My goodness time seems to be moving at the speed of light. 2014 was a year of many joys and just as many trials. My family was faced with some of the biggest difficulties we've ever endured. We also were gifted with several new family members. All in all, I can't say I wouldn't change a thing, but I feel good about the direction life is moving in. The struggles will make us stronger as long as we stick together. There is nothing we can not overcome as a single unit. Here is hoping 2015 holds a bit more highs than lows :)
I had such a quiet (and delightful) New Years Eve and even though I didn't make it until midnight, it felt like a perfect way to close one of the hardest years of my life. Hubs and I cooked several courses for his parents who were in town. We made smoked fish dip (a favorite here in our little corner of Florida), a caprese salad with roasted tomatoes, peel and eat gulf shrimp with homemade cocktail and fresh horseradish, spicy meatballs in a chunky Sriracha marinara, and finished with sea scallops on a black bean mash with a corn salsa. Every course came with its own cocktail as well. Everyone was stuffed and asleep by 10:30! I wish I had photos, but I was busy cooking and drinking :)
Some of the highlights of 2014:
The addition of our second son, Killian Michael. He has brought such complete joy to our lives and no matter how terrible things get, one look at his face and I feel at peace.
My oldest son started his first day of school as a kindergartener. due to an agreement with my ex husband I can't show any photos of him here, but he's growing so quickly I can hardly blink for fear of missing a moment. he makes me so proud every day. My son, I mean. Not my ex husband ;) he can go to hell, haha.
We rescued 2 amazing creatures this past year. Lord Tyrion the Terror, my orange kitty. He was an anniversary gift from my dashing husband. I love him so much, even when he's a little asshole. Which he is often, since he's still just a kid. Kid kitties are mischievous jerks in the best way :)
Princess Penelope (Penny) our English Bully is a girl we rescued just before Thanksgiving as an early Christmas gift for the boys. A husband has always had an English Bully and has wanted one for awhile now since we lost our Molly. We searched for just the right rescue Bully, it took months but as soon as I found this girl I just new she was meant for us. Her owners were an elderly couple, the husband passed away and the wife wasn't able to care for her. Penny was passed to a family member who then gave her up after a few months once they became pregnant. They seemed to think Bulldogs aren't great family dogs and gave up this sweet girl. Then Penny had two foster homes, and then she came to us. She's just incredible. She loves the kids and the cat. She's gentle and so sweet. I don't know how we ever got along without her. Now our family feels complete :)
While I have had great struggle dealing with the move (and all of the difficulties that have come with it) here to Florida, I am starting to see a light at the end of this dark tunnel. It would seem my husband's career could be looking up in ways we didn't think possible, we are likely to be moving closer to some of my favorite people on the planet ( @Chrysis, @lego, and @yesenia), and it looks like overall I am going to end up with much more time with my kids. I am finding more and more silver lining every day. I have to say, though, im really over the constant heat ;)
I have had a few sets go unbought that I'll be removing from Member Review soon. I am hoping, with enough interest, to have a print sale before they disappear forever :)
"Don't Lose Touch" shot by my italian love @waikiki at the Las Vegas Shootfesr in 2013. This was a shoot that I felt resembled me in my natural state the most since I rock these long silky nightgowns nightly. As modified as I may look, I'm still a housewife and a mommy. Little things like a new nightgown, or a lovely strand of pearls (these are my favorites that I own though) just make my day.
"Irish Cuppa" was another set that reflected very day happenings of my life. I have at least 2'cups of tea a day! This set was shot by @azera at my best friend's house in her kitchen. I was there taking a break from all the Shootfest madness while planning the last minute details for my wedding when we decided the light was pretty and we should just shoot a little something :) I had a blast working with @azera and I was really bummed this one didn't get picked up. It's one of my favorites.
"soul of fire" shot by my main man @cdo was another Las Vegas set, again, shot in my best friends house. I've been wanting to do a Sword of Truth themed set for awhile now and was really happy with how it came together. I am still hoping maybe it will get picked up, so this one isn't leaving MR quite yet :)
annnnd that brings us to the present! My first set of 2015 just hit MR yesterday... please check it out and leave some love! This was a really tricky set. Originally, @albertine and I had planned to do a rooftop at sunset set, but the roof was so hot from the Vegas sun! We improvised and were fighting the light. Overall I was blown away with what Albertine was able to do with this set. I love it so much, I hope you do as well 💙 Also thank you to @spliff for being my reflector girl!
Alright guys. that's all I got for ya. I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday season. love you all 💜💋💜
