Some good things have happened this year, but it was by far one of the most difficult years for our family - and honesty just a major pain in my butt. We have been pulled in so many directions, so many things going on, so much stress and frustration - and I am just honestly thankful that it is all done and over with.
Since our move back to the United States in 2014 we every year have been excruciating years of force growth, with no break or time to come up for air. I am hoping that 2017 will be a year of rest and honestly just peace all around - I no longer care for small town bullshit - let me rephrase that - I have never cared for small town drama.
We are still trying to heal from all the hurt and frustrations from our first couple of years here, that an attitude adjustment is so hard when you kind of despise the place you life.
Maybe 2017 can be a year to fall in love with our horrible surroundings? Who knows.
It have been a constant struggle to find our own person normal, and to cultivate what really matters when so much is going on all around us.
I am thankful for my kids - they have had to suck up so much this year - a pretty absent daddy, lots of time at home, a trip half way across the world because I couldn't handle life here anymore, lots of changes and adjustments. But they did it all with smile on their face, ready for whatever adventure awaited.
I am also proud and thankful for Nate - who continues to work hard in his job, and had the added stress of a family while finishing up paramedic school. I am so happy to announce that our year was not waited and that Nate is officially a practicing paramedic - I know it have been a hard year for him.
Since moving back to Texas, I feel like I have neglected this blog a little bit - all my emotions and feelings have just been so raw and intense - that it has been such an overwhelming process to deal with. Writing some of these things in a public space would most likely just add to the hardships we face where we live so I just refrained and journal-ed instead.
I am hoping that this year will be more chill, and that we can once more find that perfect harmony for our family that we so long for from Germany - that my creativity and love of writing about my family with be rekindle once more. That in change of hearts will cultivate what really matters to us - our family - and ignore the rest.
Pictures generally make everything look so much better - I will cling to these beauties and let go of the rest.
Our 2016 in pictures.
Enjoy!
January 2016
We celebrated Nate, and the fact that he was awarded rookie of the year.
The kids and I visited former president George W Bush, childhood home in Midland.
February 2016
Happy Valentines Day.
March 2016
Happy Easter.
April 2016
The kids and I had the opportunity to visit some of the Native American Rock Paintings just outside of town.
Nate got his black shield - his rookie year is over.
May 2016
Happy Mother's Day.
We spend two fabulous weeks in Hawaii - and didn't want to come home. You can read about a our beautiful adventures here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. At least go look at the pictures - it will make you happy.
June 2016
Happy Father's Day.
July 2016
A little bit of everything... summer fun.
August 2016
September 2016
Good-bye America, Hello South Africa!
A day of zoo fun!
October 2016
Crocodile farm adventures.
Monte Casino - bird park fun!
Rhino and Lion Reserve - I finally got to share one of my favourite childhood memories with the kids - touching cubs!
The kids first real safari experience.
November 2016
Summer fun with friends in South Africa.
Lori Animal Park - the kids and I got to interact with Serval cats for the first time ever.
Family gathering at the farm.
December 2016
***
Looking at pictures it doesn't look so bad - but then it is so easy to deceive people through pictures.
Just like the year before something crappy happens to top off the year - in my case this disastrous cold that won't seem to go away - honestly I wouldn't expect anything less from this year.
I have a few things that made this year beautiful - my time home in South Africa with my parents - all the time the kids got to spend with them, and rekindling old friendships, that encouraged, enriched, and made me happy! I love you South Africa!
Good-bye 2016 I am so ready to bid you farewell and to never see you again!
Hello 2017 - please be kind to us, send us glorious adventures, and encourage us to cultivate what matters!
Happy New Year, from my family to yours!
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