The start of Advent was amazing. Slow and intentional and all things lovely. The middle started to speed up a bit and the end knocked me on my butt.
The boys caught a virus that was over quick for Linus but lingered for Bigfoot which forced us to postpone travels. The day we finally decided to travel my knee buckled (read: knee cap dislocated) because of an old injury (Seriously, old high school injuries are really not my favorite this year. at. all.), but we still got on the road and made the best of the holidays with family.
Emotionally and physically the later part of Advent rocked me, but slowly and surely mixed with with lots of grace we are moving forward to the new year.
At the end of it all, I'm so excited for 2015, and also thankful for all the goodness and hardships that 2014 brought. I hope to reflect more on this bit in the new year, but for now, I'm joining Dwija for 12 in 2014, Obviously, just 12 is not something I'm good at, so there may be a couple more than 12. Bad rule follower here!
Enjoy and come back for my top posts of 2014! Will be putting it up tomorrow! :)
January
I didn't take this photo in January 2014, but I did share it in this post celebrating our anniversary and I kind of heart it a lot.
February
And, this one below was taken the same day.
This may be one of my most favorite photos taken of Bigfoot thus far.
March
Settling into our Home Sweet Home so perfectly. Our new home has been such a gift! Such an amazing gift!
April
and, my husband surprised me with this ridiculous photo at the end of one of the most perfect birthdays. He had me take funny pics of my day, and then at some point edited the notes I was holding. To say I was surprised could never fully share the range of emotions I experienced upon seeing this photo after an already amazing birthday.
May
Park days.
June
My Junebug turned three! He loves all things orange, his family, and donuts. Hence, the donut cake that was a major win in my books.
July
Okay. I'm obviously having trouble picking just one photo per month. Bear with me! I just kind of love the beach and am getting all. the. feels. looking back!
August
I just love this photo of Linus napping. Love it!
Ready to go mingle and enjoy all the lovely women who attended the Edel Gathering 2014.
Back home with my littles.
This photo is important to me because it was just before my disc in my lower back herniated. Simple chores like the one above were impossible to minimal the months that followed.
September
One word: recovery. Slowly but surely, I was recovering from my herniated disc.
And, was grateful for all the time with family that were able to visit during the month and some of recovery. It brought me a sort of distraction (which I needed) and time to rest.
October
I will forever love the photo above. Haha, the butterfly that confused my husband's bottom for a flower. Of all the places to repeatedly land!
All Hallow's Eve. St. Pascual and the Kitchen Angels and St. George's Dragon.
November
Pumpkin farm for the win.
These boys. Love their love!
First go at pumpkin carving. Final verdict: meh.
December
So many firsts this year including this Ferris Wheel.
The most beautiful tree we've ever had.
So much family time. Loved all of it.
BONUS
Traditions.
Papa, reading, and cheetahs.
Our little family.
Fun.
Patiently waiting.
Hugs.
Moments.
Second cousins.
First driving lesson.
Sunshine and comfort.
Citrus.
Moments.
Us.
Now,
Let us begin again.
-St. Francis of Assisi
* * * * * * *
Thanks for stopping by and having a little glance at our year. I know I thoroughly enjoyed taking that sweet trip down memory lane. Hope you did too!
Happy New Year!
Thanks, Dwija! Head over to House Unseen. Life Unscripted. for more 12 in 2014.
beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Theresa and Happy New Year!
DeleteLovely photos! Happy new year! (And seriously, do we share a body?? I also have a knee issue resulting from a high school incident. Skiing. Tore my ACL!)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! And, Happy New Year to you and your family! Haha, seriously, it is kind of crazy how we share similar injuries (my meniscus was slightly torn and left to heal on it's own the first knee-cap dislocation. It's happened a number of times since then but only two that swelled again with pain - including this last one) that just won't let us be! I'm praying for you! and, please pray for me! I've been feeling pretty discouraged about it all.
DeleteI so love your husband's clever way of telling you about going to Edel! And, I am super grateful for meeting you at the Friday nite cocktail party and chatting with you. Our {new} friendship is one of my many blessings of 2014. Wishing and praying for all the best for you in 2015!
ReplyDeleteRight?! I was blown away and seriously had no idea! Wendy what you said is just the nicest! You really warmed my heart so much and I'm just so thankful to meeting you while Edel! Look forward to continuing to get to know you and your beautiful family in this new year and in years to come! And, thank you for your prayers!!! Hugs :)
DeleteSuch beautiful pictures! And what a sweet way for your husband to surprise you on your birthday. Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erica! I was so surprised and ugly cried, haha. Happy new Year to you and yours!!!
DeleteBeautiful, all of them!
ReplyDelete~Ruth Anne
Thank you, Ruth Anne! Happy New year!
DeleteHappy New Year!! What a beautiful look back.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Gina! And, Happy New Year to you and that awesome family of yours!
DeleteLove them all Amanda! What a wonderful year. Happy 2015!
ReplyDeleteYay, Christy! Thank you (Haha, I'm kind of excited you're here :) - nerd alert!)! Happy New Year to you and your sweet family! Looking forward to 2015.
DeleteYour photos are so beautiful, Amanda. All of them, but the one of Linus napping is In.Credible. Happy New Year! I hope this one is full of health for you! :)
ReplyDeleteMicaela! Thank you! I love love love that photo too! And the funny thing about it is I took it with my Android phone that typically takes absolutely terrible pics! Crazy?!! Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family! Health is my word for this year. So, I'm joining you in that prayer for me too, haha! Hugs :)
DeleteThis is so cute Amanda!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Aims! Miss your face and self so much! And your kids are just the cutest! Seriously! Happy New Year and *hugs*!!!
DeleteI love the pumpkin carving shot!! And the ferris wheel!! Happy 2015!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jamie! Love those two shots too! Excited about all the new moments I'll get to capture in this new year! Happy 2015 to you and your family! :)
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