It is crazy to me how quickly time seems to pass by. It feels like just yesterday that I was learning to drive, graduating high school, and starting college. I don't feel any different or any older but many years have gone bye in what seems like the blink of an eye.
That being said, I can't believe it is already 2015! Where did 2014 go?
At the beginning of 2014 we decided that our theme for the year would be "Facing Our Fears." It is our personal belief that living in fear holds people back and keeps them from reaching their true potential. I thought it would be to take a look back at some of the highlights of 2014 and some of the fears we faced.
A journey I began back in middle school has come to an end. I had read all of the books in the Work and the Glory series except for the last book and decided that it was time to complete the series-- it has only taken me like ten years.
The last book wasn't as exciting as some of the other books but it really summed everything up. As I finished the book, I felt like a journey had come to an end-- this series is a great read!
* My book count for the year to 18-- I really surpassed my goal of 12.
Out of all the things we did over Christmas, I think roller skating was my favorite! Almost everyone in the family went skating. It was so much fun to watch everyone skate from little Russell to Dad. Russell had never been on skates before and I think he did pretty good. Dad impressed me with how fast he could zoom around the rink. And watching Brendan dance as he skated just made me smile all the more.
I wish I could have taken some photos, but it's hard to take pictures while you skate.
One evening there was a knock on our door and we were greeted with the smiling faces of Elder Watson and Elder Fernelius. The informed us that Elder Watson was being transferred the next morning. We really like Elder Watson and we were saddened to hear that he was going to be leaving us.
Elder Watson, Andy, & Me.
Elder Watson & Elder Fernelius.
We talked about life, exchanged contact information, took some pictures and said our good byes. We know he is where the Lord needs him and that he will do great things.
I love Christmastime! I love the gloomy weather that comes with winter! I love playing in the snow! I love the smells that come with baked goods, apple cider, and Christmas trees! I love the feeling of joy, peace and love in the air! I love all of the giving and service that takes place! I love spending time with family and loved ones! But most of all, I love that Christmas reminds me of Christ!
Christ is really what Christmas is all about. I like reading the story of Christ's birth and learning more about his life. I think about the things he has done for me personally and I can't help but feel gratitude in my heart. He is my example and I try to pattern my life after His.
Christmas was different for us this year in a lot of ways. For one, there wasn't any snow-- we are in a drought. This meant that we could not go and participate in our normal winter activities: sledding, ice fishing, skiing, etc. This is also the first time we tried to spend Christmas with two sides of the family and things didn't go quite as planned.
For me, the highlights of Christmas this year were spending time with family, roller skating, and catching up with my best friend, Betsy, and getting my haircut. I had 6 inches taken off my hair! Crazy right?!?
Almost every time we go to Costco I have to stop and look at the books. On one particular trip to Costco I happened to notice a book on the shelf by Oprah Winfrey titled What I Know For Sure. I instantly thought to myself, "I wonder what Oprah knows for sure. This has gotta be a good read." As you probably guessed I couldn't leave Costco without this book in hand.
I enjoyed every moment reading What I Know For Sure. Oprah is a very insightful person and I feel like I learned a lot from her book. I marked up several of the pages and plan on sharing some of my favorite quotes/thoughts with you in the future.
Andy and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on December 19th. It's crazy to think that we have been married for five years! It seems like it was just yesterday that we met, became friends, started dating, and decided to get married. Being married to your best friend is the greatest thing in the world and something to be celebrated! I can't imagine what my life would be like without Andy, he brings me so much joy.
This year we decided to spend our anniversary weekend out in New Port. The last time we went to New Port was for our bike ride and we didn't get to do a lot besides ride our bikes-- this trip was very different.
We started out our weekend with some thrift shopping and dinner at Pastini's in Corvallis. Pastini's is sooo good! Andy doesn't typically like Italian food but he loves this stuff. We can't wait for the one in Eugene to be built.
We stayed at our favorite hotel on the beach and spent a fair amount of time in the indoor swimming pool. It rained A LOT while we were on the coast, something like 9 inches in two days so we tried to find indoor activities we could do.
We started out the day going to visit one of the two lighthouses in town but it was all fenced off and the other one was closed because it was being painted. So, we decided to go to Ripley's Believe It Or Not and met Big Foot. Ripley's was okay, not the most exciting thing to see. As we were nearing the end of Ripley's I noticed that as I walked though a particular room that my movements were projected up onto a big colorful screen. I grabbed Andy and started busting out some Zumba moves. I danced for probably a half an hour, mostly by myself and had an absolute blast! A few other people happened to walk though the room and they looked at me funny, after explaining what happened in that room they joined in on the dancing too. It was seriously so much fun! Andy tried to record me but wasn't able to get a stellar video. If you ever find yourself in New Port you have to go to Ripley's just to dance.
Andy and Big Foot.
Me & Big Foot.
Our next stop was the Underwater Sea Gardens. While at the sea gardens we reminisced about our visit to the Underwater Sea Gardens in Victoria, B.C. where we went on our honeymoon. We enjoyed watching all of the fish swim and interact with the scuba diver.
Then we headed outside to see the sea lion docks. The docks are old and falling apart but the sea lions love them! They lay on the partially submerged docks and make all kinds of noises.
After visiting the sea lions we headed across the street to visit Wax Works which is a wax museum. If you have never been to a wax museum you should try it sometime, it's amazing what people can do with wax!
"Beam me up Spocky!"
Gollum & Me.
E.T.
Wax Works had an American Idol stage where you could sing karaoke style. Andy and I belted it out on stage and had a blast!
Since it was still raining we decided to hit up a few more thrift stores. As we started to drive toward the thrift stores we came across a mudslide. The mudslide completely covered the road we had driven across a few hours earlier--it was kind of crazy.
Mudslide.
The next day as we were heading out of town we decided to drive by the lighthouse that was fenced off one more time to take a few pictures. When we got out of the car we noticed that the gate was open and decided to walk up to the lighthouse. As luck would have it the lighthouse was open for tours, it was closed the day before due to the poor weather. We love exploring lighthouses, there is so much history behind each one.
Lighthouse.
Andy & Me.
On the trail.
Headed to the top.
The view from the top.
Then we headed to the aquarium. We enjoyed looking at all of the animals, we both really enjoyed the sea otters. Unbeknownst to us there was a sign that said not to play with the otters (it was on the other side of the tank). I played with one of the otters for awhile and really enjoyed it. As soon as Andy tried to play with the otter, the otter got mad and tried to bite his nose-- luckily there was glass between Andy and the otter. Later we saw the sign. Oops!
Someone found a salamander on the ground at the aquarium.
Our drive home was extra long! We decided to take the scenic route home along Highway 101, we were about halfway home when we learned that the road was closed due to a landslide. Oh well, we always enjoy road trips it gives us a chance to really talk with each other about anything and everything.
I can't believe it has been five years already. Here is to an awesome and adventurous eternity!
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