I've always been fascinated by childhood—the curiosity, wonder, and authenticity that make kids uniquely themselves. As a teacher, photographer, and mom, I feel incredibly lucky that my work allows me to slow down, pay attention, and celebrate children exactly as they are. That's the heart behind every photograph I create.

Every year before Thanksgiving my amazing sister in law wins the race yet again and we get an adorable holiday card in the mail from her and although I always think next year I’ll get it out faster, I also smile while I get out the tape and pop it on a big empty wall that slowly gets filled with photos, stories, and sweet notes from people I love most. Last year, since we were home all the damn time and missed out on seeing people as much as we hoped, I moved the cards into our stairway, where they still live.

Dear December 17, 2021, • How did we do? Did I get to hug my friends? Did the kids get to play? Did they do okay in school? Did we stay healthy? Are we all still here? Have things gotten better?

In our project to learn about our roots the kids put cloves in oranges, well one of them did, you’ll see. My husband’s family has roots in Ireland where this is a traditional activity that his family also did when growing up. I freelensed this short movie and was so happy when the kids true spirits came out. I hope you enjoy!

Our next adventure in this little project was to Ireland, where Nick’s Dad and I think my Dad also have roots. I showed the kids homes in Ireland in the winter and we learned about the tradition to put a candle in your window on Christmas Eve. This is a sign to welcome visitors, guests, and perhaps Santa.

The kids were hungry, the sun was setting and I wanted to do something with them. Partly because I like them and partly because I figured if I gave them attention we might have a more peaceful dinner. So I gave them some muffins, and googled “polish craft”. I was thinking about the beautiful and colorful polish folk art, but then pajaki chandeliers came up and they looked easier :). So I grabbed some pipe cleaners, beads and tissue paper.

It was December 2 and we were already doing our second day in our Illuminating Roots project and everything felt a little crazy but I was pretty proud of us. Then all of a sudden it was 10 days later I found myself finally editing these photos and here we are. Point is, I’m filled with grace for the tired, stressed version of me that doesn’t keep up with things.

Its Day 2 of our Illuminated Roots Project. Today I showed the kids our globe and asked them what it is. They said it’s the world but then asked if the world was bigger than our house so I know their world is still so small.

I’ve been thinking and studying a lot about identity and diversity. How in the world can I teach my kids to love themselves and also love others? How can I encourage a respectful appreciation, curiosity, and acceptance of the beautiful diversity of humans. Many studies say we need to start with ourselves.

So this December I’m starting a project where my kids will study their grandparents.

The thing I’m hanging onto lately is how these kids keep going. They don’t know any better. They don’t crave lounging on the couch all day and therefore we don’t either. So we’re tired and when our minds are spinning and spinning they demand a bike ride or a walk in the woods. For this I’m

It’s my privileged, white, responsibility to continue to work on being a compassionate and active ally. I invite you to join in this work. Below I will post the resources and activities I’ve chosen to study: family heritage, biases, what racism is, what Black Lives Matter means, and what it means to be an ally. I’ll add to it as I complete the lessons.

Feeling worn out like me? Like you’re failing at this? Can’t find balance between being a parent, coach, nurse, teacher, artist, scientist, chef, designer, oh, and for some of you, your day job too. What we are doing during this shared experience, this extreme moment in humanity, is no simple feat and I think we all need to give ourselves more credit. I want to prove to you why I think you are amazing.