As the new year slowly unfolds and the sparkle of the holidays dwindle down, we tend to return to our everyday patterns. Some good and some not-so-good. With the Christmas tree and holiday decorations put away, (unless you’re at my house, where the twinkly lights may stay up till sometime before summer) that new year resolve can sometimes be out of sight as well. At least, that’s been my case in the past. Until now. It may have taken me 31 years to understand this, so I thought I’d share my new found truth: I must resolve to change my patterns indefinitely.

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” I find this quote by Albert Einstein to be not only humorous, but completely truthful.

Failed resolutions have brought me a step closer to understanding what I need to do to succeed. I’ve chosen to examine my trail of failed attempts. To write out the mistakes I made in 2011 and as far back as I can remember, so that I can clearly see what I can do different in 2012 and beyond.

“Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success.”

It’s never too late to start, begin anywhere. Thanks to Alexandra Beauregard of Heart Love Weddings, I came across this 16-page workbook created by Susannah Conway that has helped me focus on what I want to make happen in 2012.

At the suggestion of so many wonderful colleagues, I’ve also created a vision board for 2012. Actually, my entire family did. It was a fun project to do together and we focused on what we envisioned for our family, our careers, and ourselves.

I can say that in the last few weeks of 2011 and the nine days of 2012, setting new patterns, staying focused on what I’ve visualized, and learning from past mistakes has made me feel incredibly blessed and on fire! I can’t wait to see the opportunities and experiences this year has to offer!

I’ll end this post with one of my favorite quotes, from one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

So visualize it, plan it, and shout it out to the world. It’s listening.

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, and never in want.― Irish toast

How are you celebrating the last 24 hours of 2011? Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, working, traveling, partying, and/or tying up lose ends to make room for 2012, we wish you the best New Year’s Eve yet! May the new year bring much happiness and success!

There are no words to describe how blessed we’ve been this year. We are grateful for our client’s trusting us with their most precious memories, the wonderful and talented vendors we’ve had the pleasure to work with, the mind-blowing supportive online community, those that have believed in our talents and opened windows for amazing opportunities and the cherished friendships we’ve made.

We have chosen 2012 to be a year for us to focus on what matters most, be disciplined in our actions, grow our business in unimaginable ways, give back and find ways to make a difference.

This evening, as we countdown the hours, minutes, and seconds to a new year, we will reflect on what we could have done better this year, where there is room for improvement, and build on these reflections for a stronger vision for 2012!

As for our kiddos, Karina and Jared, they’ve already got a head start on the celebration!

What an amazing 2011! We’ve worked hard and have been blessed with many new friends, opportunities, and wonderful memories! Hoping 2012 brings many more!

As we prepare this evening to gather with family over a yummy Christmas Eve dinner, share some laughs and tears reminiscing over the year while listening to our favorite Christmas songs, I just want to savor these moments and freeze them in time.

2012 is sure to bring change and undiscovered opportunities to all and faithfully I look forward to celebrating, in-person or virtually with each of you!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & New Year from our family to yours!! XOXO!

This quick shot was taken this evening with our camera on a timer, haha!

Since we’re not Santa & we can’t visit all of you, here’s a special message just for you! Be sure to leave Khaled some extra love, it’s his 1st time on video!

As my Facebook and Twitter newsfeed lit up with images of yummy Thanksgiving fixings yesterday, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Social Media has played a huge role for many of us (including myself) in connecting and keeping in touch with our families and friends. In our ‘networks’ we are the first to laugh, cry, and share with each other. I’m thankful for that privilege.

I’m thankful today for so many reasons that I know I could not possibly list each one. However, Khaled and I want to take a moment today to say Thank you to each of you.

Thank you to our clients, families, vendors, friends (both in-the-flesh and virtual-yet-to-meet). Your support, love, and trust continues to help us grow and become better at what we do. Thinking of you and hoping you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday.

Karina,

Twelve years ago today, God blessed me with a precious gift, You. I was young, inexperienced and everything was new to me. You were so tiny & beautiful. You were perfect and I worried, because I was far from perfect. I wanted you to have the best of everything, including the best of me. Many soiled diapers and spit-ups later, I came to realize that being the best parent didn’t mean being perfect. Between all the tears, struggles, and laughs, how I dealt with my imperfections and the choices I made were far more important. Those life lessons would make both of us stronger and would set an example for you. When I see your determination to attain your goals, your kind heart, your daily choices, your love of God…I’m thankful. Karina, I know in my heart that this is a very important year for you. As you started middle school this year, you are slowly transitioning into a young lady. To say that I’m proud of your academic and personal accomplishments at such a young age, is an understatement. I’m certain that your successes are only beginning and God has a wonderful plan for your life.

Happy 12th Birthday, my love. Can’t wait to celebrate today and many, many more together. Love you beyond words.