A Reflection of 2014

Today I am not sharing a food post. Today, I want to reflect on the epic year of 2014. The end of 2014. Wow. It has been one heck of a year. There has been an unbelievable amount of things that have happened this year. Mostly good, but one major bad. Starting out, my husband, kids and I brought in the year 2014 in Florida. Sea World to be exact. That was pretty darn cool. In March, I celebrated my quarter-of-a-century birthday. I feel old. The end of April, my parents and I did a house swap. That was a major move for both parties. We expanded our space a million times, and they significantly down sized. Boxing up a life time of stuff is just as hard as you would think! Late June, I had my third child, my second daughter. She was born in the comfort of our own home, our bedroom to be precise. Six days later, my strong, beautiful mother lost the long battle of cancer. That was an event of epic proportions. She was more than just my mom. She was my friend. She was who I turned to for almost everything. Her being a nurse practitioner, she became my go-to for any medical concerns with the children. She is greatly missed.

In August, my family had a celebration of my mom’s life on the family property. Many friends and family attended to pay their respects.

September, my sister and husband celebrated their marriage in the same spot. Amazing to have such opposite celebrations happen in the same place. Talk about some major emotions flying! Also in September, my oldest started kindergarten. Which is the end of an era and a start to new beginnings.

October, my other sister had her first child. I became an auntie for the first time! They had a bit of a rough start, but now he is thriving. Also in October, we rescued two cats from a local animal shelter, much to the dog’s disdain. They have made themselves at home, including a swat at the dog occasionally. December was the first Christmas without my mom. Without my whole family, in fact. The first time ever that my whole family went their separate ways and traveled, instead of coming together. It was a much needed, and an enjoyed change. Also, my husband and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary.

In between all this craziness, a lot of good (and not so good) food was eaten, countless photographs were taken, baby quilts were sewn, fun times were had with friends and family, vegetables were grown and processed, sunsets were watched, and many (maybe not enough) stroller walks happened with good friends. I was fortunate to forge new friendships, as well as strengthen the ones I already have.

Yeah, it’s been one heck of a year. I can’t wait to see what 2015 has to bring.