December 22, 2015

Playing Catch Up


These days have been full and flying past me at full speed. Are you feeling the same? I will the time to slow down and I'm enjoying every moment, almost every moment, but it still goes so quickly. There have been house projects, parties, movies (Star Wars) and baking (molasses cookies, pretzel bark, fudge and peppermint bark).


There has been no shortage of studio time. I've made ornaments for an exchange with two of my craftiest friends, crafted some fun little paper church ornaments with Emmy and snuck away to make secret special Christmas gifts for my girls.


Mine on the left, hers on the right.


There was some major birthday celebrating. Those are my gifts stacked and waiting under my "birthday tree".


Maddie got me this beautiful print with words she knew Mommy would love and a book on lettering and Emmy got me some gnome socks and a new journal. I love how my girls just get me. They are truly thoughtful.


And then the big guy completely spoiled me this year and got me a new lens for my camera. A dream lens in my eyes and even though it's technically a portrait lens I've been going around the house practicing with it and can't get enough. I would never have been able to justify buying that for myself so that makes it even sweeter!


And my gosh how I love that face. He is the dearest man I've ever known and that cleft melts me.


And then I just can't help but play and capture the bokeh. By the end of next week I imagine I will have approximately 127 bokeh photos of my tree!


Have I ever mentioned that I haven't had a birthday party since the year I turned 13? Well that all changed this year. My guy invited some of our good friends that are truly more like family over for a big, loud celebration.


 Maddie has gotten so good at making me feel special and celebrated. He could not have pulled it off without her. She helped cook and even decorated so that it would feel more like a birthday celebration and less like Christmas.


Complete with a decorated chalkboard. You see that rainbow? She remembered that my long ago birthday party had a rainbow theme so she wanted to pay homage to it. ;) And that birthday cake she drew? She informed me that it is sitting on a milk glass cake stand. So cute!


Oh hey there bokeh! Sorry. Can't help myself!


Wow. This is getting ridiculous! ;)


So there it is. I've made it to 45 and after the year I had, I couldn't be more thankful. My wish for this next year is that I will be creative, full of gratitude and joy and more than anything, healthy.

21 comments:

  1. OMG!! When I read that note on your present, it made me tear up. What a guy! And what a great family. They know how to take care of you for sure. Happy Birthday! You deserve everything good thing. :) Hugs, Kit

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  2. Beautiful photos. Happy birthday and Merry Christmas to you and your family. xoxo Su

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  3. Dearest Jen, belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I wish you all that you wish yourself for next year! It is so wonderful to see how appreciated you are by your family, they did a great job for your special day. I LOVE bokeh photos they are magical! Wishing you all a amazing Christmas together!
    Anna xx

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  4. A wonderful to celebrate you! Happy birthday! Love all the bokeh photos. :)

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  5. Merry, merry birthday. Love your beautiful photos and visits in my email box.
    May I ask what book title you received on lettering..............and do you have any favorite Youtube tutuorials, etc?
    Thanks so much,
    Kim

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  6. I'm glad your family made your birthday a day to remember, Jen! Our oldest daughter was born on Christmas Day, and her daughter on Dec. 26, so we make an extra effort to celebrate birthdays among the holiday hoopla. You are going to have so much fun with your new lens! And gifts that show the giver truly knows what you like are always the most cherished. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!
    xo, Vickie

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  7. What a sweet celebration. The effort and love your family put into making your day so beautiful is the best gift of all! Happy (belated) Birthday! And Merry Christmas too:)

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  8. A belated Happy Birthday to you! Your days sound delightful! Merry Christmas to you and your family. Bonnie

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  9. Happy Birthday! All good wishes for you in the coming year!

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  10. Happy Birthday Jen (belated)! I hope that you had a wonderful day!

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  11. Happy birthday! You're going to love your lens. My portrait lens is the only lens I use. Merry Christmas to you all!

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  12. Happy birthday! You're going to love your lens. My portrait lens is the only lens I use. Merry Christmas to you all!

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  13. Sigh.....I so love to drop in on your blog to see your awesome home!!!!! Happy birthday wishes....AND....MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

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  14. You are truly blessed, Jen. Happy Belated Birthday to you....and enjoy a very Merry Christmas with your beautiful family.

    And the bokeh.

    :)

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  15. Happy belated birthday and yes - here's to your good health! You had an amazing and loving birthday...your husband and daughters are incredibly thoughtful. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas. xoxo

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  16. it's so evident how hard & much you have loved your family by the way they show their love to you! thank you for sharing your beautiful birthday with us!! happy christmas to y'all!!!

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  17. it's so evident how hard & much you have loved your family by the way they show their love to you! thank you for sharing your beautiful birthday with us!! happy christmas to y'all!!!

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  18. Hi Jen,
    A Big Happy Belated Birthday to you!
    I love that you had a Birthday Party after all this time...that is the best.gift.ever! :)
    And a new lens to boot, amazing!
    Wishing you and your family the most Wonderful Christmas and 2016!
    Kimberley

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  19. Sounds like a wonderful birthday! Merry Christmas!

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  20. Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday with ones dear to your heart! Love the beautiful print you recieved.

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  21. Sounds like a wonderful birthday! Merry Christmas!

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