2014 recap

Yesterday was the first day of 2015. It's my ten year anniversary of becoming Aidan's mom and five year anniversary of meeting Robert. 2014 was another "growth" year where I learned a lot, went through my fair share of challenges, and took one more step towards being the person I would like to be. Despite the increased stability in my life, I still haven't come close to figuring it all out. Maybe I'm starting to learn that, in real life, that never happens.

2005. We've come a long way, baby.

In 2015, I am more sure than ever that I married the right person as I've watched Robert grow as a husband, father, and lawyer. His business is growing, but more importantly, he is gaining confidence in himself as an attorney. I've seen Robert go from a cocky first year associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom to an overworked fourth year associate to a small business owner/partner learning the ropes. When people ask how his business is doing, he likes to say "the lights are still on," but in reality he's done so much more than that. In the last year, he has helped people navigate claims that has saved their businesses, taken on civil rights cases, and spent more time in a courtroom than his first four years at Skadden combined. Someday, he'll be a powerhouse in Salt Lake City, and I look forward to seeing that too.

The smile, the red shirt, the chocolate. I love everything about this picture.  

Madly, truly, deeply

For me, 2014 was a year of ups and downs. I'm finally reaping all the benefits of the hard work I've put in since changing my career path in 2009. My work took me to Boston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Austin, Helena, and Scottsdale this year, and allowed me to travel all over Utah getting to know this quirky little state I call home. I worked extremely hard in 2014 knowing that I may be looking for a new job in 2015, a fate that is now upon me.

#blessed

I also managed to avoid any additional weight gain this year. A small but meaningful victory considering how much cheese, chocolate, and bread I consume. 

My friendships deepened in 2014. When I moved to Utah in 2013, I was thrilled with the friends I amassed in a short period of time. My beloved book club was thriving and my parties were well-attended. As 2014 progressed, these friendships became more solid and meaningful. Heather has become a sister in the truest sense of the word, and I am so grateful to have her in Utah.

The Bennetts and Fuenteses have become family. They have been here for me through my losses, and I've had the honor of being there for them as they've gone through divorce, moving to Lehi (and back), and the birth of Betty Lou. Every backyard BBQ, porch party, sleepover, snowball/ silly string fight, tea party, Dirty Dash, dueling piano bar, Kids Eat Free at Denny's, Breaking Bad, karaoke, and planetarium event is a reminder that moving to Utah was a good idea. I cherish our friendship and hope for more of the same for the rest of our lives. Is it too much to hope we can take our grandkids to Temple Square lights and Festival of Trees in 2040? I don't think so.

How did I not know these women two years ago? 

Aidan also thrived in 2014. This was the year that he gained coordination and confidence. He started walking to school with his friends instead of being dropped off. He got a dog and named him Stan. He continued playing AYSO soccer, started Junior Jazz for the first time, and fell in love with archery and Minecraft. After years of Robert harping on him to run a checklist before he walks out the door, he finally remembers to grab a coat and backpack and have me sign his notebook. He still needs to be reminded to brush his teeth morning and night.

Aidan has made a lot of friends in Utah but still wants a best friend the way he had Ethan in California. I'm hoping 2015 brings him a best friend. Academically, his reading score was one of the highest in his class, math and science come easily to him, but his handwriting is still atrocious. He still needs to work on focus, but at least he wasn't put on an island to work like he was in 2013. Progress!

2014 - The Year of Stan. 

We had a lot of visitors in 2014. My mom and dad came out to visit as did Kristen and Daniel Bruggers, Natalie and Ethan, and Jack and Julie. Our home is always open to my California friends.

Mom and Dad in Utah

There is so much that I could say about 2014. I haven't even mentioned the things I am perennially grateful for like Bob and Wendy, my family's good health, my siblings, Aidan's cousins, Kristen, and the Cummings family who have embraced me as a part of the family. I still love my little house on Wilson Avenue but would love to fill it with more children eventually. For now, I'm grateful to type out this blog post with Aidan snuggled up next to me.