Welcoming 2015

source

Happy 2015!

I never could have imagined what 2014 would hold for us last January. Pregnancy, celebrated five years of marriage, job loss, two emergency surgeries, a new baby, and so much more. If I had one word that summarized 2014, without a doubt, the word would be "grace." 2014 will always be the year I look back on and say it was the year I fully learned and embraced the free and unmerited favor of God. We were bestowed with many blessings — some hidden at the time.

Even though it was a year of trials, I would not change a thing, It strengthened Husband's and my relationship. It taught me to fully rely on God. I learned to ask for help — and receive it. All my pride was shattered. In 2014 I learned the true meaning of family, friendship and love. My heart doubled in size.

This January 1st, I could guess all I want, but who knows what is in store for 2015. All I do know is that it is going to be an adventure. This year I will not wish away life. Each and every minute of our lives have been leading us to this moment...and it is priceless. This moment we are in right now is the only one guaranteed. This moment is your life — Don't miss it!

Counting my blessings and wishing you more in 2015.

Intentional

A few years back in my old blog space I wrote about picking a word for the new year. This year it is INTENTIONAL.

For relationships.
For family.
For everyday.

I feel like so many people wait on the sidelines of their life, me included. We're waiting for something...but what? I want to be intentional. I want to live this life I've been given —and guess what? We each only get one life! I want a life full of adventure, full of stories. So full that when I am old and gray, I want stacks of filled journals, boxes upon boxes of photographs, memories that need to be told to the next generations and the wrinkles to match it all. I want my life to be a fully written story and the only way to have this sort of life is having an INTENTIONAL life.

There are thing I miss dearly — hobbies and such. Why am I not doing them? There are places I want to visit. New activities and adventures to be had. The only way to accomplish these are with a life of INTENTION.

So 2014 be ready to be fully lived and stretched because you're going to be the INTENTIONAL year.

Last night we didn't ring in the new year in the most glamourous fashion, but we decided to have a quiet night and go to the theatre, which we hardly do. Husband and I saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I highly recommend the film, especially as we start a new year. On top of being especially creative and talented filming, the message strikes home. It is charming and about self-discovery. I'll leave it at that — just see it — you'll thank me.

Anyway, curious to all who are reading out there, do you have a 2014 word? If not, think about it...what would it be? Share in the comments section below, I'd love to hear!

+

One last neat reminder — Lisa Lenard, jewelry designer, has new word pendants on her website for sale — for New Years words. Very cool! Go check that out here, and order one as a constant reminder to live your 2014 word!

Go. Live. 2014.

2014

2014 — the year that we step towards our dreams.

An intentional year.

A transformational year.

I have a feeling this year is going to be the best one yet.

2014 — the year to change, renew, and rejuvenate.

Ringing in 2013

Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. — Michael Josephson

source

The new year is like a fresh journal with pages blank — this is your opportunity, what will you write? For me, a new year means a fresh start, a chance to try everything over again and a chance to try new things. Right now I have a few 2013 list items, but I am trying to cut down my list a focus on just a few.

2012 in a quick overview:
• Hosted my first Christmas.
• Saw Jersey Boys and Le Miserables.
• At work, kept busy, nomintated for the Employee of the Year, received a promotion and accepted nine awards in an Illinois marketing awards conference.
• Celebrated my sister's nursing dedication.
• Transitioned from my old blog to this new space.
• Short summer getaway with friends to Milwaukee Summer Fest.
• Visited Valentino Vineyards with my Mom.
• Vacationed in Cape San Blas.
• Nick ran numerous races, including a relay race from Madison, WI to Chicago (199 miles), an ultra-marathon (50K) in the mountains of Chattanooga, TN, and won for his age division, a 10K race in Indianapolis.
• Celebrated Nick's graduation from grad school and receiving his Illinois license.
• Planted in our first community garden.
• Visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple.
• Traveled on a family cruise — saw the Mayan ruins in Mexico, snorkeled the world's second largest barrier reef in Belize and atv-ed the Honduran jungle.

So many things to be thankful for in the year of twenty-twelve.

What were your 2012 highlights? Do you have any 2013 goals, resolutions or ambitions? I would love to hear, share below!

I want 2013 to find me as a better woman. As Oprah once said, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

2012
2011