We spent the night Christmas Eve and opened a few gifts in the morning – our gift this year was the cruise!

We spent the day reading and watching cheesy Christmas movies – the best kind of holiday!

Ten years ago I had come home from Philadelphia University to start a lonely semester at Mansfield University.

Five years ago Jared and I were newlyweds and ushered in 2005 together – again – I have no idea where we were or what we did that night.

Tonight we will go to Amy & Jim’s for a bit and then to help out with the overnighter at the church for a few hours and end the night – ringing in the New Year at Matt & Johna’s. And I am sure that in 10 years – I will have forgotten those details too!

Tomorrow marks a new year – a new start!

I wrote earlier this year about our blessings – there are times that I cannot see any from the past year – but I know better.

THANK YOU – you know who are – for believing in me this past year. For praying for us this past year. For listening to my fears – my doubts – my musings.

barden photography has bloomed into something that I never thought possible. I asked God to bless my photography. I asked for 24 weddings. I had 24 weddings. I didn’t even think to ask God for family sessions – seniors – babies – kiddos – engagements. He blessed me beyond my wildest dreams.

THANK YOU to those out there that trusted me with their memories – it means more than I could ever express to you!

THANK YOU to those in my family that supported me – cheered for me – prayed for me – encouraged me – booked a session with me!

THANK YOU to those friends that pushed me – encouraged me – trusted me – believed in me – booked a session with me!

THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU

I cannot imagine 2010 being more bountiful than 2009 for barden photography – but I am trusting that it will be. Knowing that God answered my prayers above and beyond what I asked. Knowing that He will do it again – above and beyond.

I am praying that God answers our prayer for a child – a sweet, healthy, happy child in 2010. I am praying that if that prayer isn’t answered that I will see the blessings in it – that I will understand that God is in control – that the desire for a child will subside if that is not what God has for us – one of the hardest prayers I have ever had to pray.

I am praying that 2010 brings joy – for us and for you!

How cute are they?

Thanks again *H* family for having me over!

It breaks my heart. This Christmas I thought – I really really thought we were expecting – finding out yesterday we weren’t. Ugh.

I thought I would post a picture of Schrute from last Christmas – a month before we got him!

LOOK AT THAT FACE – THAT TEENY LITTLE FACE!

This was taken yesterday -

Look at that NOT so teeny face!

Oh Schrute – how we love you and how you have blessed us this year – coming into our lives at the EXACT moment we needed you!

I hope everyone had a warm, love-filled Christmas!

Usually we go to the beach with them in July but this year with my wedding schedule – it didn’t work out.

We left on Sunday the 6th out of Rochester – and boy do I hate flying – but it wasn’t too bad this time.

It was cold and snowy … couldn’t wait until we were in the WARM WATERS of the BAHAMAS!

Our cabin!

Where we hung out at Coco Cay – the BEST part of the trip!

Our little towel buddy!

The sunset on the last night of our vacation!

We had a great time – Jared and I were both pretty motion sick and I missed dinner 2 nights out of 4 – but we had a fun time with the best in-laws I could ever ask for!

I am so blessed this Christmas with a WONDERFUL “job”!

BARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY has become SO MUCH more than I could have EVER imagined!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

For those of you needing a last minute Christmas gift – we are offering GIFT CERTIFICATES for sessions …

oh baby – belly session

happily ever after – bridal session

we are family – family session

let them be little – kiddo session

.be yourself. – senior session

THANK YOU AGAIN to EVERYONE out there who supported me – believed in me – prayed for me – and allowed me to come into their lives this year to capture their memories!

Jared’s friend Zach is marrying Layne and Jared is one of the best men!

I am not the photographer at the wedding but I will be photographing for sure!

STAY TUNED FOR FLORIDA WEDDING PICTURES – who knows when I will get that chance again!

The star that my dear friend Trudy got me for Christmas a few years ago.

One of my favorite Christmas ornaments.

Santa and snowman chess …

Oh Christmas tree …

Christmas in Mansfield …

On Saturday my family came over and we strolled through Dickens in Wellsboro …

I love Christmas …

Out wood stove – which we no longer have to use – YAY!

My Grandma Geiger got me this when I was in middle school – I think. She got us a different ornament every year – I have always loved this one.

And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You’ve touched my life
Because here is where You’re finding me, in the exact same place as New Year’s eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We’re less than half as close as I want to be

And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I’ll compare the things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here

To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me

And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life