12of12: January (Thursday)

Twelve of twelve in twenty-twelve!

January is a tough time to attempt taking great photos. Natural light... well... there just isn't any. Especially in my basement, which is where I spent a big chunk of my day. But looking back at my 2011 twelves, I love how the light (or lack thereof) changes with each month of the year.

1. The punk waltzes into our room before the sun does, and the basher starts hollering soon thereafter. We all spend some quality time under the covers in mom & dad's bed before getting up to face the day. The basher likes to stand on my pillows and observe the goings-on in the frozen desert. 2. I like to have colorful flowers inside during the winter to offset the stark view outside. 3. My half marathon training has begun. Today, two miles of speed work and a trophy for Whitest Legs in America. 4. The punk took Play Doh and dried cranberries to his play date at Charlie's house. 5. Janeen and I took the basher out for a sushi lunch, then snuggled under blankets and talked all afternoon. I love her. 6. The punk and I tried to build a snowman yesterday with the crunchy, old snow in the backyard. Since my arms were occupied with the basher, who would not let me put his snowpants-clad bum down, and I am not adept at packing snow with my two other limbs, we soon abandoned our attempt. After last year's never-ending snowfall, this dry winter seems a bit lackluster. 7. Thursday is my big piano day with four students, but only three were able to come today. Here, Tess (Amy Gretchen's daughter) completes her theory page. 8. My man fed the boys while I taught. Meat and potatoes, of course! 9. Wrestle time! 10. Do you remember sucking on the washcloth in the tub when you were a kid? I do. 11. Usually I put the basher to bed and my man takes care of the punk. Tonight we switched. 12. My late dinner, with buttered whole wheat toast and rich hot cocoa.