Reflections and Gratitude

It’s a new year! I love the reset, clean slate and new beginnings that come with January 1st. It’s so freeing.

In reflection, 2019 was an incredible year. I look forward to writing a few separate posts about the things that moved me the most. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a month by month snapshot of the moments that still make me smile. Some were experiences and other simple everyday moments and feelings that I hope to treasure always. I am still relishing in the gratitude of a year well spent. 

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January
The commitment to make self-care a priority in 2019 and the weekend trip with a dear friend who made the time.

February
This sweet moment and the love shared with our adopted puppy.

An unforgettable trip to Colombia to participate in trans:form:ed, an immersive, innovative educational program.

A sunny weekend in Cancun, Mexico to celebrate a dear friend’s wedding.

March
Finding this project my daughter’s backpack and the incredible words she used to describe herself.

April
Cousin Laurita, from Colombia, visiting Chicago for the first time.

This drawing and the love of her little details.

Spring break in Southern California, the connection to nature, friends, and the moments that matter most. 

May
A mother’s day concert and the cute dance moves and gestures of love.

June
Cubs VS Cardinals and one little friend’s very first baseball game.

Father’s Day weekend in Washington D.C. and the post that followed.

A special visit from Grandma Connie.

July
Granny Franny visits us in Chicago.

Our first Kitchen remodel project and the anxiety that comes with it.

A beautiful week with dear friends in Los Contamines Mont Joie, France exploring the Alps.

August
Travel to Switzerland and the Netherlands to celebrate summer. These are two of my favorite pics.

Our annual Labor Day weekend in Michigan with dear friends.

September
First day of 3rd grade.

This guy and his morning birthday smile.

October
Celebrated 14 years of marriage at the same place it began, Buona Terra.

This pumpkin crew.

This sweet Halloween witch and her first Bucktown music concert.

This sweet pup and some words on his one year adoption anniversary.

November
This amazing guy and the recognition he received for his service to others and his advocacy for global citizenship.

A visit from my Father-in-law and Mother-in-law for a long weekend.

This very happy 9-year-old.

December
A spontaneous weekend trip to St. Louis to visit friends and family.

Celebrated my 44th trip around the sun with a homemade cheesecake made by my two favorite humans.

A sweet moment shared by little cousins and the relationship that I hope continues to flourish in the future.

And with that…my heart is full.

What were your favorite moments of 2019? 

Wishing you many more special moments, adventures and reasons to pause in 2020.