365/365 - Firework Finale

365 days ago I began a journey. I had no idea where it would take me; I only knew it was something I felt compelled to do. There were many days when photos and words came easy....but there were other days when they did not...there were often days I cried as I posted my photo and wrote from my heart. Those days were difficult and challenging, but now that it's done I'm thankful I was able to record things I wanted to share with my children. I'm also thankful the project gave me something to focus on, something to occupy my time and thoughts and to channel them in a somewhat positive way. In some strange way, it helped me begin to heal. It also made me realize I'll never get over what happened, I can only get used to it. Everything has changed. What once was will never be again, and all I can do is continue to search for and accept my new reality...however hard it may be.

I've thought long and hard about doing this project again. I love looking back at the year and seeing all that I've recorded, but I also know how much time it took away from other things that are important to me.....so I've decided I'll continue to blog, but on my terms, when I want to and when time allows. I've got a lot of things on my "to do" list and am looking forward to starting some new projects, but mostly I'm looking forward to playing with Lego's and Barbies and riding bikes and throwing rocks and splashing in puddles and reading fairy tales and doing puzzles and launching rockets and blowing up volcano's and watching movies and having candlelight dinners and rediscovering the simple joys of life with my wonderful children and amazing husband. I want to cherish each and every day. Tomorrow isn’t promised, next week isn’t promised, but I have this very moment. This minute. This hour. Life is fleeting. It is precious. It is sacred. I am going to embrace it. I am going to love myself and my family with every bit of my being. I am going to go forward with no regrets, no reservations. I am going to pursue what I love. I am going to strive to be better with every breath and every blink. I am going to cry hard and laugh harder. I am going to submit to humanity and God and try not to dwell on what I've lost but rather appreciate all the blessings that have been bestowed on me.

So as one journey ends, another begins...where it will lead, no one knows, but wherever you go and whatever the future holds for you, may you find happiness in all you do.

364/365 - A girl and her horse

I had to let her stirrups out today and then she rode all by herself for about 20 minutes. Today she sat in the saddle a little taller and a little more confident. She made Annie go forward, stop, back up, and turn all by herself. After she was done riding she walked Annie back to the barn without any help. Today I saw visions of myself in her.

363/365 - Ice Cream

I've eaten so much the last couple of weeks that I don't think I'll be visiting this place for a while!

362/365 - Cousins

We spent the day in San Antonio with Hunter, Kylie, Jeni & Rusty. While the boys played with rocks and trucks, the girls played dress up. Randi's makeup is courtesy of Kylie (who told us she learned how to put on eye shadow by watching a video on You Tube), and Randi's hair and nails are courtesy of awesome Aunt Jeni. I just wish I could figure out how she does it!



I love when Randi gets her hair curled because she always says "now I look like you Mama!"

361/365 - Happy Birthday Teva & Piper

Happy 13th Birthday Teva & Piper



Obviously I didn't take this picture today; it was taken 8 years ago at our cabin in Payson, Arizona but it's my favorite photo of the girls...and how I'll always remember them! Actually they still look amazing and are doing very well. Both just had check up's and dental cleanings and the vet commented on what good shape they're in. They can't hear very well any more and sleep quite a bit, but they're always game for a walk or a good game of fetch. I dread the day one of them goes because I don't know what one will do without the other, so for now I just treasure each day we have with them. Happy Birthday girls; we love you very much!

360/365 - Crazy Cat

Teddy had a lot of fun this Christmas, pulling ornaments off the tree, helping me wrap, playing with ribbon, and hiding in boxes. He thought Christmas was all about him!

359/365 - Merry Christmas

Ryan asked Santa to bring him a construction set




and a "Race to Witch Mountain" DVD (he watched it in Breckenridge and LOVED it)


Randi asked for a Nutcracker DVD


and a bike
Santa couldn't fit the bike down the chimney so he left a note hidden in the Christmas tree that there was a surprise for her hiding in the garage




Santa did good this year!

358/365 - The Night Before Christmas...

357/365 - Gee's Christmas

Today Gee and family gathered at our house to celebrate Christmas. It's so nice to finally have a place that's big enough to accommodate all our family comfortably. We had a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings, spent time visiting, then did our talent show. It's a Kirk family tradition and everyone has to do a performance of some type before they can open your gifts, and if you don't participate, you don't get any presents!!! Ryan danced to the "I'm a Gummy Bear" song and Randi played a few songs on the guitar for us...and even sang loud enough for us to hear her. She continues to amaze me with her budding confidence! After everyone was done, it was time for gift opening. There was paper flying everywhere and lots of squeals of delight from the little ones. Ryan's favorite gift was an awesome telescope that used to belong to Bob, Gee's partner who passed several years ago. I felt Bob's presence in the room when Ryan unwrapped his treasure...as well as the presence of my parents, who I know where watching down on all of us in their own special way.

Gee with all her Grandkids


Me and my love bugs


We finally got Michael out of the kitchen for a family shot


Gee held Randi's music and helped her with vocals during her performance


Ryan's new toy


Ryan loves his "College Girl", aka Cousin Courtney

356/365 - Papa & Mimi's Christmas

Papa & Mimi had their Christmas party today and we were all required to come in Jingle Jammies. I must admit, it was the most comfortable I've been at a holiday party in a long time. The food was great and the company was even better and we all had a fabulous time.







I realized I didn't have a current picture of Michael and his Dad so even though I know it drives them nuts that I take so many pictures, I went ahead and asked them to smile together and I'm SO glad I did! I love this picture of the two of them! We love you PaPa!

355/365 - Nutcrackers

We took the kids to the Magic Theater to see The Nutcrackers, a comedy spoof on The Nutcracker. Ryan loved it, but Randi was NOT impressed and a bit upset when she realized we weren't seeing the real Nutcracker once again. Poor thing, I think we burst her bubble!

354/365 - Girl Scout Christmas Party

We hosted the Girl Scouts Christmas party here at the house tonight. There was lots of yummy food, we did a couple of crafts and then the girls had an ornament exchange. It was fun to watch their expressions as they all opened their treasures. I feel so fortunate to be involved with such a great troop. The girls are all wonderful, I love all the Moms, and we all have the best time together. It's been another great year of fun and friendship and I'm looking forward to many, many more. Merry Christmas Troop #330!

353/365 - Elfie

We've sure had a lot of fun with Elfie this year, and I don't know who's going to be sadder to see him go, the kids or Michael and I.. because we've sure gotten a lot of mileage out of him this year!

352/365 - Guitar Party

We all went to Randi's music studio's Christmas party today. It was held at a local coffee shop, and anyone who wanted to play with the group was asked to bring their guitar. Randi must have reminded me 100 times not to forget to bring her guitar and then she was actually the one who carried it out to the car. I think the girl has finally overcome her fear of playing in front of people! We all had a good time...even Ryan who had a cyber date with his girlfriend, Sydney!

351/365 - 140 Years

140 years ago, the Sisters of Divine Providence came to SPP and established a permanent school. They started with 17 students and there are now just over 300 students enrolled at the school. To recognize the Sisters contribution to the school, a special mass was held today in their honor. I was asked to document the event and these are a couple of my favorite photos from the day. In these pictures the Sisters are approaching the alter bearing gifts of books for the school library.





And I don't think I've ever been more nervous taking a picture than I was taking this one. There is just something about taking a picture of a Priest, a bunch of Sisters, the school Librarian and the Principal of the school that is very intimidating, but at least it came out pretty good.

350/365 - 1st Place Reader....again!

Randi's class had their Christmas party today and at the end of the party her teacher tabulated and announced the reading placements for the week. Randi was so nervous and excited while she was waiting for the results. Later she told me it was because she knew she'd read a lot of books that week, even filling up two sheets of paper with all the titles, so she was really hoping she'd won. There are a couple of other girls in the class that are also very driven and good readers, so she had her work cut out for her, but in the long run, she read a total of 44 books and won 1st place and an adorable teddy bear. And not only did she read 44 books, but she scored 100% on almost all the tests on them! I'm so proud of my girl.



Caroline, on the right, won 2nd place and Madison, in the middle, won 3rd place. I think its so cute how all three of the girls are wearing their red shirts and the same skirt...they are like little peas in a pod...all except for their height!!!

348/365 - Love in the tub

The kids were playing with Teddy in the bathtub tonight and Ryan wanted me to get my camera to take their picture. Thank goodness because it was the only picture I took today!

349/365 - Gingerbread Houses

The kids made their gingerbread houses today and other than helping Randi frost some of the bigger areas on her house, they did all the decorating themselves. The only thing I did was take pictures, try to keep them from eating more candy than they put on the houses, and enjoy the moment. I have to say, decorating gingerbread houses is one of my favorite traditions we do each year.

347/365 - Polar Express Party & School Christmas Performance

Ryan's class had a Polar Express Pajama Party today at school. The teacher had them line their chairs up as if they were on a train and after they were seated they were told to look under their seat for a golden ticket to ride the train to the North Pole. After the movie they had hot chocolate and popcorn and then did several fun crafts. It was a really cute idea and Ryan really enjoyed it.



This evening the kids both performed in the school Christmas program. I love that I caught Ryan's little smirk again as he was walking up to the stage to sing Bells are Ringing and Jingle Bells.



Randi was so excited about singing tonight that she practically glowed all evening. Unfortunately being one of the tallest in her class, she usually has to stand in the back row so I wasn't able to get a good picture of her on stage, but I love this one of her with two of her favorite boy friends in her class, Sabastian and Seth.

346/365 - Gymnastics

Ryan had his last gymnastics class of the year today. He passed all his skills so when he starts up again next year, he'll be moving to the big boy "little rings" class. I'm excited for him but it's another reminder to me of how big he's getting!





Ryan sure loves his coach Karen!!!

345/365 - Elfie's adventures in Breckenridge

Elfie had a lot of fun with us in Breckenridge...even though he almost got eaten by a wolf. All the snow must have made him feel like he was back home in the North Pole, but I think he's ready to head back South to the warmer weather for a little while longer.

344/365 - Farewell Breckenridge

Alas, all good things must come to an end.
We had a wonderful week together, playing in the snow, trying to stay warm, doing puzzles and playing games, watching family movies, eating wonderful meals, drinking lots of hot chocolate, looking for Elfie, and just spending time together as a family. This has been one of the best family vacations ever so I'm sad to be leaving but will treasure all the wonderful memories we made this week.