Our Year: 2014

     I can't believe 2014 is nearing an end.  Seriously, where did the time go?  Time is precious, and it's no wonder why.  This year has been a good one and the Lord has been good to us.  That isn't to say it's been perfect with no trials, but we have been blessed with the Lord's love and companionship in those hard times.

      Casey started a new job the end of November and we decided to move into a bigger place.  We moved two days before he started his new job.  That was kind of rough, but we made it through.  He is enjoying it, although he is currently drinking out of a fire hose with all the information he has to take in. ;)
   
     He also began his Master's program through Western's Governors in November.  What a guy!  He amazes me all the time with all he takes on and accomplishes.  I truly admire him and am so grateful for all his hard work and sacrifices for our little family.  I love him so, so much! He is my forever!

     I am just playing house and being a mommy.  Haha! (Remember playing house? It isn't like you used to pretend is it?  Those little dolls didn't ever cause you any trouble...just sayin'.) :)
     I am truly loving being a mommy.  It really is a dream come true.  It isn't perfect, and I am quite often at the end of the day feeling like a big huge failure....but it is something I have dreamed about ever since I could play with dolls.  And I had a good example of a mom to follow....she is what made me want to be a mommy.  It most definitely has it's challenges, but boy is it rewarding.
     I am still doing hair when I get a chance.  It will be nice one day to be in a house and hopefully have a little salon.  For now, a kitchen chair will have to do. ;)

     Lilli is now 2 1/2 and is a lot of fun.  She is saying so much and learning so much.  It is so fun to listen to her talk and say so many new things.  I often have no idea what she is spouting off, but for the most part she is pretty understandable. :)
     She loves to play with her babies and stuffed animals.  She often will line them up against the wall, or the couch or her bed and sit and talk the them.  She is pretty entertaining to watch.
     Although she has a little mean streak in her (thank you terrible two's...and soon terrible three's), she really has a sweet, tender heart.  She is very loving and thoughtful.  We sure love her.

     Coleson is almost 13 months (in four days).  Yes, I am one those moms.  I count their age in months until they are two. (As a side note, it's really because they change sooooo much from 12-24 months that to say they are one when they are 18 months makes a huge difference.)  Anyway,  he is our little sweetie...for now. Haha! He is starting to get a little attitude and has been more cranky and feisty than ever before.  He sure is cute though! Good thing! ;)
     He loves to say, "cacker" for everything.  If it is food, it's "cacker."  He tries to imitate things we will say.  It's cute.  He can say mama, da-da, cacker...and there are probably other things he says that I haven't picked up on.  When I tickle him I will say, "tickle, tickle, tickle," and so he imitates that by trying to say the same thing. He is fun.  It is fun to watch both kiddos learn and grown at their different stages in life.
   

We have been blessed this year to see Casey's youngest sister, Sarah, receive her endowments in the Ogden Temple and then be sealed to her husband a week later.  We also just recently were blessed to go to the Ogden Temple to see Casey's other sister, Jennifer, receive her endowments.  Both were such beautiful occasions.  Most beautiful to be in the temple with family.  It is so great to be in the Celestial Room with all the people you love so much.  And to know one day that is how it will be in the eternities.  How wonderful!  Family is what it's all about!

     As this year comes to an end, and I reflect on this past year, I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for all that He has given us.  He is always so good to us; in good times and in the rough times.  He is our rock.  He is who we rely upon.  We know He is there for us.  We know He loves us.  We love Him.  I am so grateful for my knowledge of the Gospel and for the testimony I have.

     I pray that next year will prove to be great for all of us!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!