This boy calls me Aunt Amy. He is going to be joined by a little brother in the Summer. I am so excited for my sister and to be an Aunt again!

Ethan turned 1 year old. His party was sweet, simple and so full of love. Those who care for him the very most gathered around and watched him enjoy birthday cake and crawl around the house. Instead of choosing just the few very best shots that I took that day, here are all the photos in all their snapshot glory :)

Words really can’t describe how I feel for this boy. He isn’t mine, but sometimes I feel that he is. I only have three children…and Ethan :) His mommy is my best friend in the entire world. She means everything to me…and so her family does as well. She is my sister, I consider her husband a real brother and her son my own. It’s not odd, but it is rare and it is how God intended us all to feel about each other. Today baby Ethan turns one year old. One year ago my sister’s life was changed forever, and in a big way, my own life as well. This little boy brings me so much joy. I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with him, even though I literally do see him almost every day. I’m just so thankful that he is in my life. Not a lot matters in this world when you look into those crazy blue eyes. All the hate and ugly that is spewed all over this world takes on a new meaning, us as adults don’t want to remove ourselves from hate because of our own tender hearts…all we want to do is protect our children from it.

I got to babysit him on Tuesday, I was so looking forward to just spending time with him. Then a wrench was thrown into my plans by the Enemy and I felt defeated, like I couldn’t move, couldn’t be the Aunt I wanted to be.  It was also the kids’ first day of school…I had so many plans for that day, full of simple joy and spending it with my Lily & baby Ethan. But then through foggy glasses I sat with Baby E on the couch and we made each other laugh. His rolls and big tummy bellowing with deep laughter. God has such a plan for his life…

Day 11/28: I woke up missing my Grandma today. I got ready for the day, and before I went out the door I put on her ring. I thought of how much she would love Lily. I imagine she would give her gum and then worry when Lily ended up swallowing it. I imagine she would get a kick out of watching Lily dance, and every chance she got she would kiss baby Ethan’s big chubby cheeks. She would be shocked at how tall Abby has grown and how short I wear my hair now.

She would have loved Abby’s missing teeth.

I was out to coffee with my Mom and Sister, we got to talking about 2009. I realized that two really good things happened in 2009, we bought a house, and baby E-Diddy was born. I’m not saying absolutely nothing good came of 2009 except for those two things, I’m just saying…along with the majority of people that I’m hearing, that 2010 is going to be awesome. I didn’t make resolutions last year, I usually never do. And when I do, I call them “goals”, but this year, I want make some changes, especially when it comes to photography and using this gift that the Lord has given me.

#1. I want to take more photos. For someone who love photography so much, I don’t pick up my camera very much. It is sad really.

#2. In taking more photos…I want to blog more. A lot more. Blog everything. It is my online journal and one day I will print it and put it in a beautiful book for my kids. I want to post pictures, not for anyone else’s approval, just for my kids’ future.

#3. I want to put myself out there, gain more clients and grow my business. I love love love taking photos for other people. I’m not able to do it nearly enough. But this will take a lot of work and a lot of courage!

#4. More projects…more challenges…I’m thinking a self portrait challenge or a photo a day challenge…who’s up for it with me? I would rather not do it alone! Let’s talk about some ideas!

Well…that is it. At least that’s all I will post for the world to read! The rest goes in my private, non-digital journal!

There were so many photos that I loved this year. So many I never got to post here or share anywhere for that matter. So I’m doing it now. They are all of my kids of course! So here’s a big random share of pictures throughout 2009.

Thank you to all my blog readers, my clients, my family and friends for coming here and supporting me in my photography. May 2010 ROCK!! :)