Enjoy Life Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

I had planned, in November (the 6 month anniversary of my son's birth), to write a little ditty about motherhood and the wonders of caring for a little one, but as usual time slipped away without it manifesting. I think that entire sentiment could sum up my 2016, just a giant blob of time, full of good intentions that were never realized.  I'd like to change that in 2017, but to be honest, I am still working on a plan.

Time management. Work. Marriage. Parenthood. Service. Trying to find a balance that works for me is very hard, I know someday I will figure it out. Might take me another 5 years, but I'll get there.

But for now...a picture for every month of 2016. Only good things.

J A N U A R Y

♥♥♥♥

F E B R U A R Y

A rare selfie with my mama. ;) 

M A R C H

A P R I L

M A Y

Best (and most exhausting) day of my life.

J U N E

J U L Y

A U G U S T

S E P T E M B E R

(I turned 24!)

O C T O B E R

The ever-fleeting baby snuggles...

N O V E M B E R

D E C E M B E R

2016 was good to me. Really, it was incredible. Regardless of my own shortcomings this year gave me so much. A new life, really. 

A new life in the form of my son.

A new life in the form of motherhood. 

A new life in perspective, that life is short and is what you make of it. Funny how it takes facing loss (time and time again) to realize that last one. I have not mentioned it anywhere else, but I lost my Papa Kamilos on Christmas day. It wasn't a surprise, as his health had been declining for the past couple of years, but it was and is still hard to lose a loved one regardless of the circumstances. Some may say losing a loved one on Christmas day would make it harder, but for me, and I can't speak for anyone but myself, it almost made it easier and more peaceful. My family and I learned of his passing just after our morning worship service. I had the opportunity to sing a trio version of the song Mary, Did You Know?, and while the days leading up to the performance were a rush, I am so grateful I was able to participate in singing it. For the past week these lyrics from the song have been running through my head...

"The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again..."

I am glad to have that knowledge, it is a comfort to me. I am grateful to have known my Papa, to look at his life and his legacy as an example of what makes a good one. He was an amazing, hard working, smart husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. If I can live half the life (and travel to half the places) he did, it will be a great one. I will always remember him and hold a special place in my heart for the things he taught me and my family. Rest in peace, Papa. ♥

My mantra for 2017...thank you for the reminder. 

Enjoy life don't sweat the small stuff...