Hello to another year!I cannot belive that 2010 passed so quickly, full of all kinds of memories, emotions and fun. Of course it wasn't all roses and rainbows, but for the most part it was a great year of health and happiness...positive things in my book. So, as we welcome this new year I want to really try harder to focus on the "stories" we are creating every day...and just "embrace" each day as it comes. Not only embracing mentally, but taking more time to physically embrace those that fill my life with so much joy. I'm always inspired by artists such as Ali Edwards, Becky Higgins, and of course my girl Ronda (just to name a few) to capture those daily little things that mean so much. Yes...even the TONS of laundry I've been doing while potty training Owen...as they are important parts of being a mom. I want to show him in the future that I cared enough to do an extra load of laundry, just so his Buzz Lightyear pajamas would be ready to wear...again. I'm also going to try to complete the Project Life album that I purchased last year at this time. Although I started out taking photos, I never printed a single one to fill it up. So, nothing like a fresh start to get it going again. If you are considering it...check out the video on Becky's blog. It will inspire even the "non-scrapbookers" to really take photos and capture memories to share with future generations. I'm so glad that I completed this album in 2009 (even though I still have some empty spaces...I'm deciding to let it go and start fresh), as it is fun to look at Owen 2 years ago. I recommend it...and hope that I can keep up. I'll keep you posted.
Speaking of embrace...I am so happy that I can finally share some special photos with you. Many of you know that when it comes to giving a gift, I am terrible at keeping a secret. I love the act of giving so much that I want to share it right away. Anyway, prior to travelingto Florida this past summer I had the idea of having some family photos taken as a gift to our families. The main goal was to get all three grand-kids in the same photo...not too mention the same state...as a Christmas gift for my mom. You would not believe the work that went into this, especially since we flew in the same day, and only had 4 hours to spend with my brother and his family...and we got lost for an hour. But, after it was all said and done and I saw the photos...my eyes filled with tears. Lisa (Lisa By The Sea Photography) was so patient, kind and did an amazing job capturing our memories and our family. She also captured many embraces of love, moments of sadness as we said goodbye, and little stories as we ran and played on the beach. What an amazing gift she gave to us...and the surprise to mom was the perfect gift! (Can you believe I didn't tell!!) So, take a minute to embrace those you love...and don't forget to grab your camera to capture such moments. Here's a peek our photos...
The Wells, Rose and Adkins Families...
enjoying moments of play, laughter and fun...
cousins... together at last...
a long embrace...representing many years of love as we say good-bye again.
So, as I look forward to another great year to come, I wish you health, happiness and love. Happy 2011!
peace.