Top 9 of 2009 Part Dos

Because this was just wayy too much for one post, here you have it, the REST of the story.

Top 9 of 2009 (Part 2!)

Said Goodbye for Now to Mom and Dad Jameson
This year we saw Scott’s parents off to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa mission in Africa. Try saying that ten times fast! The call to Africa definitely came as a shock when they’d specifically requested a France mission, but from what we’ve seen, Africa has been just right for them. I think it was particularly tough for Scott to see them go, but thank goodness for modern technology, which lets us to visit with them through Skype once a week or so. Being the proud parents that we are, we also send them short videos of Eva all the time to show her off ;) We’ll be glad to have them back in 2011.

(My favorite photo of these two.)

Moved
After close to two years in our ever increasingly cramped condo, we (seriously) upgraded to Scott’s parents’ home for a bit in September. It seemed like a win win—Scott’s parents needed the comfort of knowing their home would be taken care of while missioning in Africa, and we could definitely use the space. Plus we’ve been able to rent our condo and save some cash money. Still, I had a really hard time with this decision since it meant leaving the ward I was finally starting to feel comfortable in. Thankfully being close by, we’ve continued to see and spend time with many friends from the good ‘ol Stewart ward. (And now that we’re settled in a big luxurious house, I’ll admit I’m crossing my fingers that we never have to go back to our condo!)

(Eva's little room back in the condo.)

(And the place we call home for now.)

Class of 2009
Scott’s graduation was a day we’ve looked forward to our entire time together. I can hardly believe it’s already come and gone, but it’s been SUCH a relief to have this behind us. What a monumental day in our history together. Our entire married life has revolved around school. Homework, studying, books, classes, papers, code, homework, projects, institute, homework, tests. Did I mention homework? There just aren’t words for how truly proud I am of Scott. For putting Eva and me first, for working so hard at all he does, for maintaining an awesome GPA through it all, and most of all, simply for finishing what he started.

(He did it!)

Said Goodbye to 80 lbs!
Did I really just blog that? Consider it a brave moment since I’m pretty embarrassed to admit that I had that much weight to lose! Especially when the pregnancy only accounts for about 50 of those pounds. The other day Scott and I were discussing this, and he said something like, “Yeah, you were pretty huge.” Oh husbands. I’ll spare you the before pictures, but take it from Scott, I was huge. Here’s to never being huge again!

(Mini me.)

Growth, Laughter, Love
Last, 2009 has been a year chock full of each of these. We’re definitely far from perfect, and our family has its share of hard times, but through our ups and downs, we carry on. We’ve stuck together, helped one another, and pushed each other to be better over the last year, and for this reason our love has grown. So there you have it, our top 9 of 2009. I'm hoping 2010 is a little less eventful, but I think we’re ready for what the new year has to bring!

(Jameson Family 2009.)

Top 9 of 2009 Part Uno

This post has been on my mind for quite a while. It’s a long one, but 2009 has been epic for our family, and a recap of the year deserves some major blog real estate.

Top 9 of 2009 (Part 1)

Said Goodbye to Grandpa Bird
We started the year with a heartfelt farewell to our dear Grandpa Bird. I knew him a short two years, but I’m sure I’ll never forget him. I have such a special place in my heart for grandparents. I think I was closer to my grandparents than most, I can remember spending every weekend with my Grandma because I just loved being with her. When she passed, my Grandpa and I bonded completely. I miss them deeply even today. Grandpa Bird reminded me so much of my own beloved grandparents, and it was nice to have that empty seat filled in my life again, even for short time.

(G-pa Bird as I remember him.)

Said Hello to Miss Eva Dixie
Wow, this has been by far the most incredible, wonderful, life-changing event of the year. We welcomed a baby girl into our family last January, and nothing’s been the same since. It sounds cheesy and cliché, but I honestly had no idea how much I could love another human being before she was born. I’m convinced that she’s the most happy, fun, bubbly little thing in the world, and her sweet nature is just contagious. Her laugh is the cure for my worst day, her smile a bright ray of sunshine. I love every last thing about this girl, and I can’t believe she’s mine. I’m so looking forward to another year spent treasuring every moment with Miss Eva.

(Recent photos of my girl.)

Jameson Photos Officially Opened for Business
This is definitely another big event of 2009 for us. I’ve loved professional photography for a long time, but never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could be a photographer myself. Three years later I look back and wonder what I ever did without my camera. It was a scary moment for me when I made the decision to pursue photography professionally. I had no idea if I could make it in this field especially with so many great photographers around these days. I think I’ll always remember the first phone call I got for a paid session, and here’s to hoping the phone doesn’t stop ringing! I have learned SO MUCH about business, and more importantly, myself this year through photography, and it’s my hope that this is just the first of many years of growth for Jameson Photos.

(Lots of new things in store for the biz this year. Check out the new look HERE!)

New Job Opportunities
Besides my new photography business, it’s been a year of new work for Scott. He finally said goodbye to Desert Schools after several years with them, and began his first internship in the IT field. This was amazing for us since getting an internship took more time and effort than we expected. And for the first time, Scott really felt sure about software development. It’s been such a relief for me to see his confidence that this is not only something he can do for a living, but also something he just loves. After that first job, came a second, and now his third internship in this field. He’s in the market for something full time, and for the sake of my sanity I hope he’s hired soon. I’m still working full time at my day job, and going a little crazy trying to balance that with everything else. I’ve got high hopes that 2010 will be my year to quit!

****Edited to add, Scott got a job!!! More to come on this. SO happy!

(A recent shot of my cuties.)

Part 2 later this week!

Happy New Year!

I'm working on a 2009 recap, resolutions for the year 2010, etc., but for now feast your eyes on this--our first family picture!

Courtesy of our new gorgeous craigslist chair (with matching couch not pictured) and tripod/self timer. Oh and the card is another one of my own designs :)