Sit still ...

I'm making myself sit for awhile. We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas and day after. Quality family time. Claire had a great time playing with her new toys and it was so fun to see her experience her first Christmas as a toddler. She is such a joy.

My parents are on there way tomorrow and Claire will get to celebrate Christmas again.

However, today has been a crazy day of getting a couple of last minute things done for the Faceplant trip and seeing four tour buses off to Winter Park this afternoon. We are sad that we won't be joining them this year but I can't see my pregnant self doing very well on the slopes. So the group is gone and Claire and I have been grocery shopping, cleaning and packing all evening. So.Tired.Of.Packing ... but there is light at the end of the tunnel! We pick up the keys to our new place on Wednesday afternoon and the movers arrive Thursday morning!

But for now, I'm sitting. I've been doing a lot of reflecting the past 3 - 4 days on the past year. I'm really excited for the coming new year, with lots of changes, new goals and adding another kiddo to our family. I can't help but look back on the past year and recognize all of the blessings and lessons we've received.

It's crazy to think that I've been home with Claire, taking care of our family for almost a year. It's even crazier to me to think that I'm getting to continue working for the ministries I love, doing what I'm passionate about. God has been so faithful to us even though this year has stretched and challenged us in many ways. He's blessed us for following Him when he made it clear that my ministry was shifting from full-time at the church to focusing on my family full-time.

It was definitely an adjustment for us to go from having both of our incomes to having quite a bit less. God blessed Ethan with another promotion and raise. I've also had more freelance and work from the Production Company than I bargained for! This year has taught us a great deal about budgeting and how/where to cut corners. Just yesterday we were laughing at how we used to spend money, go out on big dates and buy what we wanted prior to Claire's arrival. The change was the best decision we've ever made and completely worth it!

We have learned and grown a lot as parents this year. It's been fun (funny at times) as Ethan and I watch each other transition into parenthood. Ethan has grown so much and my love for him as grown as well. I love watching God continue to grow him and mold him into the man/father He wants him to be.

I look forward to so much in the new year ... To walking more closely with Christ so that I may become a better wife, mother and artist. To many more date nights with my husband and learning to love him in new ways. To 100 more special days of "just us" with my little girl. To many months of getting to know our Little Fella. To many new graphics projects that are headed my way. To our new home.

So blessed and thankful for 2010.