I've been hearing the whines, the groans, the but-you-said-you-have-nothing-else-to-do, about not blogging in a while. So I'm here to tell you that this will be the Mother of all Blogs. Sit back, grab a drink, get comfortable and prepare for a whole lotta reading mixed with pictures.(hey, you asked for it!) :)
I think one of the saddest parts about moving is knowing that you are doing something, or seeing someone, for the "last" time. Now I know, friends can visit and we can come back here, but it's not the same as living here, being here day to day and interacting with friends on a daily basis. When I get together with friends, or go to playdates this week, I know it's the last time, and there's something very sad about that.
This may be one of my very favorite pictures of all time. I sure do love that action shot setting on my Canon. And this is such an accurate depiction of life with Ansley: on the go, always ready for adventure, doing, playing, running, laughing....I just want to soak up all these moments, all these memories, and keep them alive forever.
Today I finally threw caution to the wind (since our house is sold) and got out the paints. It's been a little while, at least a couple of months, and I had forgotten how much this little girl loves to paint, to create. And I have forgotten how much I love to watch her create. Her little face, in such focus on what she is doing, and the joy of having created something. I know that joy, so it is no surprise that Ansley enjoys that too. We will have to start a weekly art day once we get to Knoxville!
Here is one of my favorite drawings she called "Mommy": (yes, those are my arms sticking out from my head, and the little wispy strokes would be my hair, she said)
And another favorite she named "caterpillar" (really a pretty good caterpillar, if you ask me):
You may think the timing is pretty bad, and it may be, but I've been wanting to do a "photo a day" on here (it's very popular out in Bloggie World), so I'm starting it today. I'm tired of saying oh when this or when that, I'm just doing it. I hereby commit to taking a photograph a day and posting it on the blog. I may not always get it, especially with the move (and on the weekends!) but I will do my best. So, starting now (well as soon as I can get to it after posting this) it is there for your enjoyment.
I think that is all from our little world. More to come....seriously! :)
How exciting! I'm not sure how many times I've checked the blog in the last few days for an update. Not sure why I feel I need it since I e-mail practically every day, but I just needed the blog fix so thanks! And very amazing pictures for a 2 1/2 year old I think! Wow. OK - so I was sad about seeing you for the "last" time at your house tonight - now I'm extra sad after reading that it's sad. =( The new blog made me happy though! =)
Posted by: Sara | June 06, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Love the caterpiller! Kota's pic is great also.
I too have been looking for a blog lately...... thanks for my fix.
Posted by: Wendy | June 06, 2006 at 02:59 PM
You are such a creative mother! Tea Party, painting, so many fun ideas! You've got quite the artist for a child...the caterpillar was great - now tomorrow she needs to do the butterfly the caterpillar becomes :) I thought the portrait of you was creative...:) See you tomorrow afternoon...I won't talk about the sadness or missing you part - too much for me to handle at the moment. Love y'all....
Posted by: Ashley Jansen | June 06, 2006 at 03:16 PM
oh, gosh... yes, the sadness part... it is just too much to think about. I think on our last playdate, we should plan our first post-move get together :) That would make it a happier parting.
I love the paintings too, like mother like daughter? It is pure joy!
Posted by: Christina | June 06, 2006 at 03:19 PM
I'm so excited to have a blog again. Ansley's legs are looking so long as she is running along. And I love those pictures. You need to frame them and put them in your new laundry room. I can't wait to see more painted pictures and what topics she chooses. Maybe one of the moving van!!! or the state of Tennessee. Keep the blogs coming--I'm blog starved.
Posted by: MiMi and PopPop | June 06, 2006 at 03:25 PM
Wow, fantastic pictures--great photos and what an artist Ansley is!!! Looking forward to the pic a day:)
Posted by: Liz | June 06, 2006 at 04:08 PM
What an action shot! :) I love to watch my Hannah from behind when she's just skipping away with that two year old spring in her step. . . You sounded like me when you said you wished you could just soak up the moments and somehow keep them alive forever. I think that's why I take pictures and journal - so that I can somehow try to keep the memory always. . . I enjoyed the art gallery today. My girls are filling up paint paper with dots everywhere these days. . . You know we are all excited about the photo a day - especially your Georgia friends who are going to miss your family like crazy. Treasure all your "last times" with them this week!!!
Posted by: Renee | June 06, 2006 at 04:44 PM
Fun art projects : ) I love little kid art!
Posted by: elizabeth | June 06, 2006 at 09:22 PM
What a great artist. Maybe she can paint one for us. Maybe Jon Jon and a rooster. I think that would be cute.
Posted by: Jonathan | June 07, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Like mother, like daughter! Ansley is quite artsy! I Am quite sure you will save that caterpillar, frame it, and hang it on a wall somewhere in your new home. What a teasure to look back upon as she grows!
Laurie
Posted by: Laurie | June 09, 2006 at 01:05 PM