I was nervous about my card this year. It’s different. You’ll see. But I didn’t print enough for all my friends and family so I’ll share it here.
This is the front flap.
You can’t imagine the joy our family will have in the eternities.”
And so, as we are missing her this Christmas we are grateful for the babe in Bethlehem
who lived and died to “wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall
be no death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any pain.” Rev. 21:4
In my mother’s honor we are working to forgive quickly, love freely, laugh easily and live well.
May your family be blessed this Christmas.
Gorgeous, huh? I’m bragging, but I also think this illustrates that we are all doing better than we think. In the middle of a situation I focus on the could’ves and should’ves and ‘if only we’d had more light’ but if I look back I see beauty.
And though I am proud of the photos I’ve taken this year (I especially loved the weddings and hope to do more) I am even more proud that I said ‘no’ over and over when my family needs came first. My older boys constantly remind me that they still need me and I am both grateful that they do need me and that they will tell me so.
I can’t imagine what 2010 will bring. I know I’ll turn 40 (Feb 2nd), that Stefan will get a driver’s license (March) and Ben will graduate and go to college (where???). I know I’ll have good days and bad days, that I’ll mess up and offend some people and bless others. I hope to be humble and prayerful and good.
And perhaps, if I do my best, I’ll look back and see beauty.
Tracy
Thank you for bringing your beauty into my life. Every time I read your blog – I feel it.
I sobbed when I opened your card. My husband worries I am in love with a Mormon. j/k 😉
Happy 2010 my friend.
xoxo,t
Blue
There wasn’t a lot I did right this year. I let a lot of things slide and didn’t serve as much as i “should” have. i wasn’t there as much as i wish i could have been for people who could have used it. and i’m sorry for that. the card is beautiful, as are it’s messages. from where i sit, you have done amazing things this year. i wish i could figure out how to do as you have done in terms of my parents. but i made it through this year, and succeeded in doing some things that i didn’t expect to do, that weren’t on my list. and i’ve been able to see grace along my way. i’ve been learning and growing, and though i generally feel like a remedial student, at least i’m a student still. i hope we are both blessed with more growth of the happy kind in 2010! i’m grateful for the beauty you add to my life from afar, even when i don’t comment or reply. ♥ you!
jennie w.
Forty??? Holy shiz.
Linn
I know that you have brought beauty into my life. Thank you.
seven smiles
Your card is absolutely beautiful.
Stunning.
With a perfect message. Happy 2010~
House of Estrogen
Your card is beautiful… simply perfect.
Sue
I LOVE your card. I’m certain that everyone who received it, in person or on the blog, had to feel the spirit of Christmas.
I sure did.
=)
Melissa
Beautiful words, Michelle. Happy, happy, joyful New Year to you.
Alisa
You word things the way I would if I could. Beautifully said…Your mother did SO GOOD raising you. Happy New Year.
Stephan did 50 pull-ups last night at New Year’s Eve. Awesome!
Denise
I loved your Christmas card and I love you. You said so many things here that I have felt acutely this year.
Beth is Gregg’s (Darla’s husband) mom. She passed totally unexpectedly this week. The funeral is tomorrow. They’re sitting shiva in PG, but Darla can be reached through my mom (I think they’re sleeping there.) I find it so hard to be so far away…
duchess
Here’s hoping your 2010 is full of blessings!
The Planet Pink
Beautiful card for a beautiful family. You deserve all the best in 2010 Michelle.
Miranda J
Michelle –
I enjoyed your comments re: dare to dream.
These photos are spectacular — the flounce of the red skirt. How fortunate to have these memories permanently etched.
Whitney (signed in as my daughter)!