The Most AMAZING Christmas!

I didn't ask for much this Christmas... in fact, I don't remember asking for anything at all, but somehow I was blessed with the best Christmas ever! I don't want to sound materialistic and just talk about the totally awesome presents I got this year (I will shortly though!), so I'll begin by saying that it was such a blessing to spend time with my family. We were able to visit my side of the family this year. We had a lot of fun just talking, playing games, eating food... lots and lots of food, and just being together. That may not seem like much, but I know that many people aren't able to spend time together during the holidays for whatever reason (work, travel, etc). Christmas really is blessed when you're with the ones you love.

Here's a few pics of Ava opening up (or playing with) her Christmas presents. She enjoyed every minute of it!

Now to talk about my presents (drum roll please)................

My husband surprised me BEYOND belief this year with.......... (are you on the edge of your chair?!!!)......... a brand spanking new photography studio! I'm talking the whole set-up! Not just one softbox, but 3!! A reflector with stand. A backdrop support system with 3 muslin

backgrounds. Gels. Barn Doors. ETC. ETC. ETC. Check out the pic of this awesome set-up!

We set the studio up in our home (in Reedsville, WV), and I am soooo excited to take many many photographs here!

The Canon EOS 7D with external flash and tripod were already mine and are placed here for a better visual of the whole studio :)

I'd love to hear what you think! And better yet, I'd love to photograph you! (P.S. - My photography business is JB gallery. Check it out at jb-gallery.com)

I could also go on about the other wonderful presents I got this year, including a new crib for our little one on the way (from my sisters and parents), a double stroller, a necklace, etc, etc.

I really truly am so very blessed!

I guess next year I won't ask for anything either ;)

What's Christmas without Decorations?!

One thing I love about Christmas is the traditions that are born and remain for years to come. My parents began a Christmas tradition for each of the six children in my family that included collecting a Christmas ornament series. Many series of ornaments offered (through Hallmark) generally don't last but more than five to ten years. The series that my parents began for me, however, has been continuing for 27 years with no current plans to retire. (They really picked a good one for me!) My collection is the Nostalgic Houses and Shops series. This is a very beautiful, very detailed series. Below are a couple pictures of this series. Being that I love traditions, as previously mentioned, I decided that we could also continue this tradition down to our children. Ava may not understand traditions this early in life, but hopefully one day she will be able to appreciate it as much as I do... and possibly even share it with her little ones.

We picked up this ornament in August of this year from our trip to Oahu, Hawaii. It gets me in the mood for their fresh, juicy pineapples! YUM!

The first of my house collection. (1984)

The 27th of my house collection. (2010)

Ava's 2nd in her series of "A Visit from Santa"

Of course Christmas decorating is always more fun with cookies baking and holiday music!

I had to show off our tree, which has, in the past, come to be known as our "Whooville tree" from its tall, skinny characteristics. And I don't think I've ever been able to get the star in the middle!

What holiday traditions do you and your family celebrate?! Are there any you would want to begin on your own to share with generations to come?!

Tis the Season

Welcome to my blog!

I have been debating for some time now whether or not to begin a blog of my own, and as you can see, a blog has begun. I will try my best to be devoted to documenting life as I know it as a mother, a wife, a photographer, a speech-language pathologist, a baker and cook, and the many more titles I am happy to hold. I hope you will enjoy reading and exploring chronicles from my life :)

Being that it is nearly Christmas, I decided that it was appropriate to first include pictures of the holiday season. Enjoy!

Mommy and Ava looking at the Christmas lights.

Daddy and Ava looking at the Christmas lights.

Ava is admiring her "Winnie-the-Pooh" ornament near the very top.

She loves to touch the lights.

Such a beautiful Christmas angel she is!