When I go back and look through my journal for this year, it’s filled with a lot of fear and uncertainty but there’s also a lot of thankfulness. Time spent together with my family is the biggest thing I’m thankful for. It certainly has not been easy but I think in a year where we’re constantly reminded of how precious (and short) life can be, I’m thankful for any bonus time I get to be with my kiddos and with James. Back in March, the kids came home for what was supposed to be two weeks off and they haven’t been back. James came home one evening from work until they figured things out and he never went back. Books and supplies stayed in desks, lockers remained closed up, and all of James’s pictures sat on his desk. Since then, we’ve figured out how to do school from our dining room and James accepted a new job that will keep him working from home permanently. We spent the Spring riding bikes, doing puzzles, watching movies, looming all the hats, playing board games, and figuring out how to make the best of this year. While it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, we’ve done a pretty good job. We’ve been truly blessed this year and I know God has been right there with us even in some of the scariest days.
I also don’t know how I’d gotten through this year without some of the best friends a girl could ask for. It’s so reassuring to know you have someone you can text or message or call when you need a laugh or reassurance or tough love or just to say this is a lot. I’m thankful for random text messages, all the memes, and 9000 cat gifs. You guys have helped me more than you’ll ever know and I’m so glad God put you in my life.
I also find myself being very thankful as I looked back over my favorite images from this year. I’m of course so thankful for the families I got to spend time with and all of the smiles we got to share. But as a small business owner, it’s amazing to me to look around and see the ways that we’ve all made it work this year. The amount of creativity and resourcefulness and resiliency we’ve all had to muster is awe inspiring. For us, we’ve been thrown right into the deep end of learning live streaming and embracing all of the opportunities to safely get together for photos. When I realized school photos would be cancelled earlier this year and I wouldn’t be able to hold hands with all of my little preschool friends, I cried. It’s not just about taking pictures. It’s about making so many little friends and building relationships. And when I look back at these smiles, I see that life goes on – new babies, graduating seniors, growing businesses, and special anniversaries. It’s a great reminder that no matter how crazy the world is, there’s always a reason to celebrate and smile.
Thank you so much for sharing these smiles with me and supporting my little business this year. You guys were a breath of fresh air and I loved hanging out with you. Looking back has reminded me of so many fun times and that makes my heart so happy. I’m excited for more fun times in 2021!!
Happy New Year, friends!!
Maggie
And Daniel clearly wins best outtakes for the entire year!!
I had so much fun with black and white images this year that they needed their own feature. Very often, I found myself spending more and more time on certain images and I love how black and white brings out features and emotions and details that may otherwise be overlooked.
This image of Caroline is possibly one of my favorite ever. She’s so elegant and graceful. For me, this image captures strength and beauty even with darkness all around.
Maggie Stoup 