See ya 2017, its a wrap!
We just got back from spending Christmas with the boys parents in Phoenix.
We also did a little trip to Sedona, with two gorgeous hikes.
Should you ever find yourself in Sedona (and you should), I highly recommend the Hike House. Not only will they hook you up with the best homemade dark chocolate chunk granola cookies you’ve ever tasted, they will also get you all set for hiking. This includes hike suggestions based on what you want to do/see, parking info and permits, directions, a map and any needed gear.
No matter how many times I go hiking, I never fail to overestimate my abilities.
Oh the pain and huffing and puffing I endured on our “moderate” level hikes.
On the other hand, however, Ray is a pro.
My sister in law was even brave enough to join me in a weird yoga class, where we used Tibetan bowls for sound healing.
The ironic thing is, I searched yelp for hours looking for a “normal” class and after reading a million reviews, I thought I had found one! Ha.
This particular bowl was found in a garage in Ohio and was taken for a psychic reading, in which the bowl made it known that it wanted to be used for public use. From there it made its way to our yoga teachers friend in Detroit, and then to our teacher in Phoenix.
Can’t make this stuff up, y’all.
Now as we wrap up this final day of 2017, here’s a few notes.
2017, you brought the biggest blessing.
From May 2, to today, I am continually in awe.
You can read baby Ray’s birth story here.
And 2017, you brought the most unexpected surprise. December 8 was a southern snow day! Something we hadn’t experienced in ten years.
But 2017, you brought sadness too. I lost a relationship when I became pregnant for reasons I cannot understand. And to this day I am blocked from this person in every form possible. I have spent lots of time this year reflecting and praying about this. Even though I cannot possibly understand what happened, I know God restores all things, and I entrust my grief to him.
2017, you also brought a career opportunity/challenge.
I recently went full time with my company. I never thought I’d work full time with a baby. But I’ve been with my company for 2 years and I really, really like my job, so I’m giving it a shot.
2018, here we come.
As we embark on 2018, I’ve been reading a lot about people claiming their “word” for the new year. Things like, “renew” and “highest potential.” So naturally, I’m claiming a word too.
Survive.
Yep, that’s my word as I take on a new year, with an 8 month old (almost!), a full time job and severe sleep deprivation.
In light of surviving, I am forgoing setting my own goals for the sake of setting one on behalf of Ray. His goal is to sleep through the night. You can do it baby!
So here’s to racking up more Starbucks reward stars, continuing to count on phenomenal neighbors to make it through and 2018.
Cheers y’all!
Kari atkinson says
Thinking and praying for your sleep and hopeful healing of this relationship. My heart aches for you when I learned of this and aches more to read about it. I’m praying for you sweet girl! God has his plan, timing and reasoning. We may not underhand it, but continue to have faith. Love you sweet girl. Ginger friends for life!
thegingerlifeblog@gmail.com says
Thanks Girl. Appreciate your thoughts and prayers and miss you!!