in pleasant company

These pleasant couple of weeks off have felt like a season all their own. We have been blessed to be able to share this time with friends and family. There have been more bodies in this small apartment than ever before, we like to think of it as a sort of christening! These have been some of the most enjoyable meals and moments of the year!

Christmas and Chrismation

It was a wonderful finish to the Nativity fast, and a beautiful beginning of celebration. I was very blessed to be Godmother to a certain girl, and to celebrate the birth of our savior.

photo by D

photo by D

photo by D

a family christmas

It is refreshing to spend time with others, especially with the anticipation and celebration of the birth of Christ. Here are a few photos of joy. I love the photos D took :) and had to share them.

photo by D

photo by D

photo by D

monastery

Over the Thanksgiving break, D and I along with my parents, ventured off to a monastery in West Virginia (Holy Cross Hermitage). It was a still weekend, visiting the monks. Their love for the land and the animals there is evident, and humbling. Their work milking the cows, making soap, and crafting incense is so tangible! I loved hearing the bells. Those pictured below are made from old oxygen tanks!

those love birds

My dear friend Ariana is getting married. It is a sweet thing to witness... Here are some images of the love birds in the neighborhood.

Hayden Christmas Photos

It was a lovely day with lovely people. Love seeps out from these photos.

family in the fall

I've gotten to see quite a bit of my family recently, and have been trying to capture some of the moments. For me, it is a challenge and a joy to try and capture these pieces of our lives in real time. Here are some photos of late: