Friday, January 1, 2010

Fare thee well, 2009

I am breaking radio silence here at Casa de Stie. (I know. Try to contain yourselves.)

We have had a lovely holiday break, and plan on making the most of the few days we have left. It has been just a fantastic week - lots of movies, books, games, naps, and food. The Husband has been TOTALLY off the grid. We have only ventured out of the house for movies, absolutely necessary grocery store runs, and church. It's been positively heaven. I could stand this life all year long.

Of course, my house would be a wreck.

But it'd be nice to live like this a little more often.

Today I have been pouring over my photo archives -- reminiscing and laughing, cringing and critiquing. And what I decided was this: 2009 was very kind to us. So much so that I find myself on my knees in gratitude and sheer wonder at our good fortune. We've had our challenges, as every family does, but we successfully wound our way through another year -- learning, laughing, crying, and loving.

Here, to ring in the new year, are the highlights from our family. In photo form.

Happy new year, indeed.
























22 comments:

Jeanelle said...

I love radio-silence breaking posts full of happy pictures of beautiful people. May's picture made me happiest because I remember that post, I think...when your son got to hear his fave author speak? What a happy memory. And happy new year to you & your darling family.

Emily said...

The last is my favorite (although all are great). Hannah's little chin so easily on her brothers shoulder and the shared interest among all three is precious. Here's hoping mine might someday sit together without poking/proding/pinching/etc. A very merry christmas to you!

Jenny said...

Happy New Year! They're all fantastic but Nov and Dec are my favorites. PS: Saw the trailer again for The Lightning Thief...can't wait!

Dalene said...

LOVE them all, especially the one of you and Princess Hannah. And The Husband? Kind of a handsome hottie, no? Enjoy the last few days of freedom.

calibosmom said...

Happy New Year to you. You did have some great pictures from '09. Can't wait to see what 2010 brings.

Mel said...

We have also had a great vacation just hanging out together. Absolutely beautiful pictures! Here's to another year overflowing with blessings!

Lauren in GA said...

I love the pictures you chose! I am especially partial to November 09 because it has such a gorgeous picture of you. I also like the December one because they are all enjoying their computers but still enjoying each other.

For some reason when you say things like, "Try to contain yourselves. " it makes me laugh. I love your dry humor.

Amanda D said...

Happy new year, Stie! Looking forward to the pictures of 2010.

Christy said...

Absolutely beautiful. I love your pictures.

Tristan said...

I'm not sad to see 2009 go, but I am grateful for it nonetheless. :)

Happy New Year Christie!

Christina B. said...

I love your pictures! What a great idea. Happy New Year!

Cindy said...

Welcome back. I'm so glad you've had a fabulous time with your husband and children these past two weeks. Love the photos of the past year! I really like the one of you and Hannah. Beautiful!

the wrath of khandrea said...

great shots. the pearl harbor one threw me, because i have the same exact one. and i had a moment where i was like "why is she using my picture, and who is that kid in it?"

being egocentric is hard sometimes.

danandcindy said...

Didn't we come to St. Louis in October?

Ilene said...

Beautiful family. Congrats on making it through 2009. I wish you an equally successful 2010.

So funny, I was planning to have my kids take pictures with their special stuffed animal. And there you have one.

If I ever doubted my idea, I now don't. If Christie does it, it must be in fabulous taste, right?

Susy said...

I love polka dots....what a little lady she is!

Musings of a Housewife said...

Gorgeous! Nov 09 is my fave. :-) Meeting you was one of the highlights of this year. Happy new year!

brooke said...

Love this idea of a year in pictures. My favorites are Nov and Dec. You look stunning in November and I love the sweetness of the photo. December is classic with your kids all enjoying their laptops.

Margaret said...

The picture of you and your daughter in November is gorgeous!

Hollyween said...

I loved the picture by the month post. Ya know, I may do the same and copy you. Immitation is the highest form of flattery, afterall. Too bad mine won't look as cute as yours with the months on the picture, but it's a fun idea nonetheless.

Kayla said...

I love the november picture. It is absolutely adorable.

Liz said...

I love, love, LOVE that picture of you and Hannah, and I feel special that I was there for the picture of her in the bungee cords. We need to plan another meet up/visit.