Highlights of 2014 and MORE...

It is that time of year again to take time not only to reflect on the past 12 months, but also to dream of the year ahead.  It was another banner year in our household, full of surprises and first time experiences. As the year came to a close, I was and still am overwhelmed by feelings of change which have a small tail of fear attached to it. I keep getting this sense that my new normal that I have come to know and love is going to be different. In my heart, 2014 was the end of a distinct chapter, and 2015 is going to be another roller-coaster. There is urgency to love more, hug more, appreciate more, say more nice things, and to record more of life's little moments. I know this is not reinventing the wheel, but it feels like our time is shorter than ever. Amid my turmoil, I heard a verse on the radio that hit me between the eyes. Hebrews 13:8 " Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Enough said. No matter how my world in 2015 swirls around me, my God never changes and is always faithful. I can face the good and not as good with a peace knowing I have my family and my faith to ride out the waves with. So bring it on 2015!!! I am still going to be like the paparazzi with my family, my camera stuck to my hand. I am going to learn to love my appearance as much as my spirit and personality. I am going to live without regrets in life and in any of my relationships. Finally, I am going to build up my tribe of in-the-trenches friends that boost my faith, protect my vulnerability, and all around enlighten my life. CHEERS to you!!!

And now my year in pictures...

January we had a family night out at the Chocolate Cafe which is always a treat.
 

February, I got a night out in Denver just me and my love, which was followed later that month by a heart ablation and pulmonary embolism. Let me just say the Coumadin Clinic is top notch despite the weird looks I got for being the only person under 60 in the waiting room.

In March, Nevaeh sung in her first kids choir, and let's just say singing in 5 services is  A LOT.

April brought a fun Easter watching Nevaeh hunt for eggs and taking her to the Butterfly Pavilion for the first time. I feel so old taking my daughter to a place that I had not been to in twenty years.

May turned out to be super busy with Nevaeh's first dance recital that was literally too cute for words. I am so that mom with the camera AND the video camera AND the DVD purchase, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Nevaeh also turned 4 going on 14. She talks like an adult with opinions to back it up. Note to self: Bouncy houses are not the same fun for adults. They need to come with a chiropractor.

 

 June we had Nevaeh's first pedicure, and her nails have not been bare since. She also started swimming lessons. Nevaeh should mean FEARLESS.

She is such a big girl riding her stridor in the neighborhood 4th of July parade.

Rounding out the summer was a fun-filled August. The five of us were all able to go to Glenwood Springs over our anniversary weekend. I realized again just how much I love generational living. For my birthday, I had the best surprise ever when my bestie Hollie surprised me at the Rockies game. Feelin Fine at 29!!!!

In September, we officially started Nevaeh in a new Ballet class at Canyon Concert Ballet. Could she be any cuter in tutu?

October, we went against the trend and made Nevaeh a pirate for Halloween. I was also able to go to Kentucky for another MOPS convention. I got to meet some of my favorite authors, dance with some really amazing women, and reconnect with a kindred spirit. This convention is really a highlight of my year. There may or may not be some embarrassing video evidence of the dancing somewhere...

 

 November brought on some more firsts with Nevaeh. She lost her first tooth, and she started enrichment classes at Resurrection Christian School. She is the only girl with 10 boys. I couldn't be more happy or proud of the way she handles herself with those boys. She will not be pushed around and that is a FACT.

Finally, to round out the year comes the ever bustling December full of parties, programs, family, and fun. Again, I was that mom with the camera and video camera recording her first program. She looked just like a little lady. Then when we went to see Santa, she asked him for the Home Depot toy workbench. Santa was speechless. Note to self: Nevaeh will sit through more holiday pictures if you let half of them be funny faces. The end of the month brought milestone birthdays for my mom and hubby (50 and 30) so we threw and 80's party complete with costumes. Why we ever thought those clothes were actually cool....

Grandpas are the best!!!

Who can live without FROZEN????

 So there is my (LONG) year review and the stepping stones of my future. I will say it again and again: I am one blessed Momma. I am a better person because of everyone who shares this journey of life with me. I look forward to a year of friendsgiving holidays and blinding camera flashes. Happy New Year to all!!!