Too Blessed To Be Stressed

I admit it, a week or two ago I just wasn’t feeling it.  Between frantically working on holiday cards and print orders for clients, battling the crowds at the mall in pursuit of the perfect presents, tracking down the million + 1 pieces of information required for our home study and taking care of two sick, but not-too-sick-to-be-demanding-and-whiney, little boys, my heart was filling with dread and a little panic at the approaching holiday season instead of joy.  The Christmas tree falling over right after I finished my OCD tradition of spending about 4 hours putting the lights on was enough to push me over the edge.  

And then, just when I was starting to feel sorry for myself, I was reminded of just how blessed I am.

Blessed to have such incredible clients and an overwhelmingly busy year.  It is amazing to be able to do something that I truly enjoy so much and that makes others so happy too.  This fall marked the 3 year anniversary of when I picked up a serious camera for the first time and it’s been a whirlwind ever since.  This summer, I photographed several families that were my first clients ever.  It was so much fun to reconnect with the families and to see how the kids have grown.  I can’t wait to catch up on my blog after the holidays and to share images of these sessions and many more of all the new families that I have captured a glimpse of.  As crazy as the last month has been, all of the last minute orders coming in were such a blessing as every penny has gone into our adoption fund.  

Blessed to be touched by the miracle of adoption.  We have been overwhelmed by the positive support from everyone in our lives since we shared our decision.  It is something we have been thinking about for so long and it feels wonderful to finally share our excitement with everyone. Many have commented about what a wonderful thing we are doing for a child.  But that is the amazing part.  We are the ones whose lives have already been changed.  Adoption has opened our eyes to those that are suffering in the world and reminded us of what is really important in life.  I feel it in my heart and I see the changes in our boys as they become more compassionate and grow from this experience. As much as I am trying to be fully present with them in this moment, I can’t help thinking that our other child is out there, wondering what her first Christmas will be like and what her family may be going through.  

Blessed to have such a loving & supportive family, friends who lift me up with their encouraging words, an amazing husband and my two sweet boys who are tucked in right now dreaming of Santa.  I am reminded that what is under the tree or how perfect (or not so perfect) the lights on it look are not nearly as important as who is sitting around the tree with you.  I am reminded that it is His love for us that is the cause for celebration and the best gift we can give to others is our own love.  

Since I couldn’t send this out to everyone, here is my family’s holiday card and a few more of my favorite images of my boys from 2009.  The last image was taken by my friend, Melany Klink, for our home study since we didn’t have any pictures that I was in.  I look forward to all the adventures that 2010 will bring and wish all of you a peaceful time full of many magic moments with your own little ones.  Merry Christmas!