I can't believe its already time to say goodbye to 2015. This was a turbulent year to say the least. There were amazing ups and some hideous downs. I can say though that prayer and positivity got me through everything! God is so good - all the time!
My Vision Board for 2015 included the following:
-drink more water
-walk the dogs everyday
-finish PhD
-find our dream home
-Bob Harper's "The Skinny Rules"
-read
-complete 3 devotionals
Some were hits (We did find our dream home and I did complete 3 devotionals), some were misses (I did not finish my PhD and the weather impeded my walking the dogs everyday), but I've learned that these are not meant to crush me like the cliche "losing weight" resolution that crumbles within the first week of January. For me, it has been a visual (hence, vision board) reminder of my goals. I have multiple lists on my phone, in my head, on Post-Its, but a vision board is one of the first things I see in the morning and one of the last things I see at night. It just works. And there's no official deadline, which I love. I'm so horribly Type-A that I feel a need to cross things off my list. This board isn't about crossing off items. I'm starting to write my 2016 vision board and I'm really excited to do it.
January:
We started 2015 like anybody else with an infant. Crib training. And it went great, until about 4am:
And just 6 days into the new year, my little baby got a little older...
Without consulting me first, he decided to hold his own bottle.
And we found the high chair is a great napping spot!
And the pulling himself up continued - mommy is sad:
February:
Why is Ryan still getting bigger? That was not the deal!
We honored my cousin, Laura, for her baby shower...expecting twins!
Then we went to play with Great Great Auntie Stella...she looks great for 90!
Then this guy FINALLY got the promotion he so desperately deserved.
Found nearly matching shirts for my boys. I. Can't. Even.
We attempted some shots at the community ball field. I'm sure Ryan though we were nuts:
March:
I. Can't. Even.
Another month goes by. So not fair.
In the middle of March, we celebrated my Mom's birthday.
Then we did what I was dreading...driving to the Bay area for a conference/mini trip. Ryan slept all the way and still slept at night. It's not my cup of tea to be on the road that long. The conference went fantastic, and we decided to celebrate by driving into SF and eating at a favorite restaurant. Ryan did so well!
The next day was ours, so we returned to the city for Ryan's first BART ride and walk around one of our favorite cities.
Had to put Ryan on the carousel at Pier 39. He loved it!
The weather was the warmest I've ever experienced. Absolute perfection.
We decided it must be an annual trip. Only I want to fly next time.
Back home, Ryan became more mobile and mischevious:
April:
Happy Easter!
And Happy Birthday!!!
We headed to the LA Zoo to show Ryan all the animals, who came to party with him as well.
That night, we hosted our parents for Ryan's official first birthday cake.
Then a few days later, we had Ryan's big party at the local minor league stadium. AKA Longoria Field. I regret not taking more photos. It was a beautiful day!
A couple of cute shots. I was jazzed to take Ryan to MyGym. I worked for them in college and love the program.
Our birthday gift to Ryan. He did not enjoy it.
May:
We learned fishy faces and finally got it on camera
We hit our timeshare in SD to swim. Beginning Ryan's love of the water:
We found our dream home!
June:
My 1st and 2nd grade teachers. I love them so much!
This may be one of my favorite moments in my entire life. The day we finalized Ryan's adoption.
To beat the heat, we explored a splash pad, reaffirming Ryan's love of water.
We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary with an impromptu trip to Vegas...not to gamble. Mostly to get out of town, swim, and eat. Our usual reasons.
Ryan loved the suite (we were upgraded)
It was so ridiculously hot (duh, it's June) that we spent most of our time indoors. Even the hotel pool felt like bathwater. So we took Ryan to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay.
July:
We moved into our new house! It's exhausting!
We started Saturday morning walks to Starbucks. Ryan loves the outdoors.
On a particularly uneventful day, I took Ryan to B&N Cafe for his first cannoli. Thank goodness he likes them. Can I have a child who doesn't enjoy cannoli?
August:
Great Grandma, who lives in Germany, sent Ryan birthday money. Here's what he picked out:
Took another photo shoot. Love my little baseball boy!
The love of books started! I'm so excited! Can't leave the house without a book to read!
First time in the big boy car seat! With a book, of course!
First swimming lessons!!
Coloring with Grammy at YardHouse:
Started a new job teaching virtually. This sums it up:
Ryan's dedication at our church
Sleeping in the car...with a book, of course.
October:
Reading with daddy
Our annual trip to Disneyland began with the perfect character breakfast:
It was THE hottest day on record in Anaheim. Ryan was a trooper.
My cutie pumpkin
Exploring the flowers in San Diego while Mommy presented her research
Halloween Trick or Treating at Daddy's work:
November:
Riding the Rails on Thomas!
Ryan's first experience with the roll of toilet paper...
Apparently, all the cooking for Thanksgiving was exhausting! (Yes it was! My first time cooking and hosting!)
Put up our first tree in our new house. I'm in love with this white tree. It positively glows!
At the end of the month, we took a trip to Downtown Disney to pick our yearly ornament. We had dinner at Storyteller's Cafe. This one was too cute.
Then I changed Ryan into his jammies for a visit with Santa in hotel. He wasn't into it, but at least he wasn't screaming.
What can I say? He prefers Mommy! This picture gave a sneak peak into what I imagine Ryan will look like in a couple years. Does he not look 4 in this pic?
December:
We celebrated my parents' 40th wedding anniversary.
The next weekend, we took Ryan to his first snow in Big Bear. He was tentative, but it was a gorgeous day.
Then, another haircut. Even Grandpa couldn't contain Ryan's terror.
I read about a train ride through Griffith Park for the holidays. We left immediately for this super fun experience. Ryan was overwhelmed but I know he enjoyed it.
First day of winter break, be like:
2nd day of winter break. He's not 2 yet, so why am I getting the Terrible Twos?
He's much happier with Grandpa
Christmas Eve dinner at our home
Christmas morning surprise from Grammy and Pa
Christmas evening at Papa's house
Day after Christmas shopping!! Probably one of my favorite times of the year!
So that was 2015. I'm hopeful that more goals will be met in 2016 including our biggest prayer: to get Ryan a sibling!
Other Vision Board ideas include: writing everyday, reading, finishing the PhD finally, running some 5Ks, and opening our home more. Ultimately, I want to grow in my relationship with Jesus, do more things that bring Him glory, and be a great wife and mom.
No comments:
Post a Comment