Happy New Year! 2009

I’m back. I disappeared for a bit but I think I tend to that when I leave my home and day to day routine. I didn’t have cell reception and I told myself to just stay off of email while I was away. I wanted to be right where I was. In the moments of being home with Matt’s family. Celebrating Christmas and the people we were with.

I did just that. Celebrated and laughed and relaxed. There were definitely the times of craziness. Only those that can come along with 21 people being present in the immediate family. 9 of those people are children between the ages of 3 months and about to be 6 years old. There are two babies on the way to boot. Due in March and April. It’s a full house for sure but wonderful and festive and fattening! There was so much food out all the time but oh so good. I gained about 5 pounds in 6 days! Thank goodness we’re looking for a jogging stroller so that Matt and I can go running with the boys as a New Years hope to exercise as a family!

Now that we’re back and I’m we’ve moved into 2009 I have tons to do. I’m leaving next weekend to pick up my mom. She’s going to live with us for the next 6 months. My hope is that it will be as wonderful as it will be challenging. I truly am looking forward to spending this time with my mother. Hearing her stories and watching her spend time with my boys. Having a unique opportunity that most people don’t have these days to live in a way like she did. Having grandparents living in your home. 2009 looks like it will be a time for reflection and growth. I’ve already been in a reflective mood over the last few months. Something about seeing 40 not too far off in my future I think. Funny how that seems to be part of my present even though it’s a couple of years away.

Well, I’ve babbled long enough. I’ll leave this post with a few photographs of our trip. We had one snow day where we went sledding right out the back porch. It was so much fun and the boys had a blast. I also had the opportunity to photograph Matt’s younger brother Paul and his fiancé Liz who is a wonderful addition to the family. They’re planning on having an engagement shoot later but I woke up one morning wanting to take their photograph. We didn’t stay out too long considering it was around 30 degrees with strong winds. It was FREEZING!!!!! I’m glad to have captured something before my fingers froze. 😉

All in all I have high hopes for this coming year. In the face of adversity maybe we can help each other through love, compassion and understanding. By helping our family, loved ones, friends and even strangers. By stepping outside of our own insecurities and fears to create great things.

Happy New Year to all of the wonderful people who have supported me and continue to do so. To the people that read this blog, my clients, my family and friends and to God for his continued love and support and guidance.