I couldn't help but think of a young couple finding my truck in the barn 50 years from now. Steph and I love that feeling of finding a treasure and we felt that last weekend. She is blogging about that; while I thought I would post my barn find. I also couldn't help but think of Doc Brown and Marty finding the Delorean where Doc hid it in 1885.
Making room for a man cave means making sacrifices; and this boy will have to wait and stretch his legs come summer. Until then, hibernation in peace.

Most know, but for those who don't; my brother is a US Marine. He served two tours for this great country and after five years of service, he came back home and is now enjoying a slower paced life. He is going to school and made the Dean's List last semester! I'm pretty proud of him to say the least.
But like many men and women who serve; things are dramatically different after their service. From the little things like going to grocery store to larger things like VA appointments and finding their place in the workforce/school/etc. Going from leading a group of Marines in Iraq to sitting in a classroom with 18 year college kids; there are certain cultural differences and communication barriers to manage. But Darren found a quiet place in the country to call post-war home. I wanted to document this time. A time of starting a new chapter. This is that book.

Click here to view this photo book larger

I've been away, trying to check off all those boxes on my to do lists....
....not before checking ole craig's list. That's where we found this beautiful coffee table.
When Steph found this mid century jewel; I knew we had to get it. And in the process, we made some cool friends.
If you're in Springfield, check out Decades on Commercial St.
I've also started the man cave, or as Steph calls it, the "basement project". Which I understand because typically man caves consist of kegerators and empty paint buckets for seats. I'm going for a little more style, without calling HGTV. Luckily the TV downstairs will only have a couple of channels; and last I checked, Biggest Loser doesn't air on ESPN. Here are some 'Before' photos.

cover of a cover of a cover.

Oh Lonesome Me from Derek Henderson on Vimeo.

We got up this morning and took 'official' six months photos of Ingrid. You know, in what those fashionistas call jeggings.
Also starting the basement project today. Steph wants to do a 'before-and-after' so I'll snap some of those...but first, going on a ride. It's 55 degrees in the middle of January!

C'mon time, slow down a little...
....feels like just yesterday when we were bringing her home from the hospital. I know, every parent has thought it and said it, and while it sounds cliche, it's true; and I'm sure I'll say or write it many more times. I'm just so happy. Here's to the weekend. Family time; at home.

I've been away. We have been so busy with different things that I haven't been around to update this ole blog. Starting things off: my sister had a baby! A few days after Christmas...so Steph and I were living out of a suitcase while going back and forth visiting. Christmas was wonderful. My plan was to do a best of: 2010 blog post; which was basically going to be my favorite photos of Ingrid; but since we've been traveling so much, that didn't happen.
Steph got me a new camera for Christmas. An Instax Mini; so you'll be seeing more polaroids, and I posted a couple from the FujiFilm -- Ing and I on New Years.
And I got some work featured on our new local cycling club's website; which is cool. It is always exciting to see my work incorporated into things I'm really into. David did an awesome job!
Other than that, things have been somewhat normal. A long list of goals for 2011; including some house projects so look for those. And then of course, Steph started a blog; but no posts yet. The banner alone took a few months....:)