On the eve of 2015, this year that was, I've taken to the tradition over the last couple of years of taking stock of the year, the happenings and ups and downs and writing a quick summary here in this space.
Recently, while reading the pages of my Great Grandmother's memories (her name was Nandi and she was such a sweet Great Nana), I found myself sad that I hadn't really ever kept a diary of my life. I'm not really the sort that writes a daily diary... then it hit me - my blog is like a diary! So thankful for things like instagram and my blog, where memories, celebrations and the like are recorded and filed away. So many things would have been forgotten if it wasn't for places like these.
This year of 2014 has definitely been a busy one, with 2 teenagers now in the house, NCEA exams, life as pastors as well as parents of 4, while still renovating our home, there often doesn't seem to be too much spare time around to relax and enjoy - there's been loss, funerals, braces and broken bones, but there has also been birthdays, celebrations and many great memories made.
Taking stock of the good stuff is so important in every person's life - maintaining a thankful attitude for the good things that have happened, noting the things that didn't quite go as planned and learning from them. When things go wrong, it's how you react and what you choose to do next that are the most important actions.
I am so thankful for this past year, the celebrations, the things I've learned and also the things I've noted that I really need to work on in 2015. I'm so thankful to God for my family, His graciousness and friendship throughout my life.
Here's to an awesome 2015 - Happy New Years everyone!!
Here I was thinking 2014 had been a rather dull year, but looking back over it there was so much to celebrate and be thankful for. Here are some of my favourites...
Adventures...
We had a few small adventures as a family in 2014, including an awesome Auckland Road Trip where our youngest got to indulge in her love for all things Penguin related! There was a Kerikeri Road Trip with a bit of exploring and also some time away in Auckland kidless for Symon and I at a conference. There was a Club Penguin Party, and a Broken Foot as well as the appearance of Beards and Braces. I also shared a bit about Me, My Kids and the World Wide Web for those folks out there who were curious. More trips to the big smoke (Auckland) were taken for Sistas Conference, the Big Weekend Away (Number 2) which included our guy getting to go on stage with the Mythbusters!! (check out the video clip in the link). We finally had a long awaited Family Holiday and also took a girls road trip to the Sound of Music Stage Show. So much fun!!!
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Makings..
Despite feeling like I don't have half the time I used to to get creative, there were a few things that got created around these parts in 2014. Of them, my favourites were...
This Penguin Softie made for my daughters birthday...
Black Board Container Labels for the newly renovate kitchen at the start of the year...
Hubby's creation of an Arcade Machine...
Some Softies & more Softies...
This Pretty Puffs Beanie made while hanging out in hospital for a week with my son...
This Crosses Granny Square Blanket - probably my most favourite creation in 2014!
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Baking...
There were a few yummy food creations and recipes shared in 2014 (click here to see them all) but here are a few of my most favourite ones...
Chocolate Pistachio Fudge
Beard Cake, Lost Dharma Cake & a Puffle Cake
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Raw Vegan Chocolate Fruit Balls
Apricot Truffles
Of them all, this Feijoa Crumble Cake would have to be my favourite. So delicious and perfectly fine for substituting with any other fruit!
Here's to another year of making memories (and some delicious goodies and crafty creations too)! Happy New Years!
To check out past Year in Review posts, click here.
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