I began hunting through my files tonight for a new header for Needs More Butter. Dressing up that space brings me a little bit of pleasure, so I indulge from time to time. Hunting for food pics made me realize that it’s been awhile since I’ve taken shots of the foods I make. Okay, kind of interesting tidbit. However I found a photo of Jeremy’s lunch at the Cliff House when we were in San Francisco a few weeks ago. Oh my goodness, that meal was delicious and the company was awesome (my Aunt Carol and Uncle John) and the view was spectacular.

And then I realized that I’ve posted two—just two!—shots of our time in San Francisco. Ridiculous. Obscene really. Here we visited this amazing city, which gave me a much-needed break from life at home, and I haven’t blogged about it hardly at all. Tragedy of all tragedies.

And then I realized, as I set thoughts of San Francisco out of my mind and continued to hunt for food pics, that I haven’t blogged more images and thoughts about Maralee’s birth. San Francisco no longer seems to be the only glaring tragedy, rather there’s a string of blog failings.

And then I realized there was more. I scrolled backwards through my files, noticed many extra gems from the December Photo Project, and then recalled a shoot from last fall that I still haven’t posted about in depth: my brother Adam and his family. What in the world? Who am I? Who have I become? Weeping and gnashing of teeth! Woe is me!

Or not.

But I have a lot of catching up to do.

Now, can someone pay me to blog? And while they’re at it, pay me to post links on Facebook as well? Because today, I would’ve made some money doing that. I am good at doing that.

**The image above was captured last Sunday, the day after a snowstorm dropped about a foot of wet, heavy white goodness on our lawns. The trees have never been prettier. Somehow we managed to escape any downed limbs in our yards, thank goodness.

Friends. Coffee. Brunch. Encouragement. It’s kind of like MOPS on a smaller scale. If you’d like to hear what we heard last week, check out Kerri’s blog. She did a fabulous job speaking.

**Table decor courtesy the creative and talented Tara Mackrill! I love her eye, and it blesses us moms month after month.

I’m playing catchup from last fall! I shot my friends the Erdmans last October and am now invoking the better-late-than-never clause. I enjoy this sweet family so very much; my time with them is always great and editing their images is a joy for me. I hope you enjoy a few pictures from warmer days!

We went there. And now we’re back again.

Of course there’s more to tell and I’ll share it soon. For now, the daily duties of life call out to me and I find myself firmly settled in normal life once more. I’m grateful for the ability to get away for a few days, as well as the ability to return to mothering and photography and homemaking, etc.

Going to evening church has its perks. Our Sunday mornings start out slow and easy, with cartoons and cereal and cuddles. We spend the day as a family and then head to worship in the evening. Here are a few shots of our day so far, including a moment where Livia said, “Yeah, I got the butt end.” I bet you can figure out when she stated that fact.

There are moments in a mother’s life that she wishes to preserve for all eternity and today we experienced one. This, my friends, is what went down in my house: my child did the dishes. But wait, there’s more. She heard my brief lecture—something about not being able to play right now because there was junk all over the house and I had to put it all away first—and then responded by washing our dishes and scrubbing the sinks. Seriously. She did that without me asking! It was remarkable and precious and thoughtful and so helpful, so so helpful. While she was doing the dishes, I put toys away, dusted, wiped down surfaces, and took out the trash. Awesome.

**Lest you be tempted to look over at your kid who fought you tooth and nail today when you asked him to merely brush his own teeth, take a deep breath. Don’t compare. I realize that sharing good news invites comparisons. For instance, my awesome sister-in-law reports that my niece, age 5, is tying her shoes. My reaction was this: Am I supposed to teach my child to tie her shoes? Whoops! Today dishes, tomorrow shoes, I suppose. ;)

Remember this shot from December 17? Well, here are a few more. Enjoy!

When Shiloh is cute, I wish for another Coton. I imagine two white dogs running around the house, sleeping together in the dog beds and being generally adorable. But then I am forced to consider potty-training (ugh), the spaying/neutering process (double ugh) and pet bills times two (ouch) and for a moment I am content with the one pooch.

I tell you what, though. If another bestie of mine has a baby this week, I just might run to Heartland Classics and pick up a puppy. A woman’s gotta have something little to love!

Sunset near Milford, Nebraska
December 28, 2011

Clara Mei Morehead arrived, safe and sound, into the world yesterday morning! This baby is a dream. I am absolutely mesmerized by her chubby cheeks that softly roll against her little shoulders. I could trace her sweet round arms and legs all day—or at least until she cries and I hand her back to Jason or Renae. Before she was born I guessed she’d weigh around 7lb. Her brothers, who were born six and four weeks prematurely, were quite small, which makes sense. But boy oh boy was my guess off! Clara, full-term, was determined to skip the newborn clothing all together at 9lb, 5oz.

Congratulations, Renae and Jason, on your amazing and beautiful baby girl! You done good, friends.