My best NYE ever

I spent yesterday in my pajamas enjoying everyone's NYE pictures and stories.  I loved seeing everyone all dressed up and having a good time.  I even found myself wishing I was in some of those pictures.  But the more I found myself drifting away with those thoughts, I was brought back to reality by the voices of my sweet children.  And you know what?  In that instant, it hit me.  I wouldn't have traded our NYE for anything in the world.

After I got home from work (which ended up being a few hours later than I had hoped), we took the kids to our favorite pizza place.  My gluten intolerance didn't like this choice but I wasn't letting that get in the way of our fun.  After having a great time at dinner, the kids wanted dessert but Yogurtland and the ice cream shop near by were closed.  So on to our back up plan....McDonalds ice cream cones!  My kids can eat ice cream like its their job.  On the way home, the Hubs and I were trying to explain the significance of NYE to the kids.  On a whim, I said that this would be the only night that they can stay up as late as they want.  You would have thought I gave them the keys to the world.  Noah exclaimed "I'm a grown up now!!!" Emmy was just excited that we weren't going to force her into bedtime.

The Hubs watched some football and the kids watched Disney Channel.  I finally got to see Up and Wall-E.  Noah looked like death warmed over but he was determined to stay up til midnight.  I might have cheated a little and took a quick 30 minute nap on the couch.  We switched the channel just in time to start the countdown to 2014, although I'm not quite sure Noah saw it drop.  He was practically asleep on the couch.

Still hanging in there

As the ball dropped, I got to share a New Years kiss with the loves of my life.  I wasn't out watching fireworks and sipping champagne in my sparkly outfit.  I was in baggy sweatpants, hair a mess, covered by my children on the couch with my husband on the loveseat. I wasn't at a swanky party but I was at the most amazing party I can think of.  I was with the people that bring me the most joy and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
    

Welcome 2014

As the world welcomes in 2014, I can't help but look back on the past year and think it was a good one. Sure there were some rough spots and even some things that I would like to forget. But over all, I'm pleased with where 2013 has taken me. I've been able to make amazing memories with my family and friends. I've made career changes that I'm thankful I made. I was constantly reminded how brave and strong my patients are. I've also been reminded how fragile life is.

While I'm sure I made resolutions this time last year, we all know I haven't kept a single one.  So this year, I'm not going to make resolutions.  I'm not going to make promises I can't keep.  I'm not going to set myself up for a feeling of failure come this time next year.  Instead I'm going simply enjoy this next year.  Make memories with my family. Do everything to make myself a better wife, mother, and most importantly, a better version of myself.

I know what I'd like to accomplish.  I know where I'd like to see myself a year from now. And I know I can achieve all of these things.

Here's to an amazing 2014.  May it be filled with love, laughter, and memories!

Goodbye 2011....Hello 2012!!!

I can't believe this year is over already.  I feel like time is racing past us.  It feels like yesterday I was walking down the aisle.  Now I'm a Mom of 2 kiddos and married for 6 years (or will be 6 years in 1 week). How did this happen??

This year was a great one for us, filled with tons of memories.  And in true Jessica fashion, let's recap the year in pictures!!!
We started the year with Noah turned 4 and had his first birthday celebration at school.  We also celebrated him with a Toy Story birthday party and a trip to Disney

 February brought the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  Sharon and I ran it again for the second year

March brought the Strawberry Festival and Lady Antebellum with the girls and the Seminole PowWow parade and carnival

We had so much fun in April.  I attempted to make cake pops and it was an epic FAIL.  We also spent the day with Thomas the Train.  I ran the Iron Girl 5K with Jess and we had a great Easter

 May meant Mother's Day Tea at PreK, Rays Baseball, and celebrating the Hubs's birthday at Disney

Noah said goodbye to his classmates and 5th grade buddy as his first year of PreK ended.  We spent fun nights with friends and celebrated weddings!

July we honored my life long friend Jen and her baby to be Colton.  I also had a great reunion with my amazing Chi Omega sisters

August was a busy month for us.  The Hubs and I took a trip to NYC where we took in all the sights, went to see RENT, and much more.  Emmy turned 2 and we had a Little Mermaid party and Noah returned to school for his second year of PreK

September brought sorrow and heartbreak when we said goodbye to my grandfather.  It was a very hard time for me and I miss him every day

October brought us trips to Disney, meeting princesses, celebrating more weddings, and Halloween at work and with the kids

November we gave thanks for our family and friends.  We traveled down south to meet Colton.  I am a very proud Aunt!!!  We also enjoyed college football, supporting the USF Bulls and the Florida Gators.  Jen and Jeff even snuck away from sweet Colton to go up to Gainesville!

And of course, December brought us Christmas.  We had a great Christmas, celebrating 4 times with family.

2011 was a year full of ups and downs for our family.  We made so many memories and experienced so much.  I am so blessed to have the most amazing people in my life.  I'm also thankful for all of you, who encourage me to keep doing what I love, sharing my life.

Here's to 2012, a new year full of friendships, family, health, laughter, and love.