Wow, what a year 2024 has been. Reflecting on it feels like looking back on a whirlwind—a beautiful, chaotic, and deeply rewarding chapter. If I had to sum it up, 2024 has been the busiest, most transformative year of our lives. Every season brought new challenges, unexpected blessings, and moments that hold a place near to my heart.

Building Our Dream: The Shop House Project

At the end of 2023, we took a huge step forward and closed on our dream property. Nestled with a stunning view of the mountains, it was everything we had hoped for and more. 2024 became the year we poured our hearts and energy into building our shop house. The design of the shop was entirely fabricated from Justin’s incredible ability to combine vision with practical purpose—plans that had been evolving long before we even found our property. Justin has tackled nearly 90% of the work himself, from electrical and plumbing to flooring, tiling, and everything in between. When we say this year has been busy, it’s been filled with not only excitement but also a tremendous amount of labor and stress.

In the spring, we moved out of our rental and spent six months living in a camper. Waking up and stepping out onto the ground where we would start planting roots was a deeply satisfying experience, even though camper life gets a little small. We have yet to move into the shop, as we wrap up the finish work inside, but anticipate being in within the next month.

A Season of Unexpected Growth in Photography

Despite the chaos of building, 2024 turned out to be my most successful summer in photography—and it caught me completely off guard. I had prepared for a quieter season, but God had other plans. The opportunities that came my way were beyond what I could have imagined. Each couple and session reminded me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place. God’s faithfulness in providing work during such a busy personal season was a humbling reminder that His timing is always perfect.

The Sweetest Surprise: Baby Whitman Coming 2025!

Amidst all the busyness and hard work, we received the most incredible news—we’re having a baby! This new chapter fills me with so much anticipation and joy. To think that next year will be filled with even more growth, love, and learning is both exciting and surreal. This little life growing inside me already feels like the greatest blessing of all.

Simple Joys and Special Moments

Even with our plates full, we found moments to breathe and soak in the beauty around us. We managed to take the boat out a few times, letting the water and sun recharge us. One of the most special moments this year was spending Christmas with my family for the first time in nine years. Being surrounded by loved ones during the holidays reminded me how precious and fleeting these moments are. It was a gift I didn’t know how much I needed.

This year was also filled with countless visits from my parents, who helped work on the property and build our “buffalo-proof fence.” Weekends with my mom were spent visiting and planning for the baby. Justin’s dad dedicated countless hours working on the property with us and in the shop, building custom cabinets and always bringing an uplifting, positive beat. Justin’s brother, Shawn, and best friend Dylan poured endless energy into helping us turn this structure into a home. It’s been a true labor of love with so many hands involved, which is so special to us both.

Looking Back with Gratitude

As I look back on this past year, I’m filled with gratitude. The challenges pushed us to grow, the unexpected blessings reminded us of God’s provision, and the hard moments grounded us in what truly matters. 2024 brought its share of struggles, but it also moved us closer to our goals and strengthened our connections with the people who matter most. Every setback became a chance to learn, and every moment of joy felt even more significant. Through it all—uncertainties and all—God’s sovereignty remained steady.

Here’s to the lessons learned, the dreams built, and the family we’re growing. And here’s to the new adventures waiting for us in 2025.

Cheers to you, 2024—you were truly a year we will never forget.