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a few of my favorite things from 2014

it's kinda weird how much i miss blogging.  i really do, but apparently not enough to carve out time for it.  maybe i will try harder in 2015.  

i love the new years.  it always seems like a refreshing time.  a time to take stock of where i've been and a time to take hold of what is to come.  i usually choose a word for the year.  i have a few thoughts on that swirling around in my head, but am not ready to share it yet.  however, i can share some of my favorite things from 2014!!



i honestly loved the polar vortex that kept us snuggled in our home.  i always enjoyed the "in the interest of student safety" phone calls and hearing the enthusiasm dwindle in them.  while i enjoyed the extended christmas vacation last year, i guess i will be okay with the return to school next week.



spring break in naples.  we were cold, oh so very cold, but at least there was no snow.  or a sunset to be seen.  but the lightning show on the beach was pretty impressive.


if you haven't tried these, you must.  dark chocolate dipped clementines.  if you want a real burst of goodness, sprinkle with sea salt.  oh my....


i'm pretty sure this year is forever summed up with fish fries, spaghetti dinners, campaign signs, and a (shocking to many) victory for my dear hubby!


and this.....oh she stole my heart and believe me, if i could have brought her home i would have.  haiti continues to burrow it's way deeper deeper into my very core.  i dream about her.  i long for her.  i pray she knows what it means to be loved because in less than a minute i fell in love with her.

and, well, we visited some more cemeteries.  enough said.


because of all the cemeteries, i believe guilt one out and my hubby surprised me with a daughtry concert.  yep, he's that good.  hubs and daughtry!

i continue to be overwhelmed with blessings in a backpack.  this is a dream come true for me.  we've been blessed with fundraisers, the ancilla boys baseball team, loyal volunteers, and dedicated sponsors.  fridays  never get old. never.


i also got our kids and youth ministries involved in adopting a family at christmas.  as blown away as i was with their generosity, the tears in the mama's eyes was incredible.  she let me know she had never felt to loved.  neither had i.

there has definitely been some stress in the year as well.  lots of family things, lots of changes, lots of adventures.  so at the advice of many i took up yoga.  i think i like it.  i'll let you know when the pain goes away.  

i loved teaching this guy how to "cook."  he had to complete a school project and prepare 10 different items.  his pancakes were quite tasty.  i enjoy being in the kitchen with the kids.  his taste is so fancy.  forget box mac and cheese.  he'd prefer a fresh tomato, onion, and shrimp pasta dish.

this december i decided to help someone out by wearing dresses as often as possible.  i kind of lost count, but i got in atleast 20 days of dresses!!  pretty remarkable.  i only owned 2.  so friends rallied behind my crazy self and supplied in a variety of ways.  i purchased a few extra leggings and tights...and voila - my newest favorite outfit!  i may never go back

i'm blessed by this crazy crew...we have 3 graduating this spring, 2 getting married, and a lot of fun.  i'm thankful for the legacy of my parents and the whole lot of us that come behind them.




i hold this past year close to my heart.  i believe that in every up and down God has been busy carving more of Him into my core.  He has changed me, shaped me, confused me, blessed me beyond compare, and most importantly held me close.

here's to a new year!!!


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