Currently Watching
This is the talk I referenced last week by Kristen Anderson-Lopez (songwriter of Frozen). If you get a chance, I highly recommend you take the 15 minutes to watch it.
Blog a la Cart
Month: November, 2015
November 5, 2015
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November 4, 2015
My Clique
James had a conference in Burlington earlier this week, and so we lasses of Cartwheel Farm had a few days to fend for ourselves. Auntie Kimmy was here to help for part of the time, and then Monday and Tuesday, I was on primary adult duty for all dependents.
For dinner on Monday, I took the girls out to a restaurant (after getting home from a busy afternoon of extracurriculars, then running and feeding the dogs, putting away the chickens and pig for the evening, and prepping for school the next day, I did not have it in me to prepare a meal). We sat at a table, we Cart women three, and talked about our favorite moments in Inside Out (when Fear rocks in a the fetal position and any scene with Bing Bong), what makes us laugh the hardest (toots, naturally), the happiest part of our day (learning a new song at school), what we thought life with a new baby would be like (their impersonations of a wailing newborn are on point), and so on. As we held legitimate conversation with my chidings of “sit with your feet forward,” “don’t put your elbows on the table,” “chew with your mouth closed” kept to a surprising minimum, I was entranced by the state of my relationship with my daughters.
There we were. Enjoying a meal as friends and family. Engaging in conversation. People watching. And I was struck by what an exceptional stage of parenting I have entered. One where my children are not always these small living beings that I have to wrangle and protect and entertain, but where much of the time I am thoroughly engaged and entertained by them as remarkable people, companions, and friends. And they still enjoy hanging out with me in return!
It’s still a balance. And, of course I realize that in four months we’ll have another very needy newborn in our lives. But, this time around, I’ll have two additional people in my household to help entertain baby, and to help keep me sane with conversation and activity. Two pairs of willing, eager hands to be a source of support and fun. They’ll be bickering and tears and demands for attention, but there will also be these fabulous moments where I see my children for the people they are, and the people they will become. And man, I do enjoy them so.
Details on Courtland’s gnome hat in my Ravelry. I was knitting this hat for a friend’s little one and Courtland saw it and asked, “Oh Mama, is that for me? It’s so cute! I love it.” And now our Co(u)rtland Apple is a gnome. Because I can never predict what knit goodies they’re going to love. And she now wears it every day to school.
November 3, 2015
Family Photography
In addition to holiday prep (this weekend Kimmy and I packed away all of the Halloween decor and got Cartwheel Farm in the Thanksgiving spirit with many a turkey decoration) and figuring out our own Cart Family 2015 holiday card design, I’ve been shooting various local families for their holiday card photos. I tend not to advertise my photography services, as now that both James and I are working full time, the extra work is A. not as financially necessary and B. a challenge to fit into our schedules and a good work/family balance. But I enjoy doing it and always say yes when someone reaches out unsolicited. And to be frank, with a third child and the resulting parental leaves on the horizon, it wouldn’t hurt to squeeze in a few more photography sessions. And so, if you’re a local family, couple, etc. looking for some fresh images of your loved ones (whether for a holiday card, grandparental gifts, or just your own personal collection), I am booking 45 minute sessions on the weekends leading up to Christmas. Email me at Ashley.W.Cart@gmail.com to set up yours!
Above are a few examples of my images on past holiday cards, and below are a few favorites from semi-recent sessions.
November 2, 2015
Halloween // 2015
SO MANY FEELINGS! It was another festive Halloween thanks to Auntie Kimmy’s presence, enthusiasm and creativity. We pulled off another team costume, inspired by Inside Out. While not nearly as popular and recognizable as last year’s Frozen, I think we nailed the spirit of our characters. Courtland wasn’t as in to the Trick or Treating this year, but the pumpkin carving, house decorating prep and the candy, cider, and roasted pumpkin seed consumption proved a highlight.
Introducing…
JOY! (played by Sunny)
DISGUST! (played by Kaki)
ANGER! (played by James)
SADNESS! (played by Ashley and The Gummy Bear)
FEAR! (played by Kimmy and the most awesome set of expressions)
Nailed it. hashtaglovemysquad
