2014 year in review



January 2014

December 2014

2014 came and went in a FLASH! I had to look back through my pictures to see how great the year has been. Of course there were a few bumps in the road, but what year hasn't been that way? Those bumps in the road only make us stronger in the long run and help us to be more mindful of where we step.

1.  One of the great moments of 2014 was that we spent the entire year in OUR OWN home!

      In 2011 we went through all the paperwork for purchasing a new home and it fell through.  We were super bummed about it, but once we realized that God had a bigger plan for us we were fine (for a moment).  Space was super tight in our apartment so we thought about renting a bigger apartment so we could have more space so Christiana could have more room to be a kid (we didn't put all our faith in God).  When that process didn't come through (that should have been another sign), we even thought about putting our stuff in storage and downsize so would save money.  That's when we had to sit down and really pray and ask what wasn't working and finally we realized that we had to REALLY trust in God (not just say it).  Soooo we were patient and moved into our home in October 2013.  Oh the joy!

 Finding our home also taught us a lesson about praying big and not limiting Gods ability to grant us the desires of our heart.  We were very specific of what we wanted and where we wanted based on what we felt we could afford instead of what He can grant us with.  We got what and where we asked for. 

So we went into 2014 (and will go into 2015 doing the same thing) understanding that we have to pray big and not be ashamed of what we ask for. 

2.  Another great moment from this year is that as a family we pray more together.  Rickey and I pray try to make sure that we pray with each other before we go off to work.  He created a prayer for Christiana to say each morning, so that she gets in the habit of praying every morning.  Well if she wakes up when I go to work she wants to pray with us.  I think that is great!  She also blesses the food when we have dinner.  When Christiana and I say our night prayers together, I try to make sure that she thanks Jesus (for family, protecting and loving us, and for the simple things in life).  She does pretty good; we just have to be consistent. 

 

     For 2015 I would like for us to make time to read the Word together, as a couple and family.  I would like for us to not only read it, but to talk about it.  I want Christiana to grow up knowing and loving the Lord.

3.  Another great thing about 2014 is that Christiana is continuing to blossom into a wonderful and sweet little girl.  Whenever I get my weekly babycenter.com updates she's right on track if not beyond.  Sometimes when I get them, I chuckle because we have gone through what they are talking about.  She loves to sing, dance, smile,creates designer play doh dresses, laughs, heck she even cracks her own jokes, reads, does math, and even makes up her own prayers.  Such a dynamite little sweetie peetie right?! I couldn't ask for a more perfect daughter.  Motherhood isn't by any means easy, but it is a great journey that I enjoy taking and can't wait to spend another year raising this awesome daughter of mine!

Christmas 2013

Christmas 2014

4.  This past year, Christiana got to hang out with her big sister for a week.  Amanah doesn't come out often, but when she does we make sure to squeeze in some quality family time.  Christiana LOVED having her here!  So hopefully this year she'll come and visit her Cali family. :O)

 

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 23:18