Newborn :: Preview

Here's a little sneak peak from a photo shoot I did this weekend:

Life Update

Yup, that's right! We're starting a daycare. Well, it's a small one. Think cute, quaint home daycare vs. large center with ten-thousand babies. Either way, we're almost complete with the registration process and should be on our way soon! I'm very excited! It's funny just to think about how long God has been preparing me for this. I started talking about watching people's kids over a year ago! Then, we went to Tulsa where I had to learn a ton about licensing, rules, regulations, and everything else about kids because of my job in Children's ministry.

In other news, I'm looking at doing a few weddings this spring/summer (hopefully). Plus, I've got a whole slew of new babies to come... I just love new babies!

In the meantime, I'm just believing for the finances to come through for a camera. Not that I'd make a business out of that, but the extra income would be so nice.

Happy weekend!

Happy New Year!

So here's to a wonderful 2010.

2009 was definitely one of a kind, but we're ready to move forward. I tend to be a sucker for New Year's. I'm all about a.) starting a diet, b.) writing down a bunch of goals, and c.) let's just be honest, a big world-wide party is bound to be a good time. And look, I'm already doing great. I was up at at it at 8:30 am after staying up 'till a very late 3am. Hello world- I'm motivated! (And happen to have a husband who had to be at work at 9:30, but that's neither here nor there.)

But in memory, I'll post a little tribute to the past year. My last post was an update on our lives, but I feel like there was so much left out. This year I got to celebrate with two of my favorite friends in welcoming little ones into their lives - my friend Brookhad Gavin only 2 days after my birthday (it was so close, but, then I thought- who reeeallly wants to share their birthday with an adorable baby? I would have been overlooked in an instant!). And then my sister-in-law, Carly, just had little Ruby in October! Beyond that, we got to celebrate so many engagements, marriages, and new babies. It's such an honor to be a part of those moments for the ones you love. Even despite our temporary distance, we were able to spend so much time with our families. My family even vacationed together for the first time in almost 10 years. I also turned 22 (what a great age) and had the best birthday on the planet (big thanks to the husband for that one)! Plus, I got to ride in a plane 4 times and if you know me well, you know how much I love those airports.

Did I mention I got to do all of this whole year with my best friend? Now, who can beat that?

So, farewell 2009, you were swell; here's what you looked like:

Grayson at Poppa Sean's. He got a lot of sugar that night.

Patrick and his best friend Brock- they were preparing to knock down some very hefty icicles and had to take necessary precautions.

Holler for flat tires!

Kate and Evie. Love them. Miss them.

Tulsa Vacation! Mom and Brendyn at the zoo.

I just love this kid.

I wont' lie; I am his favorite aunt.

Best birthday ever with my oh-so-dreamy husband.

Best birthday present ever.

Thumbs up for Ruby!

What a good Poppa to come see his grand-baby.

Her freckles melt my heart.

Wii time with the fam. Not much better than that.

Oh wait, maybe watching my husband cook with my mom.

God bless Michigan weather. It's a beautiful thing.

And this guy, well, we just can't seem to live near each other right now. This does not make me so happy.

I love love.

To our oh-so-lovely family and friends:

Well, our year has been far from ordinary, to say the least. After traveling down to the blazing heat of Oklahoma for beginning of the year; we've already ventured back! In mid-February, we were both offered jobs at a church in Tulsa, OK; Patrick as a media guru and Katy as the children's ministry/office administrator. We were very excited about the adventure and were pleasantly surprised with the change.

Then came August, when we were met with unfortunate news that Patrick's position at the church was eliminated. It came as quite a surprise and after much deliberation, we decided it best for our family to return to Grand Rapids. It was a very hard decision, as we had grown to love our church and friends in Tulsa. Although the transition was bittersweet, we're very happy to call Michigan home again. Plus, we even brought back a new member of the family, our very dapper pup, Horace H. Wimp. (We tend to just call him Horace, although the "Wimp" part ended up suiting him quite well.)

The last few months have been spent getting settled once again. Our dearest friends, Eric and Teresa Johnson, shared their apartment with us while they completely remodeled a beautiful duplex on the NE side of Grand Rapids. We moved in during the beginning of the month, and are so lucky to call them our upstair-neighbors. We're very excited to venture to the farmer's market and all the amazing shops and restaurants over here! While there's plenty of decorating and the like to be done, we're quite happy to be home. Our new address is 715 Atwood St NE Apt 1 Grand Rapids, Mi 49503.

Patrick will be starting school this spring in pursuit of his degree in graphic design. While he enjoyed the video work, he found his great love for design while we were in OK and has decided it's a good venture for him. His beard has come in quite nicely, and his dance moves have never been better. Patrick is currently employed at Celebration Cinema, where we enjoy a bountiful amount of free movies and treats!

Katy is back at Red Lobster on the weekends, and spends the weekdays watching two adorable twin boys! She's still pursuing photography whenever she gets the chance (and a camera to borrow). Next up is starting school again for some night classes--we're thinking a nursing degree is a viable goal. (Her dance moves are shaping up quite nicely, as well.)

It's been quite the year, but we wouldn't have traded it for anything. As wonderfully naive as we were, we are now more than grateful for all that we have learned over this passed year and for

how it has grown us as a couple. God's grace is a beautiful thing.

And we certainly wouldn't have made it without all the great love and support from all of you! We wish you the very merriest Christmas and a new year filled with peace!

All our love,

Patrick and Katy O'Dell