Tuesday, December 31, 2019

{2019} A Year In Review

Well, here we are, another trip around the sun. I'm not entirely sure how to sum up the year, to be honest. Lots of adventure. More sports than I know how to describe. A few lessons, naturally. Loss. And love. Boring? Never. Challenging? Always. I think it's always about finding that balance.

Continuing our family tradition, we went sledding on New Year's Day. This has become on of my favorite things to do, and always makes for a fun time.


I finally took the leap and had LASIK/PRK done.


We also continued getting outdoors to as many places, near and far, good weather and not so pleasant, as we can fit into the busy schedule.











Addie and Kendall both started their softball adventures......something I hope lasts a LONG time, for both of them.



Carter decided to give flag football another go, and really had a strong season.


Carter also started middle school this year. It was a huge adjustment, most likely more for me than him, but he has really settled into a good routine and is excelling academically. 

We took various trips this year - day trips, foreign trips, and smaller trips.  We explored quite a bit of Idaho. We also ventured up into Canada, to Banff National Park, which was an amazing experience.










Kendall and I also took a mom-daughter trip to Seattle.






We completed more house projects, including completing new carpet (upstairs this time), more painting, and painting the entire exterior.


We experienced an immeasurable loss.


The kids continued to grow.


I took a big risk and started a new job. It has paid off and I'm beyond happy at this place.

I continued my role as President of Softball with MYBS, and absolutely rocked it this year, if I do say so myself. I did more pitching lessons than I can even count, and love every minute of it and the sporting community we have within our league.

My passion for reading is alive and well. I set my goal for books read even higher this year, and I cleared it with ease. Again, I challenged myself to explore beyond my favorite genre and managed to find some excellent reads.





Looking ahead to 2020.....I'm all about mindset. I spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to smooth things over and make other people feel better, instead of letting them drive their own car off a cliff (metaphorically speaking). I have had more conflict, drama, and trauma than one lifetime should have. I try to instill peace as much as I can, though others often obliterate that boundary. I feel it's time to reinforce the boundary lines and let people sink their own ships. I can't save the world. I can't make other people be GOOD people. I can't spend all my energy being the peacemaker, when all it does is sacrifice my own peace. 

Travel is also remaining a steady in my life - already one adventure planned for early 2020 and I'm super excited!

Mindset.
Peace.
Be well.

Monday, December 30, 2019

Christmas, Christmas Time Is Here.....

....time for fun, and time for cheer.

We were beyond busy this holiday season, as usual. I'm trying to remember the last time life wasn't busy? Anyone? We had a lot of fun preparing for Christmas - we joined Dana and Veronica (and boys) for a family adventure to see (grumpy) Santa. We made an unbelievable amount of holiday goodies to share. We sought out fresh snow for a white Christmas. And we gathered to celebrate. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year.