Happy 4th blogiversary!

Looking over all my posts from the last year, I really think my favorite post was my blogiversary post from last year - 3rd blogiversary

The reason I like the post so much, even now a year later is because I feel so much of the same sentiments about this last year only magnified. This year had its share of challenges - my anxiety issues returning, having one of my closest friends move away, finding out I needed surgery, trying to accept the things in life that I cannot change no matter how much I wish I could and just really living in the moment. And there were so many really great moments - getting a new dog, seeing Jadyn graduate from preschool and start Kindergarten, watching Jake continue to excel in both school and sports, holidays to celebrate and personal accomplishments for me like running both a 5K and Warrior Dash.

I am still trying to figure out who I am beyond a wife and mother and what I want from this stage in my life and beyond but one of the biggest things I did this last year was learn to rely on others and to really truly open up to people, those that I trust and know I can share my most innermost thoughts with and not be judged. I have continued to learn to just be me. I don't have to be perfect. I don't pretend to be and frankly I don't want to be. I just want to feel comfortable being me. And that was in large part what this year was about for me.

And as per the tradition, I read through all the posts from this last year and am including my personal favorites. The interesting thing I honed from this tradition is that the posts that end up being my favorites usually are not the ones that include a lot of pictures (even though there is always the exception). My favorite posts are the ones that are sentimental. They make me tear up and smile at the same time because I imagine what it will be like for my kids to read these words when they are older, possibly even having become parents themselves. I think some of these words and the moments that inspired them are the greatest gift I can and will ever give to them.

Sweet Kisses

Snuggles and struggles

On the flip side of motherhood

For days like this

Giving

And of course, I thank each and every one of you for your continued support and sharing this journey with me.