2014 Review Extravaganza, Part 4--October-December

I can't believe that this is the FIFTH time I've participated in Emmy Mom's Year in Review Extravaganza--a time to reflect on all that's happened at the Sanatorium in the past year.

Here we go with Part 4--October-December


October

October was the hardest month of the year by far. It was the month we said goodbye to Ben for two years.

Last fun times with siblings.

Saying goodbye to friends. 

Final book. Final home-cooked meal.

Final hug from his mama.

And he was off. Peru for Two. Here's what I think about the whole missionary mom experience.

Brad was released as the bishop of our ward.

Eve and I both got shot.

And she turned five. Finally. These were two of the best photos I shot all year.

October. Reviewing my posts makes me tear up just a little. I miss my boy. A lot. But I know he's where he needs to be, and he's loving working with the people of Peru.

November
I waxed political for the first time in many years.

My elementary education came full circle when I shared my fourth grade Idaho history notebook with Micah.

And we had to send Ben's Christmas package to Peru--on November 10th. Didn't feel like Christmas then, for some strange reason.

I finally got around to editing and posting our beach pictures--from July. And Lily became the Little Red Hen for a day. Over 80 loaves of bread. It was quite an adventure.

Cabin building continued--with the addition of red windows that make me smile whenever I see them.

And Micah's experience meeting Brandon Mull revealed heroes who live among us.

December

We began the holidays with our own version of #sharethegift.

I posted my final refine entry. It took me an entire year to fully understand what this word means in my life. Here at the end of 2014, I think I'm finally beginning to understand that it's going to take a lifetime to refine myself.

I posted Thanksgiving in Idaho family pictures. Love these people.

I saw Christmas through the eyes of my five year old and helped Hyrum buy a present for Lily.

A lady in my ward shared her gift of music with me, and my kid Christmas tree came crashing down, along with all of my memories.

Christmas came and went. I still haven't edited the pictures, but hopefully by tomorrow I will. Best part of Christmas? Talking with our missionary in Peru.

I was reading 320 Sycamore today, and she reminded me of this quote from Marjorie Hinckley:

While I can't pinpoint the most wonderful moment, I am grateful for the opportunity this review gives me every year to stop and reflect on the wonderful moments that shaped me and my family.

Here's to a fantastic 2015.