I am so happy that since our much regretted move back to the United States, life over the last two years have gotten a little better, and I guess a lot of it has to do with being gratitude.
We have done well this year in exploring, improving our family life, and just find balance to cultivate what we want in this life
We are making some more major changes this year (more on that later - waiting on it to finalize,) but it occurred to me one day that no just magically have a happy life - they kind of create that happy life. So at this end of this year Nate and I have decided that we need a few more changes, and we are patiently and excitedly waiting to see what will happen.
We have continued to separate ourselves from the things that creates unnecessary stress, the things that just doesn't fill us up but instead creates division and tension in our home. This year I have learned the power of no, and that you know what? It is ok to say no to events, dinners out, a million activities. This alone has been so amazing.
I tend to get overwhelmed easily, and I really don't like being out and about every single day of the week, I need home days - just to recuperate, tidy up, and be still.
We were able to do a lot of amazing things this year, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities and the growth that has taken place - some parts was much more intense and painful then others, but looking back it was necessary in the journey towards wholeheartedness.
Our future and 2019 looks so bright (it is frightening and exciting all in the same breath.)
My creative juices have been going for a few weeks now, and I am so excited for two big projects that are in the works.
Thank you 2018 for such a beautiful year, filled with so many adventures.
** You can see 2014 here, 2015 here, 2016 here, 2017 here.
Our 2018 in pictures.
Enjoy
January:
We started off the new year with a bang. Finger foods galore, it was marvelous.
Little family dates became the norm again.
February:
Happy Valentine's Day!
The kids and I spend a weekend in Atlanta, Georgia (part 1 here, and part 2 here) before heading home to South Africa.
March
Our first week in South Africa.
Safari time.
We spend a whole week with my grandma, and it is always so special.
Rose farm fun with the best-est friends.
April
Monte Casino bird garden with my parents.
The kids and I were able to interact with the cutest little lion cubs.
We soaked up the last of Pretoria, before heading to Cape Town to meet up with Nate.
We picked up my other grandma in Plettenberg Bay, and also explored some of the surroundings.
and our very last time at our beloved family beach house - here and here. It was an emotional good-bye.
April was such a beautiful and full month for our family.
May
Happy Mother's Day!
Veggie garden goodness.
Happy birthday, Nate!
June
Happy Father's day!
July
Happy 10 year anniversary!
Happy 4th of July!
A little mom-cation, to Utah for a wedding!
August
Traveling to Arizona, and our adventures in New Mexico.
Driving in Arizona, and making our way to the sweetest little cabin.
The Grand Canyon. - the pictures on this post is worth a visit.
Happy birthday, Hayleigh!
Route 66 adventures.
Happy birthday to me!
Our Coconino Forest adventures. This was my favorite day!
Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert.
This was one of the most beautiful trips ever. My dream - to one day live in the Coconino Forest.
September
Happy birthday, Ian!
Cousin fun at the lake!
October
Corn maze fun!
November
Well oops, I didn't really blog in October & November. I was dealing with some thyroid stuff ;(
Family photos. I love them all.
December
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
Oklahoma adventures (blog post still to come.)
Museum of Osteology.
Oklahoma City Zoo
Oklahoma Science Museum.
***
I love looking back on all our pictures each year, and reminiscing about the beauty and some hardships (that produces growth) throughout the year. I makes me so excited for a new year, a new slate, new changes.
2019 looks super promising, and I can not be more excited - I will be starting nutrition school in February, we are still homeschooling, looking forward to a couple of trips, and of course going home to South Africa to see family.
Good-bye 2018 thank you for being kind, and for all the beauty.
Hello 2019, I can't wait to see everything you have in store for us.
Happy new year from our little family, to yours.
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