cutie

Sharing a few of my latest posts from Instagram. 

I can't get enough of this lil man. 

never know

CloAnn.
You are my loyal friend. My confidant. The only person I have ever known who is truly non judgmental. I never, ever have felt anything but love and acceptance from you. For 13 years we have sat together consistently every 3 weeks, a few hours each visit, and although it's my work, it doesn't feel like work. We just share. We bond. We laugh and laugh. We talk. Any topic, any discussion...it's all fair game. I don't know my place, my job, my livelihood, and my circle of dearest clients and friends without you. You have always been there. So consistently. .....it doesn't seem possible that this is all now "what was". I'm so sad. Sad to lose someone so unique in so many ways. My life will be touched forever because of your imprint, which will remain a place in me where only you could ever touch.

They say in your faith that angels don't have wings....but in a sense I think they do, because they have ability to move and roam and exist with a freedom that you longed for so badly, but couldn't attain.

So, my dear friend CloAnn, you are an angel now. Free. You are better off with wings. Just promise you won't forget me, and that every once in awhile you'll let me know you're near. It seems so final to say goodbye, so I will just say "until our next visit". I love you.
-Hannie 

anew

I was reading a post on a random website this morning, and what she said rang so true to ME that I felt as if she had written this for me.  I hope she does not mind that I use her words.  I will give her credit... HERE...

 

"I will say that 2013 was a great year for recognizing more that weaknesses are really secret strengths. When I am aware of my weaknesses--the things I've spent years wishing I could change about myself--and embrace them without being defensive, I can find ways to use them for good.

Growing older is always a journey of becoming a better version of yourself--a journey that will and must include both happy moments and hard moments.  It's how you weave them together, drawing lessons from both, that gives you the power of creating a beautiful life."

 

After I read that, it caused me to pause and really think about how much better off I am right now, than I was a year ago.  And, outside of the arrival of baby Dare, none of that has anything to do with a tangible object, a person, or an event.  It is all about personal growth and learning. That is where I find most satisfaction and joy.  Knowing that I have better understood something about myself, on a deeper level, and gotten out of my own way so that I can see me for me, and others for who they really are...  this equates to more personal happiness.  I see it as a stepping stone to deeper inner strength.  To more outward compassion and love.  To more time spent on "pause", then "move forward".  To a stronger desire to really know and understand others.  To the knowledge that EVERY encounter matters, as it may be the last.  To a huge appreciation for wisdom in so many around me, and a desire to know it.  To humility.

 

The water calls for my husband.  It is his solace.  It is what he is drawn to, and what calls peace inside of him. It is where he feels most whole.  It is in the moments that I spend with him right on the water, that I see him most rested and calm.  Physically, mentally, spiritually. 

 

Although the water does not call for me like it does for him, the sunshine that is usually there with it does.  And, once the sun, the fresh sea air, and the wind are on my face, I look toward the ocean and I am sucked in. I love that it never ends.  I love the energy of it, the strength of it, and the feeling of cleansing that it provides.  I love that for me, the ocean represents forgiveness.  Each mark in the sand, each blemish made, is soon washed away, and with no judgement, as if it were never there. It represents consistency. Always there. Always.  That is what the water is to me.  A cleanser, a purifier, a teacher. 

 

But, for both of us, it heals our souls.  And for that, I long for, and I love the moments when we can be at the ocean together. 

 

So, in this new year, I approach with more humility for what really IS, a desire for continual growth and learning, and a stronger propensity to see and feel outside of self.

 

 

 

Our friend Andra took the above photo in Hawaii this new year.  In it I see cleansing, renewal, hope for more,  bright possibilities ahead, and forgiveness. 

first christmas

Christmas was so great for us this year.  All because of our newest member of the family.  Children are what give such purpose to holidays, and Dare has for sure done that for us.   He never quite figured out the whole gift opening part.  He just liked the paper, bows, and the item once it was unwrapped.  We had fun helping him figure it all out.

A tradition growing up in my family was to dress up as the different characters in the nativity story.  So, this year at our family party, the Bailey clan got roped in to dressing the parts of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus.  We were ever so thrilled to be robed and swaddled ;)  haha

Auntie Shalise is so creative and artistic.  She did this letter for Dare, and said that each year to come she will do one for him.  He will have quite the collection someday!  It is such a cool thing, and I am so grateful that she shares her talent with us!

 

He LOVES the drum from granny and papa!!

 

The 3 (out of 4) of us, we were missing our lil sis Raenie today! 

 

 (But, it sounds like her clan in Colorado had quite a fun Christmas with a new Karaoke set!)

He got spoiled with lots and lots of things that he SO does NOT need!  But, he'll have loads of fun creating messes with it all... just for mom to chase around and clean up! 

 

(mom may have to hide some of his new things, wrap them up, and re-gift them on his birthday!)

the paper is so fun!

 

Merry Merry Christmas! 

Love, Dare.

 

 

charlie b

My good friend Char gave Dare a Charlie Brown stuffed toy for an early Christmas present.  He instantly loved it!  It is so funny because they kind of look alike!  We decided he would make for a good Charlie next Halloween!

santa

Dare was so excited to put on his winter coat and hat so that we could all get in the truck and go visit our favorite Santa on 90th! 

He and Titan were so brave.  They decided that they would experience their first visit with Santa together...  something about safety in numbers!!  Taylor and I were just so happy that they didn't cry!

 

Hanging out like Besties do!

The whole clan!  It is always nice when the kids come to visit!  They sure love their dad and their new baby brother!

ipad

Quality time with the Ipad

snow

Dare's first time touching snow.  He wasn't so sure about that cold white stuff!

First, my Daddy had to clear our driveway, and 2 of our neighbors, then we got in his truck and headed to grandma and granD's.  They need help too.  It was so fun watching my dad out the window while he sprayed the snow with the snow blower!

up

It seems like this year although it is up, it is almost time to take it down!  We love the holiday time, we just need to remember to ENJOY it, instead of just hustling and bustling right on through it!

 

pucker

Out to lunch with mom and dad....I think I'll have myself some sour.

Limes are delish!