welcome

A few weeks ago, I received a message from Katie (pictured above), detailing a grand plan to surprise her 5 kids with a trip to Mexico. It involved sneaking into their rooms to change their clocks back an hour while they slept, packing getaway bags, cryptic letters to the kids, and the big reveal of the destination at the airport.

Around Thanksgiving last year, I had a little bit of a crazy idea.

I knew there were some families in my life that hadn’t quite found the time to schedule family photos. And some of them were still even hoping to send out Christmas cards.

rowdy boys playing,
zooming fast from game to game,
“mom! mommy! watch me!”

mommy and daddy
grabbing snuggles and kisses
while they still can

sleepy, slow mornings
toast, tea, tickles and reading
days starting with joy

in this family,
the smiles are reflections
of big miracles:

bright, wide, and grateful.
these women float through the world,
gifts to all of us.

pancakes and slippers
coffee, milk, and newspapers
and breakfast is served.

it’s not just the food,
but in the making of it,
where love forms and grows

it’s in the patience
and in the jokes and giggles.
maybe the food, too.