I am sitting here, sipping tea on a comfortable couch at my husband’s parents’ home. (Yes, I know I could have said in-laws’ house, but I’m going for eloquent here.) My mood is pensive on this Christmas Eve. I am so grateful for the many blessings we’ve received this year. I’m so looking forward to 2015 and all of the adventure it holds. I’ll write another post next week on goals for Turtle & Hare Photography and the Wiederholt crew.

This year has taught me many things. One thing I’ve learned is to really, truly be thankful for everything. Sure, it’s easy to be thankful for the stuff we love and enjoy. It’s harder to be thankful for inner growth and development, because that usually results from struggle and sacrifice. I am thankful for those around me who have challenged me, dared me, and supported me through big stuff and the mundane.

We’ve had some wonderful moments this year. We had the privilege of taking a grand trip to Iceland and England. We bought our first house! (I still owe you a post on before and after photos of the kitchen and den renovation.) Paul got a promotion at work (no, not at Turtle & Hare Photography. We’re both the bosses here. 😉 ) We’ve laughed a lot with our wonderful families and friends. And we’ve enjoyed many a night with our ridiculously cute cat, Aggie.

I can’t say life is perfect because it’s not. I’ve allowed myself to stress way too much in 2014. I’ve let my mind get carried away with comparing myself to others and doubting my own abilities. It’s so easy to get discouraged when life is so busy and overwhelming. Paul is so great in dealing with me when I’m moody, so a big shout out to him for putting up with me! It can be difficult to make yourself vulnerable and show others your struggles, but it is so worth the support and love that’s grown by doing so.

Thank you to all of our clients for letting us share your beautiful, glorious moments with you! You all have been so kind and wonderful. Thanks to our crazy friends! You make life so much sillier, and we are the better for it. Thanks to our even crazier families! We love you all so much! Thanks to God, the author and perfecter of our faith. He lightens every load and brightens everyday with the knowledge of our salvation. As 2014 takes it’s final breaths we look back in peace and forward with hope.