I just spent some time looking over my 2011 Self Portrait Series and it was such a great ride down memory lane (through the highs and lows) that I know I want to do it all again this year. Instead of spending time tonight summing up 2011, I’m marching straight ahead to my first self portrait for this year.

It’s an easy one, compliments of my husband during the photo shoot I just did for my mom. This photo of me and Joss makes me melt. I think it captures how bonded we are and how she’s teetering on the edge between being a baby and growing up to be a big girl. She still lets me snuggle and hold her close, something I’m cherishing about this time.

I feel like I can’t post that photo without also posting a snuggle photo with Miles. It’s rare that I get to truly hold Miles, but he loves to laugh, tickle and his snuggles are more like crazy hug ATTACKS! He’s my wild yet sensitive boy whose imaginative world is full of Peter Pan, pirates, super heroes and inventions beyond my wildest dreams. This is our last winter of preschool before life gets REAL with Kindergarten. I’m holding on tight before REAL school begins. Gulp!

So that’s my world with the kids. What’s going on with me? Well, like everyone, I need to focus on getting in shape. I do realize that I’m not overweight, but my muscles are as tight as a drum and boy is that uncomfortable. I really need to work on getting my body flexible again and all my scoffing of other people’s marathon running doesn’t do my own heart any good. I always say that chasing kids is my cardio, but I need to get real with myself on that one. I also need to work on paying better attention to my friendships. I get into hermit mode and let my inbox pile up to a point where I just have to cry amnesty and hope nobody notices. (That’s a great practice, huh? ) I’m working on getting organized here in my home, and I hope that will spill over into my personal relationships as well. I have messed up friendships in the past by being not as attentive as I should be, or too sensitive on my part. I’m getting to the age where the friendships that have stuck around this long are the really good ones, so I need to make sure they still stick around, despite these crazy and distracted kid years.

I’m trying to write this post while my kids are awake, which means Jocelyn is pulling things out of my office trash can and throwing them on the floor. Miles is running around the house fighting some imaginary villain with his “life saver” aka his light saber. Gotta run! Here’s to another year of self portraits and checking in on what’s happening with me.

Are you doing a self portrait blog series? Link to it in my comments. I would love to see yours pop up every month!