Happy Holidays: From Our Family to Yours!

As the holidays are here, I find myself wrapping, shopping, baking, cleaning, checking emails, sending packages, getting ready and trying to mark items off my To-Do-List for the upcoming Christmas events.  With all the hustle and bustle, I do find myself trying to slow down to remember my faith and what the holidays are all about.  This is an awesome time of year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness and remembering the spirit of Christmas.  May you be reminded of all the most important things in your life this Christmas!!

For me, I love being able to have this special time to enjoy with family and friends, remembering old traditions and starting new ones with our little ones!  We visited Santa this year, and Owen and Gracie loved meeting him, riding the train, coloring and getting special snowflakes.  Owen Sat on Santa's lap, told him that he was a good boy, that he was two and Gracie was one-year-old, and told him what he wanted for Christmas this year.  Gracie eventually warmed up to Santa (after the picture, of course) and by the time we left was telling him, "Bye, Santa," and giving him high-fives!  I really look forward to Christmas this year as both Owen and Gracie know who Santa is, relate him with presents he brings and filling our stockings (or "socks" as Owen has called them).  They are excited to leave him the cookies we made and leave his reindeer the carrots and special food (the oatmeal and glitter!)   

Owen is a "big boy" this year as he turns three in March and has had lots of milestones in 2012 with getting a big-boy bed, saying lots of new phrases and having the fun times involved with potty training!  He is a sweetheart and loves getting getting Gracie to say new words or correcting her when she says or does something incorrect.  He loves his puzzles and seems to have a system or routine for everything.  Gracie is our sweet little girl and we love to see her saying new words everyday and surprising is all with trying to keep up with Owen.  When asked what she wants for Christmas this year, she pauses and says, "Ummm, Pizza!" So we may be having pizza on Christmas this year!  :).  She is starting to love dressing in pretty dresses and playing with purses, but also loves getting dirty (whether that be with playing outside, eating or making messes).  I love our family and have hugged, kissed and appreciated them more than ever this holiday season.  Our Christmas events start tomorrow on Christmas Eve morning and we absolutely can't wait!  Our busy day every year is Christmas Eve night and I always wish we could be two places at once!!  As I know that can't happen, I have to try to remember to relax and just enjoy the time we have with each of our families.  I do have to say, though, that I am looking forward to Tuesday with watching the kids see what Santa brings, eating my mom's leftover Spaghetti Casserole (and maybe Pizza!), watching the 'Christmas Story' and relaxing at home in our PJs on Christmas day!  I can't wait for the family time.  

Dean and I have both had super busy years and could be happier or feel more blessed.  Dean is expanding Hornberger Imports, Inc., our vehicle repair shop,  in 2013 and, as always, has been an absolutely wonderful husband and dad to our family.  I am a lucky girl.  I have been so blessed by all of my amazing brides and grooms inviting me into their lives to share their stories.  I have gotten to photograph my amazing couples at some gorgeous and fun locations and had the distinct pleasure of working with such great helpers, second shooters, amazing friends and colleagues this year.  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends and I have truly seen the awesome things we all can do for one another when we all come together.  I get to photograph two more weddings in 2012 and have a few appointments and photo sessions, and look forward to a busy 2013!  It has been tough finding a balance with all the family time, being very involved on the ISES (International Special Events Society) board and the events, lots of marketing and networking, and building my photography name and brand.  I am super excited to have lots of new surprises and changes coming soon, thanks to the help of my new marketing manager in 2013!  :)  It has been one busy 2012 and we look forward to 2013!  I feel so blessed with my business and family life to be doing all that I love.  I appreciate all the love and support from my husband, both of our families and our amazing friends to be able to do what I love everyday!  Without all of your support and love, I couldn't do all that I do.  

We truly hope that all of you be surrounded by all the things that bring Christmas cheer!  Hoping you can feel love, joy, and peace this Christmas season.  Happy holidays!  Enjoy!!  XXOO, Kristin, Dean, Owen and Gracie