out with a bang.

you guys, I'm officially finished with Project 365.

can I get a resounding WOO HOO?  or how about a virtual pat on the back?  a cookie, maybe?  I feel like I deserve something, anyway.

pictured below is my 365th photo.  Gary and the kids had just returned home from their backpacking trip.  it was late (11:30ish), and except for Finley, all the littles had long since retired to bed.  actually, Finley had been sleeping but decided to wake up just in time to ring in the new year with us.  how convenient!  already at the ripe age of three months, he can't stand to miss out on the action.  I mean, look how thrilled he is:

Happy New Year! 

so.  now that I'm done with this project, I can't decide whether to jump up and down and toot my horn or bury my head in my pillow and sob uncontrollably.  how's that for mixed emotions?

while Project 365 was lot of fun, at the same time, it was kind of stressful.  especially when it felt like yet ONE MORE THING to add to my already mile-long list of daily chores.  I just finished folding my fourth load of laundry, unloaded the dishwasher for the third time, changed my fifth poop diaper of the day, ran to the grocery store, made dinner and now I'm supposed to take a picture on top of it?  I know.  you think it wouldn't be so hard to just pull out the camera and snap a picture, but it is.  believe me, there were numerous times when suddenly it was nine, ten o'clock at night, and I was scrambling for something to take a picture of.  a sink heaped with dirty dishes?  sure, why not.  *click*   

now that I'm on the other side of the fence, I'm glad I had the determination to stick with it.  it's been fun to look back at the pictures and reflect on the memories, and also marvel at how much the kids have grown in a year, especially Scarlett.  she looks like such a big girl compared to a year ago.    

so what am I going to do with all these photos, you ask?

good question.

for starters, I compiled a few select photos from the highlights throughout the year, along with some everyday ones and put together a slideshow.  obviously, it wasn't feasible to include all 365 photos because, you know, TOO LENGTHY.  as it was, I think I ended up with just over five minutes worth.

after uploading the slideshow to youtube, I sat down to watch it in its entirety.  as the photos continued to flip by, each one triggering yet another memory, I was suddenly overcome by a wave of emotions and I could feel the tears start to well up.  I guess I hadn't anticipated the pictures to evoke that kind of a response, but there it was.  another year, another chapter of our life.  gone, but never to be forgotten.       

anyway, if any of you have ever thought about taking on the photo-a-day challenge, I strongly encourage you to go for it.  it's a huge commitment, but totally worth it in the end.

for what it's worth, enjoy.  



-jessica