Thank you

The New Year doesn't officially begin for another few hours, but I've compiled a "thank you list" to end my year with. 2010 has been an amazing and challenging year in so many ways. Lots has happened. Lots has changed. 2010 has been a turning point, for me personally. I have been deeply touched by others this year and have learned to be more aware of the friends I have. And although I am always thankful for each and every one of you, I am learning to be more vocal about it. So the thank yous I'm about to share, are specifically in reference to this past year and the impression you've made on me during it.

Mark (my husband) - Thank you for being the perfect match for me. Even though we are still learning eachother's language, you always listen. You encourage me to be who I am. My life is able to blossom because of the way you love me.

Laila B. - A true friend. We've grown much closer this year, I would say. You are a constant friend. You are so encouraging and positive and always point me back to Jesus. I have loved our chats, teas, and how our families just love being together.

Kim V. - Thank you for helping me see the value of friendship. You have inspired me to be more sensitive and caring to others. Thank you for always being willing to not just "look after" my kids, but to love and invest in them. Thank you for continually offering/asking to take them so I can have a break.

Amanda G. - Thank you for being a ray of sunshine in my life. I am always happier after having spent time with you. :) Thank you for being action-oriented and inspiring me to be more organized (bet you didn't know that).

Jessica B. - We've really become close over the last few months, especially. Thank you for just "being there" and for reintroducing me to the quick phone chat. :) Thanks for sharing tears, walks, laughs, and our kids' school stuff with me. I see so much beauty in you and I know 2011 is going to be a memorable year in your life.

Renee N. - You inspire me to reach out to new friends and invest in them. Thank you for always encouraging me and for loving my photography. :)

Elizabeth P. - Thank you for sharing your love for family, babies, photography and life with me. We are so much alike and yet live so far away from eachother. Thank you for sharing your heart with me.

Erin G. - Thank you for sharing pregnancy with me and for being a great neighbour.

Kristi B. - Thank you for making me laugh and for loving family as much as I do. Thank you for sharing your food ideas and inspiring me to *enjoy* cooking (I'm working on it).

Rebekah M. - Thank you for sharing your struggles with me. 2010 was an interesting year, wasn't it? We can relate on so many levels. Thank you for sharing pregnancy with me (all THREE times!) and for being so real and open. You are a treasure.

Vanessa L. - Thank you for making mommyhood look easy (you're tricking alot of people out there - it's definitely not easy)! I'm still trying to figure out how you do it with 3 boys under the age of four and a baby on the way! Thank you for inspiring me to enjoy life and choose happiness every day.

My facebook friends - Thank you for reminding me each day that we are all on this journey of life together and that we should never ever feel like we're alone. Thank you for listening to my ramblings and caring (or not caring), and liking, and commenting...and rolling your eyes at how many photo albums I have. :D

My Studio Vie Clients - Thank you for loving my work and for allowing me to photograph your beautiful families and lives. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to make money doing something I absolutely love while at the same time keeping my family first.

My estellelle Customers - Thank you for loving and buying the things I make with my own two hands. Thank you for appreciating my art and wearing it proudly!

My blog readers - Thank you for listening and coming back. Thank you for not thinking I'm weird for making my own laundry soap and baby wipes. And for watching (in either disbelief or wonder) all the other "non-normal" things I do with my time. Thank you for being a part of this creative outlet and hopefully gaining something in return. I purpose to blog more in 2011 and share lots more wonderful things with you!

My family (immediate and extended) - I love you more than you probably know. I thank God for you and I know life would not be as meaningful without you. Facebook has provided the ability for us to reconnect and I am thankful I can share in a part of your life that way. And for the family I see more often, I consider you gifts in my life and I'm thankful we can be together.

And if you weren't mentioned by name, it's not because I forgot you. I love each one of you, my friends. I just wanted to make special mention of the ones who have made significant impact on my life in 2010.

2011 is fast approaching and we will have brand new opportunities, brand new challenges, and a fresh start. I pray you will recognize God's love for you this year even more and that you will see how significant you are to Him. I pray you will be surrounded by your team of friends and family. I pray you will see beauty in each and every day and not be distracted by the ugly stuff. I pray you will rise up to challenges and see yourself the way God sees you. I pray that we will all remember to trust God in every circumstance and decision - trust that He gives us all the wisdom and guidance we need, when we need it. I pray you will live this entire year on purpose and walk forward with confidence.
Amen. ;)