We've had some milestones as a family and individually! We have all gone through some hard times and had some really good times blending our family. I feel like this year has been the best year yet in terms of blending..hard, but getting stronger as a family, accepting each other and trying to find love for one another. Here are some of my favorite moments from this year.....
In January 2017 our oldest daughter got her driver's license!! OH No!! Look out world here she comes!!!!!
Also in January, our 2nd oldest daughter was able to go to the LDS temple for the first time and perform baptisms for the dead! It was such an awesome experience to have all of our children who are old enough to go be there all together for this experience!
For Spring Break in April we took a trip to California! I was able to go to my inlaw's almond farm for the first time, Newport Beach (which was Kaylie's first time to the beach...at 13...epic mom fail!!), Disneyland and Las Vegas to visit some family! It was a great trip...with LOTS of driving....but a week of fun!!
In May, our son Cole finished his Eagle Project. He fundraised, bought, tied and delivered fleece blankets to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He did this to pay back and say thank you to them for all of the support and care they gave to his mom while she was undergoing cancer treatments. He hopes in some way it will bring some happiness to others in that situation. It was so rewarding as a parent seeing him not only give back, but give back to something that touched his life so deeply! Way to go Cole!
In July I finished my VERY FIRST furniture restore! It was so fun for me to try something new and something out of my skill set! I enjoyed it and have done a piece or 2 since! Check out my journey with chalk paint HERE.
In August we took an end of the summer family road trip to Bear Lake. It was the first time some of us had been there...Check out my post about it HERE.
In October we did family pictures! I LOVE THEM!! I'm grateful to my husband for putting up with this sometimes stressful addiction of mine!!
In December we started what I hope to be an annual gingerbread house/people/train decorating extravaganza with my mom and sister. Heres the 1st annual....
And lastly, also in December is our annual Christmas Eve family selfie...it was a record this year I think we only took 5 photos! Love this crazy tradition!!
As I look forward to 2018, the word that has become my goal is Balance. Life is all about balance. I need to find more of that in my life. And I think what it really comes down to is just trying to be a little better this year than last. Life is a progression and I want to keep moving forward, trying new things and becoming a little kinder and more centered so I can focus on what really matters to me...and that is my Family and Friends...people are what really matters in life, but all of the other distractions cause me to lose sight of that at times. So balance has to be a priority for me this year! Lots of new experiences are coming our way this year and I am excited to see where they take us!
Happy 2018 Everyone!!
💗💗💗💗💗💗
Heather
