I can’t believe it. I can’t believe I am posting about my entire YEAR.
Really? So soon?
Well played year, well-played.
I decided to pick ONE photo to represent each month of 2013, and trust me – very hard! In fact, it is pure torture for me. But I told myself ONE, and so, I picked ONE (or two). Heh.
January 2013
Oh, what this photo holds deep inside. Things we did not know as we traipsed through the park, children and dogs, on a gorgeous North Texas day. I look at this photo and I see my daughter for the last time as my young girl. In this year, she will grow and change in more ways than I thought possible. Although she will always my little girl, she will never be the youth of this photo, because becoming a mother does that.
February 2013
I went to quite a bit of trouble to get these floating bokeh hearts. And even though I have tons of other photos for February, I am choosing this one as it represents my journey into trying a Project 52. Sadly, I did not complete every week, but I tried. And I failed. Then, I finished.
And you know what? That is good enough for me. I’m going for it this year too. Maybe, I will complete it? Maybe, I won’t. I’ll put my best effort into it, but I won’t stress over it. I am learning/unlearning perfectionism in the most beautiful way. If you would like to join the same Project 52 I do, there is still time, just click the link and ask to join Daphne Ellenburg’s Project 52 on Flickr.
March 2013
Here is my cheat month. There are two photos, but it is ONE mosaic and ONE photo is not mine. My husband went to Seattle (and all he brought me back was this picture he took – heh), but yes, he took one of my cameras. He didn’t have much time to get out since he was working, but I do love this shot. I want to go to Seattle something fierce.
It will happen…. I just know it. One day.
The other photo is Easter at Grandma’s house. Easter just isn’t Easter unless it is celebrated at Grandma’s, and Grandma’s yard has lots of pretty spring flowers. Pretty girls in frilly dresses. And pretty, pretty Easter eggs to hunt. So pretty is as pretty does and I give you this lovely lily.
April 2013
Another cheat (sorry, not sorry!) – my baby girl’s Gender Reveal Party with her boyfriend Brandon. Listen, no one knew what the sex of that baby was going to be. Not a soul standing there – including Mom & Dad – not until those balloons floated out of the box. And let me tell ya, it was a SHOCK to see Pink. Almost everyone, all the old wives tales, Chinese calendars, and then some, said it was a BOY. Most everyone there was SURE it was a BOY, including myself, but I wanted a girl. I don’t know why. We have a plenty of girls. I just couldn’t give up my hope to have another. Maybe, because I had a girl first and I wanted her to have that incredible experience too. I wanted my baby girl to have a baby girl. And that dream came true when I watched those pink spheres float up into the sky. Wow. A very precious moment shared with family and friends; one I will never forget.
I don’t like photos of myself. I don’t like others taking photos of myself. I am just uncomfortable this side of the camera. But I took a photo with my little girl on Mother’s Day. To record her pregnancy and a special event. This is a candid shot of us together (unposed). My sticker says World’s Greatest Mom. My step-girls gave me a Mother’s Day card they picked out and that sticker was inside. You bet I wore it all day. Loud and Proud. Oh, how I love allllllll my girls!
I had space at the Arlington Museum of Art for the Chics Who Click art exhibit. I showed for three months April, May, and June. This is the month I displayed “people”. My family, friends, friends of family, and more that I had done photo sessions of. I gave it back to them by printing and framing their shots. It is the month I am most proud of.
July 2013
Maternity photos of Sydney in the stockyards, plus one of her and Brandon at Penn Farm. Maternity photos in July – talk about a scorcher. I have to say Sydney is quite the trooper having to endure a Texas Summer in her pregnancy. She did really well with it all; very impressive for a nineteen-year old.
A little child is born who fills the hearts of so many. A little girl loved by her parents, grandparents, great grandparents and many other relatives. She is the most loved baby I know.
I photographed the birth of her one day after I turned 42 years old. I took her newborn photos. I breathed in the sweet, new baby smell and I fell, so completely, in love with this new little girl – every finger, and every toe. I still fall to pieces when I see her. This Grandma thing is pretty darn amazing.
Surprise, Cousin Tasha is pregnant with twins. TWINS! Little playmates for Averey. The family and I head to Iowa Park, Texas to photograph her shower. These are my outlaws and I love that they welcome Jason and the girls as family too. This is definitely the cutest theme I have ever seen, and so much SUGAR. The cake with babies on it is my favorite. A very precious and detailed piece. I can’t wait to meet these two new little people.
October 2013
My step-daughters on Halloween. This is quite the pair. The cat pounces on the prey and the Vampire Princess comes in for the kill. Genius! I missed seeing them trick or treat as I had to work, but I am glad Jason took pictures for me, and that he took Fred the Cat trick or treating, too.
November 2013
Finally they meet, the Great Grandma and the Great Granddaughter. I think they thought it a moment greater than both of them. We call it The Grand PooPaw of all time. Oh yes. A pretty big deal for sure. And I loved every bit of it.
December 2013
Christmas 2013 – Full of gifts big and small, inside and outside.
December is a big month for me. I am promoted at work to supervisor. I traded in my car with my husband’s car to share ONE car. Years past, that would have freaked me out to put so much trust into being that dependent, but you know what, it didn’t bother me in the least. Working from home, I can do without wheels.
I am completely off antidepressants and I feel amazing. My husband will turn the big 3-9 tomorrow. He mentioned to me it was our 6th Christmas together. That blew my mind. SIX? So many? Which means this is our 6th Birthday celebration for him. When I met him, he was only 33.
I am ready for the New Year. And yes, I do love resolutions! I plan to get strong and fit. To ACCEPT imperfection as my new reality and be just fine with that. I want the critics out of my head. Ain’t nobody got time for that! My resolution is to exercise one hour a day. I did pretty good with a resolution in 2006 to stop smoking. I am hoping this one will stick for eight years as well.
That’s right, my anniversary of no more smoking is January 1st! I haven’t missed it. Not in eight years. So happy I made that resolution.
And of course, I have this eleven and half pound bundle of joy to watch grow and change.
She turned four months old Christmas Eve (and only 11.5lbs – little shrimp).
Do you know how big she makes me smile?
This big and more. We are something when we get together and start grinning all over the place.
My year? Full.
My life? Loved.
My heart? Overflowing.
Top that 2014, I look forward to it.
Happy New Year, everyone! Hope it is blissful and bright! Cheers to 2014!
Beautiful..cherish these memories and make the best of 2014! 🙂
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Oh Angelia, what a delightful pictorial recap post of your 2013!!!
Everyone of these photos are tres magnifique! Truly, you inspire me with your photography talent! Love the photograph of your Christmas tree. WOW! And of course, the photographs of your precious little granddaughter are my favorites! She’s so adorable!
And hey, congrats on your job promotion at work! You GO, girl!
It’s been an absolutely pleasure getting to know you this past year. And I look forward to blogging with you in 2014!
Much X to you and your family!
Happy New Year, my friend!
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Happy new year to you and the family from Vegas! Great memories there indeed. 🙂
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Congrats on a fabulous year!!!!!
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God blesses you each and every day! Love the pictures and readings! I look forward to many more…
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Lovely photos!! Happy New Year!
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What a beautiful year you had, and what a great preparation for the promise of 2014!
Sent from my iPad
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oh, these were so delightful…the whole year, Angelia. many more blessings to you and your family in the new year…and may your Seattle trip become a reality for you soon. cheers!! 🙂
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These are wonderful! I love all those little people!!! Avery is a beauty! Just like my other granddaughters!
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 01:19:22 +0000 To: suelrussell@hotmail.com
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What a beautiful walk through this past year with you Angelia! My wish for you in 2014 is to experience abundant joy, much love, and the knowledge that simply the trying of something is success, not failure. May your heart be light and your beautiful memories endless! 🙂
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Hope 2014 is as memorable as 2013. A truly beautiful post featuring very special memories. Wishing you a wonderful New Year.
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The title made me laugh because I KNEW it would be so difficult. Thanks for the year in review via photos. Congrats deserved for so many things. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and happy to all!
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Oh, it’s been a very good year! Congrats on the promotion. Good luck with the resolutions. Have a blast with the family. Let’s have another good year! 🙂
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I love the re-cap. What a big year you have had, and beautiful. I don’t comment much, but I almost always read. Blessings in 2014!
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Hi Angelia!!!
It’s really nice to meet you ! I’m very happy to visit on your Blog ! I never came to you ever before today but as today. I came to your Blog so feel really great insight of my heart. Angelia you are step mom of two kids but even you are great women in my eyes. You are a photographer & you do great & wonderful photography according me ! I just see your “A PHOTO FOR EVERY MONTH OF MY YEAR 2013” I’m so excited to connected you for learning Photography ❤
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What a great year! I love the “Chics Who Click” pic! What an accomplishment!
My youngest daughter has the same leopard Halloween costume… but without the mask.
I didn’t know you were on antidepressants, so a big CONGRATULATIONS for getting off those.
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Beautiful photos!! Wish you a happy new year, Angelia. 🙂
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I came by to tell you how beautiful your photo on Ron’s blog is
and here are more wonderful shots!!
congrats on the beautiful grandbaby, I have 2 grands so I know the joy
happy new year
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Hi Angelia:
What a great look back at the year…you take some amazing family pics! I still need to get a DSLR…but that’s for another time. In any case, your granddaughter has such a great smile, which you’ve captured so elegantly. Look forward to more pics in the new year…oh, and congrats on your anniversary of quitting smoking!
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This post is beautiful and absolutely overflowing with love. The photos are gorgeous as always and my favourite has got to be that last one – she’s adorable! Wishing you and your family a fantastic new year! 🙂
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What a wonderfully full year Angelia. Your granddaughter looks so huggable. Congrats on the promotion. I hope 2014 is wonderful for you
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A Beautiful Year Indeed! : )
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