And that’s a wrap…2024!

I have survived the toughest year of my life.

Man, the feelings that have surged as I sit here and soak in the last hours of the year 2024 are unreal. Sometimes we dont even realize something is going to bother us to the extent that it does, but i have had a gnawing ache in my stomach today. I welcomed sadness in and it has sat with me for a bit. I recently listened to a podcast that talks about how sometimes remembering the LASTS are harder than the FIRSTs without them.

Last NYE, I was making Gluten Free sausage balls, cookies, dip, and popping open some sparking grape juice for me, Josh, and Stella to toast to (At 7pm…lol) We played jenga before tucking Stella into bed, and then we continued to watch Suits before we crashed. Let’s be real, we had a 1 month old baby so we were very sleep deprived. LOL

Most of us have ideas of what we think our future will hold. And when it goes in a completely different direction, it can knock you off your feet. At the beginning of 2024, my life was a literal dream come true for me. My husband was still on paternity leave from welcoming our newborn home. I woke up every day and got to make breakfast with him, and snuggle our kiddos. I was genuinely so happy. We had planned to take a few trips this year. His business had taken off, so we had figured it up that he only had to work 3 days a week to pay the bills and then save some, so there was going to be a lot of family time. We lived our days to the fullest, continuing to serve each other in any way we could, with love and respect. If you’ve followed my story or know me personally, you like know that it was on March 27th, 2024 when I lost my sweet husband. Life changed so drastically for me and my kids. I’ve had to feel a lot of feelings, set boundaries that protect my little family, and pick myself back up after being beaten to a pulp (So to speak). I have put in so much work to fight for where I am mentally, physically, and spiritually. You lose part of your identity when your spouse dies, so I’ve had to rediscover who I am as a person. It has not been easy, but I made it!

A little positive recap for 2024:

• First big snow for the girls; made snow angels

• A lot of time at home with josh and the girls (Jan-March)

• Stella got her first big haircut

• Stella graduated PreK and started K

• Took a trip to Hotsprings

• Got a new couch

• Took a trip to the beach

• Nora started scooting

• SURVIVED

Truth of the matter is, that I'm stronger than I ever truly wanted to be. This year has taught me that you can handle what ever is thrown at you, even the unbearable.. This year has brought to light who is truly in my corner. As our pastor always says “You can tell a tree by the fruit it produces..”… And i really learned that this year! We are ready for 2025!!