2016 in review
As we come to another year end we often sit and reflect on where the last year has taken us. I think (from what I have seen) 2016 was one for the birds. As my facebook newsfeed comes with lots peoples trials and tribulations it also comes with lots of wonderful news. New births, engagements, gender reveals, weddings, jobs, houses, you get the drift.
My husband and I often reflect on where we started and where we stand now. So, I would like to share our 2016 in review.
2016…was yet another year of growth….as we chose to look at it that way. We moved THREE times, four if you include the last 18 months. We left our quiet, quaint, comfortable home to rent from friends. That only lasted us a year, when our friends decided to sell the house to better their lives. A week before we found out about the house, Joe lost his comfortable prevailing wage position with in his company. Although, not a full job loss it was a loss of 1,600 a month of income we truly depended on. Two weeks before that we had settled some debt from the extravagant birth of Grey, and we were now paying an extra 800$ a month for all the medical debt we accrued for having the cutest curly blonde haired little moose. After lots of tears, and sleepless nights from all of the stress we had on our shoulders a dear friend (seriously shes our angel) opened her home to us for 8 months. Although the 8 months were difficult for both of our familys, we made it work to the best of our abilities. In August, Joe accpeted a postition with NW Natural gas, and completly changed his career, as well as no longer working away from home for the railroad. One can never appreciate sleeping in their own bed everynight, and seeing your kids everyday until its not an option. In november I turned 32, and for the last decade or so I thought 32 would be the best year of my life. For many unknown reasons. Mid Novemeber came along and we moved into our own place in scappoose that has never felt more like home. We have never been more able to appreciate our own furniture, and family photos on the wall.
Carter is throughly enjoying his fourth grade year at Otto Petterson, and looks forward to the next baseball season. His favorite part of school is recess, and lunch. Other than that he somewhat enjoys math, and does not enjoy reading.
Grey, our sassy 2.5 year old is working on potty training solely for the candy treats, and enjoys getting his pictures taken.
Besides for the things that have unraveled in 2016 I would like to take a moment to talk about all the gifts 2016 has presented to us.

From losing our rental and living with a friend we have been able to pay off 20,000 worth of medical debt, and some extra debt.

Luckily we get to keep Grey, LOL – I feel like his medical bills took a whole new new meaning to kids are expensive.

Joe and I lost about 50+ pounds together, annnnnnnnnnd gained it all back. But thats just numbers, and no matter what we are in good health, and the happiest we’ve ever been in perfect timing to end 2016, and start 2017.
Speaking of Joe and I, we made it through probably the WORST year we have had together as a married couple. BUT, we can hold our heads high, and still snuggle up together in bed and reflect on the things we have overcome, and oddly enough we still like eachother
La Bella Vita (my photography company) TRIPPLED in business this year……Espcially from August-December. In fact BIG things are in the works for 2017.

You see a day is just a day, a year is just a year. What we choose to do with our time, and how we decide to look at all the things that god, the universe, mother nature, or whatever, or whomever throws at you. The way you react is a decision you make. YOU make YOUR day’s, night’s, month’s, and year’s great.

So, decide to rise for 2017 for anything can happen, but EVERYTHING is possible.