2014 in Photos: Begin Again

The start of Advent was amazing. Slow and intentional and all things lovely. The middle started to speed up a bit and the end knocked me on my butt.

The boys caught a virus that was over quick for Linus but lingered for Bigfoot which forced us to postpone travels. The day we finally decided to travel my knee buckled (read: knee cap dislocated) because of an old injury (Seriously, old high school injuries are really not my favorite this year. at. all.), but we still got on the road and made the best of the holidays with family.

Emotionally and physically the later part of Advent rocked me, but slowly and surely mixed with with lots of grace we are moving forward to the new year.

At the end of it all, I'm so excited for 2015, and also thankful for all the goodness and hardships that 2014 brought. I hope to reflect more on this bit in the new year, but for now, I'm joining Dwija for 12 in 2014, Obviously, just 12 is not something I'm good at, so there may be a couple more than 12. Bad rule follower here!

Enjoy and come back for my top posts of 2014! Will be putting it up tomorrow! :)

January

I didn't take this photo in January 2014, but I did share it in this post celebrating our anniversary and I kind of heart it a lot.

February

 Linus had a birthday. This is my favorite.

And, this one below was taken the same day.

This may be one of my most favorite photos taken of Bigfoot thus far. 

March

 Settling into our Home Sweet Home so perfectly. Our new home has been such a gift! Such an amazing gift!

April

 Easter Love.

and, my husband surprised me with this ridiculous photo at the end of one of the most perfect birthdays. He had me take funny pics of my day, and then at some point edited the notes I was holding. To say I was surprised could never fully share the range of emotions I experienced upon seeing this photo after an already amazing birthday.

 May

 Park days.

Lots of park days and sunshine.

June

My Junebug turned three! He loves all things orange, his family, and donuts. Hence, the donut cake that was a major win in my books.

July

Okay. I'm obviously having trouble picking just one photo per month. Bear with me! I just kind of love the beach and am getting all. the. feels. looking back!

August

 I just love this photo of Linus napping. Love it!

 Ready to go mingle and enjoy all the lovely women who attended the Edel Gathering 2014.

 Back home with my littles.

This photo is important to me because it was just before my disc in my lower back herniated. Simple chores like the one above were impossible to minimal the months that followed.

September

One word: recovery. Slowly but surely, I was recovering from my herniated disc.

 And, was grateful for all the time with family that were able to visit during the month and some of recovery. It brought me a sort of distraction (which I needed) and time to rest.

October

 October was a good month.

 Filled with family, friends, laughter, and joy.

 I will forever love the photo above. Haha, the butterfly that confused my husband's bottom for a flower. Of all the places to repeatedly land!

All Hallow's Eve. St. Pascual and the Kitchen Angels and St. George's Dragon.

November

 Pumpkin farm for the win.

 These boys. Love their love!

First go at pumpkin carving. Final verdict: meh.

December

 Christmas tree farm.

 So many firsts this year including this Ferris Wheel.

 Advent.

 The most beautiful tree we've ever had.

So much family time. Loved all of it.

BONUS

Traditions.

 Papa, reading, and cheetahs.

 Our little family.

 Fun.

 Patiently waiting.

 Hugs.

 Moments.

 Second cousins.  

 First driving lesson.

 Sunshine and comfort.

Citrus.

Moments.

Us.

Now,

Let us begin again.

-St. Francis of Assisi

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Thanks for stopping by and having a little glance at our year. I know I thoroughly enjoyed taking that sweet trip down memory lane. Hope you did too!

Happy New Year!

Thanks, Dwija! Head over to House Unseen. Life Unscripted. for more 12 in 2014.

embrace the ordinary // saturday beauty + love

I have been loving our weekends at home. As much as I itch to get out and about, I do love the family flow that happens when we stay home or at the very least, nearby.

I think the boys love it too. I know my husband loves it. And, that makes embracing the goodness so much easier.

 Daddy and Bigfoot went to a kids workshop at our nearby Home Depot.

Bigfoot loved it. Absolutely loved it.

 Daddy loved his time with his son too. They both came home pretty excited to share about their experience.

 Meanwhile, Nana spent the morning with myself and Linus. We had some love-filled conversations while she squeezed in as much quality time with Linus as she could.

 After nap time we've been heading outside.

 I love this part. And, I know the boys do too.

 The weather was just as perfect as the moments.

 Seriously. A great time was had.

The boys squeezed in some "flying" sessions with Daddy in between running fast like cheetahs.

 And, Daddy joined in on the cheetah speed chases too.

Saturday was good and beautiful and filled with sunbeams. Thanks be to God.

A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.

-St. Francis of Assisi

Happy belated Feast of St. Francis of Assisi! How did you spend your Saturday?

Linking up with Gina for Embrace the Ordinary.

&

Joining Aimee at This Darling Day for Find Beauty Friday. It's my first time joining. I love the concept. I love finding beauty and love even more when I get to capture it. The light and moment of the last photo were definitely a heart capture for me. :)