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!