December 31, 2014

I started this blog on January 1, 2014 fully committed to posting every day, sharing my year through pictures and words.  The universe, however, had different plans for me.  So here I sit, reflecting on the year, and all the changes and challenges it has brought.  2014 was a year of transitions.  Some difficult, some exciting, some joyful, but all life changing.  I end the year a different person than I was when it started, but I guess that's kind of how it works for everyone.  We change and grow as time passes.  It feels like maybe this year, for me, there was just a little more change, a little more growth, than normal.

So here is my year in review.  The good, the bad and...you get the idea.

Saying goodbye.

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.  They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love."

~Washington Irving

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my dad and miss him, so much.  Some days the grief still stops me in my tracks and steals my breath.  Losing him turned my world upside down and I am still working on getting used to my new normal.  Not sure how long it will take, but I know I will get there someday.  Until then, I take each day as it comes and place one foot in front of the other.  I cry, I laugh, and I remember how incredibly blessed I am to have been raised by the most amazing man I will ever know.

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I love you, Dad.  I miss you more than words could ever say.

New Adventures.

"If you can dream it, you can do it." 
~Walt Disney

I decided in late September to start my Pampered Chef business.  It was a scary and exciting decision, and those emotions stick with me today.  Since then, Pampered Chef has taken over my kitchen (and the kitchens of some family members as well!)  So far I am really enjoying the process, and hope to continue to grow my business in the new year.  If you need anything for your kitchen, you know who to call ;)

Welcome home. Finally!

"Where thou art, that is home."
~Emily Dickinson

It was almost 6 years in the works, but Vince was finally able to find a job here in Colorado and make the move from Houston!  I flew to Houston on September 26th, we whirlwind packed, loaded up the truck and were home on the night of October 1st.  The trip was exhausting, but pretty uneventful until the last leg when we hit a slight bump in the road, so to speak.  One bump in the road isn't too bad for an 1100+ mile drive!
In the end we made it home safely, and it has been amazing having him here...finally!  It was a long time coming, but so totally worth the wait!  We celebrated 6 years, and my birthday, on December 10, and I am looking forward to so many more!

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My favorite moments.

"We do not remember days, we remember moments." 
~Cesare Pavese

Through all the ups and downs of the year, there were some amazing moments that I will never forget.  While I can't begin to include them all, here are a few of those moments...

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So long 2014.

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." 
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I bid farewell to 2014, I have no idea what the new year will bring, but whatever it may be I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015!