365.4: LAST DAYS

Painting nails. Playing with nerf guns nonstop. Successfully completing another 365 project. Counting down to the New Year.

And just like that, another year of capturing our daily life is finished. It hasn't always been easy, but the images that I've accumulated are worth the effort and energy that it takes. This year has been unlike any other that I've experienced before with both the good and the bad. I've soared through some incredible highs and I've suffered through some terrible lows. More than anything, this year has allowed for an introspection of self. I've really learned who I am (freckles and all). 

December 28th - December 31st

365.4: WEEK 52

Playing with a kitten in a box. Building LEGO sets. Loving on dad's cat. Getting our traditional Christmas Eve donuts (to go). Christmas morning. More building LEGOs. Listening as dad practices piano for a church number.

 December 21st - December 27th

NOEL

Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the house,

Every creature was stirring - plus two cats, but no mouse.

The stockings were decoratively hung by the window with care,

But the kids knew that "Santa" had hid no gifts there.

Instead, on the floor, in both heap and in smatter,

Mountains of torn wrappings for the kittens to scatter.

Legos all over and six children quite excited,

The parents, though exhausted, were ultimately delighted.

So from our family to yours, wherever you are,

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, 2021 isn't far!

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

One of the kids' favorite holiday traditions is to get donuts on Christmas Eve morning. One of the kids' least favorite holiday traditions is for me to drag them to Downtown Mesa for pictures by the huge Christmas tree on Center and Main.

CHRISTMAS SUNDAY

I love singing Christmas hymn almost as I love dressing up for Christmas Sunday!

365.4: WEEK 51

Enjoying Christmas lights at Illumination. Picking bands for braces. Celebrating my 35th birthday. Loving the best presents from my best friend. Pajama Day at school (oldest is obviously too cool to participate). Socially distanced family Christmas party. Trying to capture the perfect Christmas Sunday photo.

December 14th - December 20th

35

So this is 35. 

My 35th year honestly feels like it has been one of the most defining thus far in my life. I've traveled far, I've accomplished much, and I've found my voice. 

I've seen some incredible highs this last year, such as running another marathon with my best friend and traveling to Kenya with my oldest daughter. But I've also experienced some painful lows, such as spending months away from my parents and grieving the death of an old friend.

I've laughed. I've cried. I've protested. I've cheered. I've smiled. I've screamed. I've done so much and I've felt so deep.

I'm not sure what my 36th trip around the sun will bring, but I am grateful to be where I am - surrounded by people who love me and accept me for ME. My circle is smaller than it once was, but my heart is more full because of the connection I have to those I keep close. Thank you, beautiful friends!