There is a little calendar icon on the taskbar of my computer, and the icon changes daily to show the correct date. Today I’ve stared at it more than once, in disbelief that it says Jan 1. Another year behind us. Another ahead.
As I always am this time of year, I’m feeling reflective. What a year 2008 was! Some of it wonderful, some of it very hard. This was the year that I finally felt my business was where I wanted it to be. I found a mostly happy balance between work and family. I reached my financial income goals that helped us as a family reach some personal goals. My husband and I have found some incredible friendships growing stronger, and we are so humbled by the people with whom we walk. Our family is healthy and whole. We are ever thankful for that gift.
In the meantime, my husband made a pretty significant career move, an exciting one, but one that has meant some major adjustments for us as a family, and thus more adjustments to that balance I strive for between family and work. We have gone through some difficult decisions and realizations in regards to our children, our two sons that is, having to find some answers and make some very emotional decisions to give them the best possible outcomes for their own unique challenges. And again with those milestones, I realized my work/life balance needed more tweaking. Thankfully, as always, God has held our hands through it, and shown us that even the uncertainties and questions were blessings, guiding us on the path to where He ultimately wanted us to be.
With the new year upon us, I am making those timely resolutions. I’m determined to sleep more. I’m going to read more books, and surf the web less. I’m going to move more, sit less. I’m going to pray more, worry less. I’m going to hug more, and analyze less. Above all, I am going to remind myself daily that this life, this marriage, these children, this career, this home, these friends, all these things are not mine, they are God’s. He has entrusted me with them, and He knows what is best for them.
I’m doing a lot of praying and a lot of soul searching now on the future of my business. Don’t worry … I’m not going anywhere!! Photography is a part of my soul and I could never give it up. My business has been a blessing to our family in ways I cannot express. All things, especially the wonderful ones, have a path to follow. I’m now seeking the landmarks and dots on the map, God’s direction, to figure out where this path will lead next. I’m very, very excited to find out what is ahead. And I know I’ll be looking to you, my amazing clients and friends, for your insight as well.
I have one more week “off work” while my kids finish up their Christmas break from school. We have playdates scheduled, a trip to the movies, some time with the grandparents, and lots of books and boardgames on our To-Do list. Oh yeah, and more Lego Star Wars on the Wii, I’m sure. 
So while I’m feeling reflective and enjoying this last week before returning officially to work, I thought I’d share the images of my children from their Christmas portrait session in 2008. These three and their Daddy are my greatest blessings, the reason I live and breathe every day. I kept these off the blog when they were created because they went into a book I was designing as a gift to their grandparents. But since the Christmas Cards have gone out and the books have been presented, I’m excited to share them now with you.
Have a very glorious 2009.
