before bedtime. John still likes to steal my Kindle, but lucky for me a friend loaned him this book. The Kindle is all mine tonight!

Day 190

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This was Will's first building experience at Lowe's. He and John built a tow truck. How appropriate! Now maybe Mater can get a break once in a while.

Day 189

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Thanks to an incorrect weather forecast (again), our trip to Holiday World was foiled. Instead we dressed like cows for free Chick Fil A and went to the Living Arts and Science Museum and Spaghetti Factory in Louisville. It was a first trip for all of us, and pretty interesting. Mimi and Pawpaw were especially good sports since this wasn't their usual cup of tea. Here they are riding a city bus. Look out...John was driving!

Day 170

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Happy Father's Day to a wonderful Daddy! Before I ever met John someone told me to marry someone you would want to have raise your children if you weren't around. At the time, I was dating someone I would definitely not want raising my kids. When I met John I knew from the start that he was the kind of man I could trust to raise my children as I would, someone who would take care of them, love them, and teach them to love Jesus. Thanks for all you do for our kiddos, John. I love you!

Day 166

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My sweet husband. There wasn't a special reason for this photo. I didn't even plan it well. It's taken late at night in our bathroom!

I just don't take John's picture nearly as often as I did pre-kids. Although I am sure he doesn't mind, I sort of do. We have so many goofy pics of us enjoying life our first few carefree years of marriage. Date night must become a priority! And as much as I hate it...photos of the 2 of us!

Day 144

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Like Father, Like Daughter

Our little party girl tries to stay up as late as we do. Sometimes she drifts off just a tad earlier.

Tonight irony struck as we realized Gemma and John were sitting in the same position. It's not the first time that has happened with one of us. It's funny to realize where she gets her little quirks.

Day 134

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My Hubby's Pedal Board

Before I met John, I didn't know what a pedal board was. Now I know that it is almost as integral a part of making music as the amp and guitar.

We use to own the same pedal board that was used to create the classic country song, "Trashy Women." (Hum...I like my women just a little on the trashy side. When they wear their clothes too tight and their hair is dyed.)

But when you live with John, nothing that isn't nailed down stays too long...especially musical instruments. I was sad to see the Trashy pedal board go, but this one is also special because John made it from something he found at IKEA, our favorite store. (Incidentally IKEA is one of the words Will is reading.)

I think John's pedal board looks quite good. And sounds good too, thanks to my man of many talents.

Day 132

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I hadn't planned this photo, but I was upstairs and looked out the window to find Will chasing along behind John with his toy lawnmower--the cutest thing ever! I am not convinced Will realizes it's a toy. He wants so much to be like his Daddy, always participating in the things Daddy does. This season that has manifested into "mowing" the grass. He really is a help picking up sticks and rocks to move them out of the way (and use them to build campfire rings).

P.S. Don't worry. John keeps a very watchful eye on Will. No lawnmower incidents!

Day 92

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The day of the Final 4 game in Mimi and Pawpaw's backyard.

Day 87

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We had high hopes for the Cats once they were on their way to Final 4. We were ready to riot again like we did back in college! We didn't burn couches back then. Today's wild kids have to ruin all of our fun!

Day 83

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My Rock Star husband!

Day 80

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She's looking more like Daddy ever day, particularly today.

Day 69

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This was part of a set of photos made to commemorate John's Carhartt coat before he finally threw it away. I had been encouraging him to pitch it for a while, but he finally caved in when the hole in the pocket became embarrassing. The photos were taken on garbage night.

Will jumped in the photos with John since he too has a Carhartt. I found it at Lil' Lambs Consignment Sale and knew John would want him to have it.

Aren't my boys adorable?!

Day 39

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My sweet hubby brought me flowers today. :)

Day 32

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My husband is a man of many talents. These are 2 of the guitars that he has made. Not only do to they look awesome up close and personal, but they sound amazing too!

Day 20

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The Challenge: Picture Winter

Nothing says "winter" like cuddling under a quilt with my Sweetie!

Day 14

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My husband turned 40 today. Just as I remember my parents saying when I was young, 40 doesn't seem so old now.

I happened to find 40 candles when I opened the drawer, intending to put just 1 on the cake. In a moment of insanity, I decided to put all 40 candles on the cake. No, 40 doesn't seem like a big number now...until you feel the heat coming off of 40 small candles, breathe in the aftermath of smoke, and see what a big mess the candles made!

Love you, John!

Day 7

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I took a photo I love at Half Price Books today. Will was immersed in books and oblivious to me. He doesn't even flinch at the flash of my camera anymore. But to me, aside from the memories, this project is very much about about growing as a photographer, so unless I am in a pinch, I don't want to even think of posting anything not taken with my SLR.

After we got home, Will watched his first ever episode of Jimmy Neutron. Jimmy took the gang to Egypt and brought some mummies back to life. The mummies were a big hit with Will and he talked about them all night. At dinner, John started telling Will all about the mummy we saw in China. This prompted a trip down memory lane, so we pulled out the computer and began showing Will various pictures of himself in China while we searched for the mummy photos. And thus this photo was born.

John was the only family member not yet featured in the 365, so at least his eyes are now represented! Nothing lights him up like talking about Will and our adventures bringing him home. I think here you can see it in his eyes...but you can see it much better if you enlarge the photo.