belle maison

[IMAGE SOURCE]

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Well, here we are looking ahead to a brand new year! Reflecting back on 2012, it was a year filled with many blessings - my son Luke, born on 5/2/12 and celebrating my 5 year wedding anniversary, to name a couple - but it was also a year of change, struggle and letting some things go. Having a baby changed my life in so many ways, forcing me to slow down and focus on what really matters most. I closed my online store (with hopes to open again one day!), my husband was (and still is) unemployed - working as a freelance artist and graphic designer when possible to help make ends meet - and we've had our fair share of financial struggles, which has been draining (as I'm sure some of you can relate). But no matter what has happened, good or bad, I give all the glory to God, who continues to unfailingly provide for me and my family - without his guidance and direction, I'd be lost!

 [Nothing makes me happier than my son Luke!]

Juggling work, a baby, my blog and personal life has been more challenging than ever, so this year I vow to simplify, simplify, simplify! I don't want to add more to my plate. I want to be more dedicated, focused and committed to the amazing things I already have going on in my life. My main priority is time management. I always catch myself saying I wish I had more time to do this or that, but the truth is, we're all given the same amount of time each day: 24 hours. It's how we choose to spend that time that makes all the difference. It won't happen overnight, but I'm going to slowly work on being more efficient and productive over the next year. I'm looking forward to see where that takes me! What are you looking forward to most in 2013? What would you like to focus on or cut out of your life?

I look forward to continuing blogging with you in the new year. Lots of exciting things to come :) xoxo - Julie

[2012 Family Christmas Photo]

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