It’s New Year’s Eve, ya’ll. Tonight, Aaron and I are staying in, enjoying a bottle of nice champagne and heading to bed shortly after midnight. We don’t have any grand plans on the schedule other than ushering out 2021 in the comfort of our own home. It seems like the most appropriate way to reflect on some of the struggles and big wins over this past year – and the best way to start off 2022: well-rested, relaxed and ready to hit the ground running. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my favorite (and probably not-so favorite) moments of 2021.
It’s been a heck of ride – not just for us, but I’m sure all of you as well. Whether 2021 was a year of triumphs, reflection – or just trying to get by, congrats: we made it! And, as we look ahead to 2022, may this next year be everything you need it to be. I would say that the first half of 2021 for us was filled with some heartache and stress, but the Lord promises that there is always hope on the other side. So, if I could describe 2021 in one word, it would be Perseverance. And, my word for 2022, should so aptly be: Joy.
Looking back at some of these pictures that sum up my 2021, it’s a tad painful to be honest. I’m revisiting the freeze and losing Sawyer and Buttercup, which is bringing back all kinds of memories, and it feels like we’ve gone many miles since then. I can’t believe some of the chaos and sadness that hides behind a few of these photos during the first half of the year. And, I’m not sure how we were able to function and sometimes thrive in that, but we did. And, there is hope, joy and happiness that we found in the second half of our year. So, no matter where you are today, it’s my wish that you all find hope and magic in the little details of your lives over this next year. I’m so thankful for this little space of the internet that allows me to share and reflect bits and pieces of our lives. Thank you!
January
A favorite moment in January was the first of the year. Aaron and I hopped in the car and went to go visit my relatives in Brownsboro, Texas. They were part of the California to Texas migration in 2019, and I’m so glad to have them a bit closer. My grandma (in the top right of the photo) had nine (year 9) kids, and they are scattered across the U.S. She’s so full of stories and memories, and it’s a gift to be able to revisit some of those. It was the best way to start off the year, and we hope to make it out there to see them in the near future.
February
February calls for two photos. In the very beginning of the month, Aaron and I finally made it to visit our besties in St. Louis. We had the best time, and I even saw a little bit of snow. We always enjoy good food and conversation, and I’m so thankful for their presence in our lives. They came into our lives in 2016 and have been a constant source of laughs and encouragement since then.
And, of course, how could I revisit 2021 without taking a look back at the freeze? We were recapping the story with our relatives over Christmas, and I pulled up some photos to show them. I can’t believe that Aaron and I had such destruction in our house – and lived with it until June (!!!) when we could get a contractor in to fix everything. Now that we are on the other side of it, I’m so thankful for homeowner’s insurance – and if we want to dig a little deeper at the silver lining, I was able to put my house back together better than it was before. She got new pipes, new flooring, new walls and paint and a couple of other upgrades while we were at it.
March
Oh, March. What can I say about you? I’ll start off with the good.
We took a little trip for Tyler’s birthday to Austin. But, as soon as we got back, my world came crashing down when we received a cancer diagnosis for Sawyer.
He lived about three more weeks – and we had some really good times, until we lost my very best boy on March 29. I would be lying if I said that there aren’t moment when I just really miss his sweet soul. I’ll always hold a very special place in my heart for Sawyer, and it feels strange to be headed into 2022 without him!
April
I feel like I spent the better part of April in a fog. Buttercup, Aaron and I were all incredibly sad. We were still trying to recover from the freeze – so we redid our flower beds, which was something that we could control at the time. We also started planning a trip to Mexico in June because we figured it would do us some good to get away!
May
We celebrated Cinco de Mayo with some friends.
We made a trip to New Braunfels for our first country music concert in about two years.
And we decided to pick out some puppies! I’m so thankful to be married to someone who knows what I need more than I do. I only wanted one puppy, but he knew the getting two would ultimately be good for both of them (and us). We weren’t sure how much longer Buttercup was going to be around – she got really depressed when Sawyer died because they were a bonded pair. Looking back, so glad we got both Tex and Cali.
June
In June, we traveled to Mexico. And, it was just what Aaron and I needed to reset after the first half of the year. We went with two of our friends, and we had the best time. We stayed in Punta de Mita, spent a bunch of time in the pool and out in the water and enjoyed some delicious meals with friends. You can read part I of our trip here, part II here and part III here.
As soon as we landed in Houston, we went to pick up our puppies!!!!! And ya’ll, that day might have been the highlight of my year. They were the tiniest little golden puppies, and they were just adorable. Here’s one more puppy pic.
July
Our home renovations were completed in July just in time for me to host my annual July 4th party!
August
In August, Aaron and I celebrated five sweet years of marriage. We always try to make a memory, and this time, we decided to head to Broken Bow, Oklahoma to spend some time in the great outdoors (part I here and part II here).
September
Before we knew it, we made it to September. I celebrated my 35th (!) birthday. We headed to Florida for the long weekend for a kind of spur of the moment trip. I had never been to Seaside before, and let’s just say that I’ll be back. There is just something peaceful about being by the water.
October
In October, I cleaned out my office when the reality of working from home for the foreseeable future set in. Speaking of, I feel like I haven’t talked about work much, but it was probably the most busy, yet most rewarding year I’ve had in my career. We had to tackle some challenges brought about by remote work – and this ongoing pandemic – but I feel so proud in being able to overcome those obstacles for one of my most personally, successful years to date.
We also managed to sneak away for a Baylor football game. Sic ’em Bears!
November
And, in November, we gave thanks. We celebrated Thanksgiving in Belton, Texas with Aaron’s family. And the Spuds went on their first hike.
December
And, oh sweet December. I really feel like I hit my stride in December. During a month that can tend to be a tad more slow at work, we amped it up more than ever before. I was able to see my team in person for the first time since March 2020, I celebrated at Zoo Lights with my friends, celebrated Ho-Family Christmas, and we ended the year by spending time with my family California for Christmas. This pandemic has brought a lot of heartache to so many people, but the worst thing about it is the separation it has caused. I hadn’t seen my extended family since December of 2019, and it was the best thing to be able to get together in the same room and to give my family a hug. I couldn’t thing of anything more than I needed to end this year.
And, I’ll leave you on that note. So, whatever your dreams, hopes and wishes are for 2022, may you realize all of them! I’ll see you back here on Monday….. Happy New Year!
