Megan Mason Photography

2013 had it's ups and downs but it was definitely one to put in the history books. I am looking forward to seeing what new things 2014 will bring for us. So far I have 2 weddings booked for my business, 1 mother/daughter/Job trip to Door County, my first full week away from Job for Church Camp, and a trip with my friends and their children in late August! Also, there is talk of going to Florida after Christmas with my family. I am looking forward to getting out of Illinois a little this year :)

Just a few of my favorite moments from this past year!
1.) Job got baptized! Marked as Christ's own forever! (FOREVA, EVA!)

2.) I made the decision to quit my job at the bank and become a full time stay at home mom to the best little boy in the whole world. This is the hardest, but most rewarding job I've ever done. I cannot wait to see what new things this little boy will learn in the next year!

3.) I got cast in my all time favorite musical Les Miserables and had the time of my life! I miss all of my cast mates terribly and cannot wait to do another show!

4.) I welcomed not one but two nephews this year! I am so happy to have more little boys running around!

Jason Minson Jr.

Wyatt Held

5.) Being a full time mom can sometimes be tough because you feel like you lose yourself. This year, I really tried to do something for myself each day so I made a promise to take a shower, put on makeup and attempt to do my hair each day! I even made a big change and got bangs in my hair (thanks to a helpful suggestion from my BFF)! This has actually made my days easier because if Job is being fussy that day, all I need to do to get ready is blow dry my bangs, put my hair up and put a cute headband on!

Also, another HUGE accomplishment has been losing all the baby weight (and 5lbs on top of that)! I would like to say that I did this rigorous workout activity, but cutting down drastically on dairy and breastfeeding Job past age one was really what did it! Also, we are still going strong on nursing and I'm actually really enjoying it. I never thought I would say that because I was so against nursing after one, but it has really been a great bonding experience. Also, he is already starting to wean so I know the end is in sight. This kind of makes me sad, but at the same time excited to have my body back ;)

6.) I'm trying to keep this list positive, but I have to mention this because the aftermath of this event has really changed my life. As you know, this year our town was hit by an F4 tornado. We were so very close to having our house taken but by the grace of God, our home remained unharmed. This event really taught me what was important and also helped restore my faith in humanity again. I think so often, all we see on TV is negative stories so it was nice to see people doing so much for victims of the storms and expecting nothing in return. Not only did the tornado completely change the way our town looks, but it also changed all of our hearts for the better. I still cannot go through town without getting teary eyed. So thankful for my amazing husband and all that he did to help out people the day the tornado hit. If I had been in Washington (and not safely in the basement of our church in Peoria), I would have been a nervous wreck coming that close to one because tornadoes are among my biggest fears.

7.) This year was Don Monty's last year at camp so we sent him out with a bang! Don was my camp director when I was in the Sr. high camp so he has been there awhile! Such a great heart and so dedicated to making these kids have a great camp experience each and every year. I am sure he will enjoy his retirement from his director life though :)

I also know Katrina will do a great job taking over him, but he will always be Don Monty: The Man. The Myth. The Legend

8.) This year we lost my grandmother. While we are all sad she is gone, we are happy that she is no longer suffering and grateful that she got to spend an entire year with her great-grandson, who she adored! We will always have great memories. Even though you are gone Grandma, you are still very much with us!

9.) I had my 10 year class reunion this year! I cannot believe it's been that long! With the baby, it was hard to attend a lot of the events, but I did go to the football game and out for drinks after. It was here that I realized how much things just hadn't changed. I was still there with 2 of my best guy friends laughing about the same stuff we laughed about in high school. It was also nice catching up with some old classmates! I actually really enjoyed high school :)

Still too cool for school.

10.) Job Elliot Mason turned One! He is such a sweet boy and I'm so glad that God blessed us with him. I cannot explain my love for this little dude.

Wow. What a crazy last month.

For those of you who know me, you know that I live in Washington, Illinois which is where an F4 tornado went through just a few weeks ago. We were extremely blessed to have not had our home taken, but many of our friends and family lost everything and those they could salvage had to be thrown away due to water and insulation damage. Also, I love this town and it's hard to see my town suffering so much. It has been heartbreaking watching them go through this, but at the same time super motivational. They are all so strong and I just wanted to take a moment to say that I am continuing to pray for you and I know you will get through this!

As I head into my slow photography season, I am going to take some time to reflect, count my blessings and really focus on my family. I leave you with the Christmas photo we chose for our cards this year. Funny story. Job would not cooperate during this session and this is actually a test shot I took of him before I got him into his Christmas outfit. Candids are always my favorite :)