Here are some of my favorite photos from this year:
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| Our first picture together – February |
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| How I Met Your Mother, Peters Branch, MO – February |
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| Our first trip together: Sam’s Throne, Arkansas – March |
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| Slowly but surely conquering my fear of heights – April |
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| Our trip to Wisconsin to visit Jake’s older brother – May |
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| My dad’s trip to KC for Father’s Day – June |
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| 4th of July |
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| Climbing together ? Our favorite hobby – August |
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| Carolina’s Visit – August |
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| Courtney’s visit – August |
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| My Godmother’s son’s Bar Mitzvah – September |
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| Our first trip to Louisburg Cider Mill – October |
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| Family Trip to Skyline Caverns – November |
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| Family Thanksgiving photo – November |
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| Thanksgiving Cont. |
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| Thanksgiving night after setting up the tree – November |
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| First family Christmas picture – December |
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| Jake’s proposal – Christmas Eve |
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| Christmas Day |
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| New Years in Houston |
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2017 was quite a year. It started off on a low note. I was unemployed after leaving my job without having another one lined up. I was in a terrible environment and I was miserable there, I had no idea what I was going to do next. I had also just ended a terrible relationship and was trying to heal from the hellish roller coaster that it had run through my life. My one piece of advice for this year is do not ever chance anyone who doesn’t chase you back. It’s very true that if someone wants to be in your life, they will be. I now have a ring on my finger as proof of that!
In December 2016, I had just moved into my own place after my last (and final) shitty roommate situation, so that was the best thing I had going for me at the time. It was a very welcome change to be able to make my place my own. I got a new job and a new car in February, so things were starting to turn back around for me.
My dad came to visit for Father’s Day, and both of my very best friends were able to fly out to Kansas City and spend a week each with me, which was so amazing. To be able to have both of them stay with Jake and I in our home was such a wonderful feeling. We got a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment because we wanted to be able to have people to stay with us and have their own space. We’ve gotten great use out of it since we moved in.
I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to the max and made a huge career change this year only 9 months after starting my previous job. I left the world of HR, which is what my degree and all of my work experience has been in, and went to do something completely different. I wanted to truly love and enjoy what I was doing instead of dreading going to work every day. I ended up finding the most amazing job I could have imagined. I work with phenomenal people who are goal oriented and constantly striving for more. The company culture is unmatched, and I have amazing growth potential. On top of the career change, I started this blog as a hobby I’ve been fantasizing about for years and I’ve received a lot of support for it which I’m also very thankful to all of you for!!
Jake and I were able to spend a full week with my family this year for Thanksgiving, which was another big blessing because last year I was only able to spend 4 days with them. Not only did we get 7 full days, but we got to see so many friends and family while we were there and I got to parade Jake around to everyone proudly. The best part was spending so much time with both of my nephews, since they’re so young and I only see them once a year.
The best thing to come of 2017 though, hands down, was Jake coming back into my life, and our engagement. We moved in together in August and were able to make our house a home together. We also got Oliver, who has already brought us so much happiness in the month we’ve had him. I’ll be eternally grateful for Jake’s commitment to making this work when I was so broken at the time and really struggling to figure my life out. He’s been incredibly supportive of me this year through all of my ups and downs and has really shown me what true love means.
We’re celebrating New Years in Texas with Jake’s grandparents and cousin Chelsea, who will be one of my bridesmaids! And her beautiful daughter, Isabella, will be one of our flower girls.
After starting off so crazy, I can’t believe the amount of change that only 12 months have brought. I thank God every day for the continuous amount of blessings He’s given me this year and always, and I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings with it. Including our wedding in October!!
I wish everyone a wonderful and very happy 2018!!
