2010 year in review

In March of this year I started my second 101 in 1001 goals list. I am a firm believer that you are more productive if you write down your goals. So this is a fun way for me to stay motivated and track my progress. I have 1001 days to complete 101 goals. Since starting in March, I've completed 20 goals from my list so I'm well on my way! Click here to see my list and find the links to the posts I've written about completed goals!


2. A growing focus on Autism

As many of you know, I have two nephews with Autism. They are 9 and 10 years old and super-precious to me. This year I've continued in my passion to raise awareness and help in the fight to find the cause and cure for this epidemic that now affects 1 in every 110 children. In March I visited my nephew Elijah's special needs class and got to know the teachers and kids while doing some photography for them. That was really special. And in May I started a weekly blog series designed to help raise awareness about Autism on my blog. In July my youngest nephew who is nonverbal took a big step that I celebrated on my blog here. And in September my team and I (pictured above) walked for the fourth year in a row to raise funds for the Autism fight. You and others who donated helped us raise $3,500 - thank you!! We will be walking and raising money again next year if you want to join us! Click below if you're interested in learning more about Autism!

Diagnosis
Causes
Raising Funds
Common Myths
Physical Symptoms
D.A.N. Doctors
One Girl's Story
Vaccine Debate
Approaching Vaccines
Vaccines & Pediatricians
Drew's Story


3. Moving & Remodeling!!

In September I became the proud owner of a cute 1950s build, painted brick, ranch style home in Central Phoenix. Before even moving in I had 5 weeks of remodeling done and since then I've been decorating and making it cozy. Dixie and I have been here for four months now and we're loving it! Click on the links below to see the progress, some before and after pics and some of what we've been up to in our new digs!

Big Announcement!
It's official
A Lesson from Picking Brick
Officially In!
Family Room - Before & After
Hall Bath - Before & After
Christmas Decorations
If Life Gives You a Lemon...
Lemon Contest Results
Emergency Bath


4. New England Extreme Road Trip

In October my friends Shannon, Lizzie and I flew into New Hampshire and took New England by storm! We were officially there to shoot a wedding and two engagement shoots but we packed in SO much more!

3 shoots:
Brandon & Ali's Connecticut engagement shoot
Dave and Jessica's NYC engagement shoot
Danielle and Vinny's Virginia wedding

8 states:
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia

And 6 of my 101 in 1001 goals checked off:
See a New England Fall
See a musical on Broadway
Take a carriage ride in Central Park
Go apple picking
Take a road trip and stop along the way at cool places to take photos
Visit one of the 10 states I haven't been to yet (CT, NJ, DE, VA - only 6 to go!)

Oh - and click here to see some of the fun we had in DC!


5. Fun Business Changes!

Besides shooting 15 weddings this year, I've made some additions to my business. In August I took on an associate photographer who is now shooting weddings for Melissa Jill Photography! Michelle is super-talented and has been 2nd shooting for me for 6 years. Now brides who love the quality, service and unique style of Melissa Jill Photography, but who can't justify spending $6,500+ on their wedding photography, can still receive many of the benefits that come with the Melissa Jill brand. By booking an associate package, you will get Michelle as your photographer and all of your photo editing and product fulfillment will be through Melissa Jill. Exciting stuff!

In September I led my fourth MJ 2 Day photography and business workshop but for the first time we took the learning goodness out of state - to Charlotte, North Carolina! The first out-of-state MJ 2 Day was a huge success. I plan to continue offering workshops twice a year - one in Phoenix in the winter and one out of state in the summer. My January 2011 MJ 2 Day in Phoenix still has 2 spots open if you want to snag one!

Another exciting change that I have yet to announce is that I have now taken on a full-time office assistant! I've had part-time assistants for years but I continue to work to take my business to the next level and bringing on full-time help is the next thing that is needed to do that! I'm super-excited about these changes and I'm looking forward to 2011 knowing there are great things to come!