hello 2014

Happy New Year everyone! I know I said 2012 was the best year of my life, but 2013 was full of even more amazing, wonderful moments. Each year seems to be better than the last, and for that, I am so grateful.

I watched my daughter grow from a tiny, squishy baby…

PHOTO_20130127_083229… into a smart and talented toddler!_MG_0729

I’m certain there wasn’t a day that went by this year that she didn’t make me smile.

I hope I’m a little better than I was a year ago. I found myself through motherhood, and I know that if I continue to try my best, I will only continue learning valuable lessons. In 2013, I tried harder to be the wife, mom, and friend I should be.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be where I am right now.

Happy 2014! 🙂

thursday thoughts

Just a few random thoughts for today 🙂

1. On Monday, I finally found my dress for Kevin and Tori’s wedding! It’s somewhat “vintage” so I am making a few modifications, like shortening the sleeves, and taking it in just ever so slightly. It also had shoulder pads… yep. I took those out like 0.002 seconds after I bought it and washed it.

2. I’m pretty excited because today something awesome is coming in the mail… a new computer! Michael’s been wanting to build a desktop machine for forever and he finally just went ahead and did it. I’ll probably be the one using it the most (editing photos in a flash with more RAM and a faster processor!), so I am pumped to get it set up tonight.

3. I have been doing so great with my goals this month so far! Salads are now my go-to lunch (well, maybe not on Saturdays, but for the most part). Arm and ab workouts are finally starting to feel a little easier and less like I’m about to die. I can see just a slight difference in my muscle definition, and I’m extra excited about the area right around my belly button feeling more “pulled in” and toned. I think you mamas out there probably know what I’m talking about!

4. I found this cake recipe this morning (doesn’t everyone look at cake recipes as soon as they wake up?) and I need to find an excuse to make it. Mmmmm.

5. I find it funny that earlier in the day, I think “I can’t wait for Kaya to take a nap because I’m sooo tired and need one too!”, but then as soon as she’s asleep… I’d rather blog or edit photos or deconstruct that dress. Yep. (Can I also mention how I can’t believe my baby turns 10 months old tomorrow?)IMG_20130717_195829