Waving Goodbye to 2023, Welcoming 2024

At the start of every year, I hold my breath a little. What crazy shit is 2024 going to throw at us!? Like most, I want the new year to be better than the last, even just a little. We ended our 2022 rough, so it could only go up from such a point so low.

As I looked back on this year, I see growth, love, closeness, healing, commitment, communication, and accomplishments. 

I asked everyone to give me their most memorable moments this year, to switch things up a bit. 2 events ended up on most of our lists, so I will highlight those separately! 

Rusty Bodagit Sell was the biggest family highlight of 2023. Paul's therapist had suggested a therapy animal for quite some time. As soon as I caught wind of it, I wouldn't stop begging! I don't ever think Paul fully approved until it was too late. I took one look at that shy, tiny orange kitty, and he was ours. Rusty puts up with a lot from all of us, and he doesn't mind one bit. He is the best pet we have ever had! We have become those people who take their pet in the car, dress him up for holidays, and make sure he has gifts. We have already started planning a 1st birthday party, because that damn cat is just like one of my kids. 

The other thing that ended up on everyone's top most memorable was our Little America Christmas trip. I couldn't tell if it was because it just happened, or if it really was that good. It felt really special for me this go around, I wish I could have bottled up those emotions to save for a sad day. My parents started this tradition when they were married, 30+ years later, I get to carry this on with my kids. It makes me smile to think of my siblings and I playing the candy bar game on a hotel room floor, I hope it will do the same for my kids. I randomly decided to include Savannah in the planning, and I loved that I did. It was such a heartwarming thing to watch, and made me realize (AGAIN!) she is a full grown adult. She planned and executed a new fun game, and now she will forever be in charge of it! We played, we laughed until tears, we went swimming, we won money, we really enjoyed being a family of 6.

Drake age 8 -

Drake is fresh off his 8th birthday high. He had his first friend birthday party! He invited mostly girls and a group of 6th graders, and they came (sweetest thing ever)! I was thankful for everyone that showed up days before Christmas to celebrate our baby.

Drake made it 3 whole days into Summer before breaking his growth plate in his ankle. It was rough, and memorable. hahaha. Our Summer activities looked a little different for 6+ weeks, those crutches were a bugger. He did say he loved going swimming, which was one of the approved activities if I carried him.

Drake's personality has definitely developed in 2023. He is opinionated, has a question for every situation, smart, and sensitive. He loves to plan parties, play games, pj's, his scooter, and has started training with Devin. Drake hates haircuts, going to the car wash, and is still a picky eater. He can be found sipping a beverage from the Keurig in the wee hours of the morning by himself.

Bina age 11 -

Our vacation to Palm Springs was her most memorable experience! I asked her what her favorite part was, and she said all of it! She absolutely adores her Grandpa Frog, so a week with him was like heaven to her. 

Mathnasium! Bina has built a community of people that she loves and they love her! She goes 5 days a week, and has learned so much! She has gone up 4 grade levels, and a subject that used to bring her to tears...she loves now.

Bina has had a really hard year emotionally and physically. We have done lots of blood work, medicine, and therapy...and 2024 will be a lot of the same. We are hopeful to be able to narrow down what autoimmune disorder she has, so that we can help her feel her best. She has made lots of new friends, and absolutely loves being the big dog on campus! She loves make up, her iPad, swimming, manicures with Savannah, and relaxing! She hates keeping her room clean, hates drama, and has a phobia of sickness.

Devin age 13 -

All of Devin's most memorable moments are basketball! He said his trip to Vegas to play in a tournament and win the championship with his Hustle team was top tier! He had never been to Vegas, so his Dad (and I tagged along) gave him the full experience. Devin was able to attend the Wasatch Academy Basketball Camp during the Summer with his friends. It was the first time he was away from all of us for so long, and I don't think he missed us at all. He finished up the year playing in a tournament with his CU team and they won the championship in that as well. 

Since this is about memorable moments, not highlights, he did say he will remember this year for how often and long he has been sick for. He got pneumonia, strep in his stomach, COVID, followed up by the flu. He has struggled to keep weight on, is always in a bulking season, and never quits moving.

Devin's schedule is intense. He works out and plays basketball 7 days a week with multiple teams and people, including his manager (his Dad!). If he isn't in the gym, he is playing on his phone or bouncing a basketball! He hates when people tease, thinks school is waste of time (smart kid problems!), and absolutely hates losing.

Savannah adulting -

Graduating Highschool. I think I cried the entire month prior to her graduation, it was such a big step in parenting for me. As for Savannah, she was thrilled to be done! I don't think she misses it. I love watching Savannah do things I didn't, it makes me so proud that she is leveling up the next generation. 

After graduation, she quit her little part time car hop job, and got herself a big girl job working 40 hours. She loves it for the most part, but I think it might be because she works with her boyfriend too! She attends Weber State University full time, and is going into social work! We feel like we never see her, but love that she is living her best life.

2023 was definitely such a big year for Savannah. Getting her own credit card, saving for a brand new car, car shopping, buying herself a new phone, so many tattoos, and paying rent...just to name some! Definitely a year for the books! She is the queen of door dash, being a passenger princess, and somehow manages to run on very little sleep.

Evonne age 42 - 

I lost a lot in 2023, but thankfully I found a lot too! I took my whole family (including my Dad) whale watching on a tiny boat. I was giddy to share with them something I love so much. I got another tattoo, I learned how to cut and color hair, I quit my job at Target, and started my own business The House Nanny. My childhood friend, Kim, asked me to start a podcast/YouTube channel with her, and it has been so healing to work on this huge project together. 

I spent most of my days in the car taking kids to their events, or watching events...and I wouldn't have it any other way. I celebrated big milestones with my family, I supported my kids through loss, break ups, hurt feelings, and disappointment. I tried new things, and I would do all of those again! 

Paul forever 32 - 

Paul's most memorable moments were taking the trips! The Vegas trip to watch Devin win a championship, the birthday trip to Vegas with Vannah, the countless couples trips to Wendover, taking the kids to Six Flags and watching Drake "fly" around the park with his cape. 

His 2023 will be remembered for his new found love of Total Battle. We all sit around talking about the kingdom, clan, and who has gotten attacked. I laughed as we were at dinner last night talking strength of armies, who we are going to recruit, and how weak my city is! 

Paul has changed so significantly, sometimes I am blown away. He is constantly working on becoming a better person, and I have learned so much from his example of determination!

We have made our 2024 vision boards, and are ready to manifest some big dreams and goals! I have a feeling this is going to be a year to remember! 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

 

Here is the link to the complete gift guide, I couldn't fit everything in one picture. Momma's deserve to be spoiled, am I right?!

Read on for the breakdown.

Maybeline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick is my absolute favorite lipstick. It lasts all day, and if I don't remove it at night...it will still be there in the morning. I love the shade variety, and lipstick makes me feel a little more put together! 

If lipsticks aren't your thing, who doesn't love a lip sleeping mask.

The Reverse Coloring Book or a funny journal (I have bought this one multiple times!) are always perfect gifts, but aren't complete without a good set of colored pencils or pens. If you want to buy something to do with a child, I think a Draw With Mom book would be fun!

I use this JBL speaker every day! It has been durable, the battery lasts a long time, and we use it outdoors too!

The flowers that never die...Legos!

Crossbody bags are all the rage, I love that they keep your hands free! I used this for my cruise, and it had just enough room to take the essentials without being too much.

The 2 things that are on my wishlist still, a Fujifilm Instax camera or a photo printer! I have started scrapbooking again, and I still love to print pictures to display. These will be coming home to Momma soon. 

A hammock is a must for relaxation! Enjoy the sunshine, or a cool summer night! 

I have seen these necklaces all over, and I just love it!

Tell me what is on your wish list?

24 years.

 

We were just babies back in 1999 when we decided to get married, I was still in high school for hell's sake! I don't think either of us knew what we were getting ourselves into, but we did know what we were getting ourselves out of. Paul and I have both gone through moments of not knowing if we really made the right decision to get married. It sounds scary to some to say that out loud, like if you just think it somehow that doesn't make those feelings real.

At 18 I had an unrealistic expectation of what marriage would look like, and what real relationships look like. I didn't know how to communicate my feelings properly to anyone, let alone my new husband. It made for a lot of hard feelings and hurtful years. I was so unsure of myself, and definitely not ready to be in a long-term relationship. It is still wild to me that at 18 I thought, yup, this guy is gonna be the one for eternity. 

We no longer sweep feelings under the rug, we say those feelings out into the universe and to each other, no matter how hard they are to sometimes admit. We are honest about where we stand in our relationship with ourselves and others. We are best friends who still have disagreements and don't always see eye to eye. We no longer sugar coat things to make others feel a certain way. 

Paul and I have spent more than half of our lives together. We have navigated having 4 children, a small business, multiple house and car purchases, mental health, drama, jobs, COVID, a faith transition...and we have done it all together. Who knows what the future holds, no one does, but we are still here making it work! 

When I asked Paul if we should renew our vows on a beach somewhere for our 25th, he said this "Every day we are married we are renewing our vows, in my opinion." It struck me hard, and felt so true! Every day we are waking up and commiting to one more day, trying a little harder than the day before, and showing up for each other in different ways.

Happy Anniversary Paul! Thanks for the roller coaster that is our life. I never have liked anything boring, so this life we have created makes sense. 

Gorgeous photos by our talented photographer and friend Kim Orlandini.

life in your 40's...

I turned 40, and was not prepared for what happens after. 

{cute friend on Instagram {@balloonbabesofslc} made this balloon art}

It is mostly good, but man is it a mind f***. You are sorta-kinda at the half way point of life, and you think you have it mostly figured out. Everything feels pretty good. You look around and can appreciate your 4 beautiful kids, a stay at home gig, a supportive husband, the big house, the nice car, you get it. BUT what if? Is this as good as it gets?

You decide to leave that church that never felt right. You reconnect with your Dad you haven't spoke to in 15 years. You start working. You get tattoos. Solo trips to places you have never been. You stop sharing a bedroom with your husband. It all feels good and right, but what if? Is this as good as it gets? 

You start making choices that you know are right for you, even at a risk of losing people. You start loving yourself a little more than you did before, because you are living more authentic. You start celebrating more, and maybe go a little overboard. You start wearing those obnoxiously big earrings and crazy colored clothes,  because it makes you happy. You deep dive emotionally in to every decision you ever made, and wonder if it was the right one. You set boundaries, and people get uncomfortable.

***

I think the biggest things I have learned so far in my 40's are...

It is okay to change your mind!

It is okay to not fit in.

People can change, if they want to...but it is hard! People can also not want to change, and that is also hard.

Relationships are a 2 way street, you can't will a relationship the other person doesn't want to contribute to.

An apology is never wasted.

It always feels good to hear that your parents are proud of you, and love you.

You realize your life can look like whatever you want it to, and you definitely don't need the same thing as your neighbor, friend, sister, cousin!

Just because my choices look different from yours, we can still be wildly supportive of one another.

***

I don't know what the rest of my 40's will look like, I am still optimistic it will be the best decade of my life. I have never felt more alive, and yet so scared. I have never felt so sure of the path I am on, and yet so nervous. Is this as good as it gets? I guess I am about the find out.

2022 is coming to an end.

How did 2022 go by so fast!? It was full of change, disappointment, growth, travel, therapy, basketball, and the happy outweighed the sad...I think. 

Drake {age 7} - Drake finally came out of the electronic addiction fog, and his imagination blossomed. He doesn't play on the Switch anymore, and rarely plays on his phone. His favorite things are art projects of any kind, sleepover's in Mom's bed, and playing outside. Drake is the first to want to play in the snow, the first to wake up every morning, and the first to complain when he doesn't get his way. He loves "making plays" with Devin in the basement on the basketball hoop.

Bina {age 10} - Bina started playing the Viola this year, and has become quite good. She has become addicted to her iPad, Stranger Things, and her heating pad (don't ask!). She prefers her pj's over her school clothes, and likes to see how many days it will be until I ask her to wash her hair. Bina had her heart set on being the CEO of Chick Fil A at Biztown, and was so ecstatic to fulfill her dreams. Bina loves playing Roblox with her friends and cousins, she has become my best babysitter, and is saving $2 bills {and almost has 50 of them!}.

Devin {age 12} - Still playing on multiple AAU basketball teams, and always has the energy for more. He is loving Junior High, and always has drama filled stories about his day when he gets in the car (it would be nice if I went the rest of the school year without a call from the VP). Devin started playing the trombone, and we always have a good laugh when he practices. He also got his first set of stitches from colliding in the paint during a basketball game (no surprises there!). Devin is sweet, sensitive, and wants to make friends with everyone.

Savannah {age 18 - adult!!} - Savannah started a real job at Sonic, still manages the girls basketball team, and has found love in a new boy. She got in to every college she had her heart set on, and we are excited for what after high school has instore for her. She went on a trip to Vegas for her 18th birthday, and had the time of her life with her Dad. She got in her first "real" car accident, got her first bank account with direct deposit, and travels the freeways like a pro...but driving in the snow is still a no-go. We don't see her as much as we would like, but I guess she is just preparing us for when she moves out.

Paul {forever 32 baby!} - We lost track of how many times Paul went to Vegas to recharge, it is most definitely his happy place. He traveled to Oregon for a convention, and opted for Uber instead of a rental car...which was a big deal for Paul who doesn't like "new experiences". He started a little side hustle of selling sports cards, and didn't always enjoy the highs and lows of the business. He broke my heart by telling me he wanted sleep in separate rooms, but it turns out it might be one my favorite things we did for our marriage in 2022. 

Evonne {40-something} - This was my biggest year that I can remember. I started a new job at the first of the year, quit that job, and started another new job. Who am I starting 2 new jobs in one year!? I got my first tattoo {+9}, and they make me soooo happy. I went on 2 solo trips, and one of them I got to use my passport for the first time in my life. I went to Palm Springs for a visit with my Dad and his partner. I also got to enjoy a Mexican cruise with my SIL being her +1. My year wouldn't be complete without a random dental issue mixed in, and I am going into 2023 with one less tooth! I also pulled up my big girl panties and got myself my own bank account. My van blew up, and I ended 2022 with a new van...but I am still so sad and miss my old one.

In the Spring we experienced the loss of Coach Z unexpectedly, and we closed out 2022 with the death of my Mom. Navigating death with my children was hard, and not something I was ready for. I was also not expecting the feelings that were brought up with my Mom's passing. Hard times always show you who shows up for you when you are at your worst. I am thankful for the kind gestures small and big that have carried me through the past couple of weeks. 

We did our usual travels to Idaho, St George, and Wyoming, but didn't quite make it on a big family vacation in 2022. Eh, maybe next year. I struggled through Summer realizing that the life of having our 4 kids around to play with is long gone. The littles and I spent endless hours by the pool, while Devin was off playing basketball with friends. Savannah worked, but we occasionally snuck in adventures with 3 of the 4 kids (Devin or Savannah was always missing). I definitely relish in the moments that we are all together as a family of 6. 

I think I am ready to see what 2023 has for us, but if I am being honest...I am slightly terrified. I am tired, and I am needing some "normal" months, if not years, to recover. Our family has done a lot of growing, changing, and healing this year. Even though those are all good things, they can exhausting. Paul and I are really proud of the family we have built, we are raising some pretty incredible kids. 

2023. It felt so far away to say Savannah would graduate in 2023, and here we are watching our oldest get it done! Man, this growing old stuff is wild. 

2021 - the rollercoaster that we lived.

I started to write a recap for 2020, and it never got published. It still makes me sad, but after that shit show...do we really want to remember much of it!? The answer is no, no we do not. 

Soooo, to 2021 we go, even though some parts weren't much better than 2020. I will try to only highlight the good parts, because isn't that what we do in social media...highlight reel baaaby!

Drakey boy {age 6} - Drake kept us on our toes like he has since the day he was born. We kicked off the year with our first set of stitches and ended it with another broken arm. He started Kindergarten and cries on the weekend when he doesn't get to go. He took the reigns of being obsessed with the Switch, his favorite games are Fortnite, Minecraft, and occasionally he will mix it up with Mario. He made new best friends in Christine and Caleb, but his family still ranks up there as favorites.  He likes anything his Momma likes...Mini Brands, Target runs, Coke, treats, and snuggles.

Bina  {age 9} - Sabrina left her school and friends behind to start a new school. She has made new friends, but she has struggled with the change. She loves doing her make-up, and all things extra girly...and can't wait until her Dad approves a second piercing in her ears. She still spends most of her time on YouTube watching tutorials, she loves to create all things. She added baking to her hobbies but are we surprised, she loves making messes. She bribes Drake to sleep with her every night with candy, she doesn't like to be by herself. Sabrina thrives on one on one time, and always picks margaritas for her parent date. Gosh, she is a special one, I can't wait for the day she sees herself how I see her.

Devin {age 11} - If you could sum up his year it would be BASKETBALL! He plays whenever he gets a chance, and plays for multiple AAU teams. He finally stopped obsessing over Fortnite, and moved on to obsessing over trading cards with his Dad. We finally convinced him he should start wearing his glasses, now we just have to convince him jackets are okay too. He started collecting matchbox cars, and already has an entire wall display of them. Devin started a new school, and has been a little bored because he has already learned everything they have worked on this year (he does love his teacher though). He is our official garbage man, and is so helpful and kind. 12 and Junior High is right around the corner, and he is excited.

Savannah {age 17} - It has been quite the year for our girl. One car accident, one broken heart, 3 school dances, countless trips to Jordan Landing, working, made some new friends, and her basketball career ending. She took an art class, continues to spend her time in the gym being the basketball manager, and I have loved watching her confidence blossom. I am always in awe of Savannah, and how well she can communicate her feelings. She is the queen of selfies, responsible, and even though she is terrified to be an adult...she is gonna rock it. If you want to know anything about music, she is your girl...best keeper of the aux ever.

Paul {forever 32!} - Paul had a year of travel, success, and soul searching. He started a new hobby of collecting trading cards, and gained a new little buddy in Devin by doing so. He went to Vegas, Southern California, back to his old stompin' grounds, and made quite few trips to Wyoming, Idaho, and St. George. He is still a master at Farm Saga Heroes, has a deep love of baked goods, but hasn't gone to as many movies as he would have liked. He found a therapist he likes, goes shopping for himself again, and is sad that the pandemic led to a shortage of size 13 shoes. Tiktok is still our favorite way to communicate during the day, by sending all the funnies back and forth.

Evonne { FORTY!! 40!! The big 4-0} - I always have the hardest time talking about myself, so let me see if I can come up with stuff. I worked on myself for most of the year, and even though my weight doesn't show it...my mental stability is much better. I started a little side hustle working beer stands, serving food, and lots of manual labor at the Jazz, Bees, and Real games, and concerts. It has given me all that extra money to buy Mini Brands (thank you Christine for being my collector buddy), lunch dates (mostly by myself), and Target runs for the dollar spot to decorate my mantel. I was diagnosed with ADHD (which explains a lot), got a lot of bad news (which made me take different paths), and started talking to my Dad again after 15 years. I started studying crystals, and Savannah humors me with her Tarot cards. Phew, 2021 was a weird one, especially when you put it into a paragraph.

Our family experienced lots of "firsts". We flew to Florida and experienced Disney World and Universal Studios. This is the first year in almost a decade I didn't do "Adventure a Day", and I still have loads of regret about it. We had lots of kidless weekends, and found new favorite hotels in the process. We started doing puzzles, and man is it nice to sit and bond over a good 2,000 piece puzzle. We sat through more basketball games than I could even count, but then we spent a lot of time just hanging out at home with each other.

Our goals for the new year consist of traveling to a new place, saving money, throwing more parties, start checking off that list of medical stuff the Dr gave me, and learning to be more present. 2022, you aren't ready for us. 

Day 6 Covid 19 + Devin's 10th Birthday

Today has been much less eventful than yesterday, but for all the right reasons. Today is our Devin's 10th birthday, and we are lucky to be able to celebrate him. We had a big party planned at the arcade, but that was obviously canceled last week, long before this escalated to even the point we are at now. He cried. He was disappointed, but we have made the most of it. 

Ice cream, cake, presents, funny balloon games, and "What is in your mouth?" challenge. We have laughed more today than all the other days combined. It is gloomy and rainy today, and the kids have only ventured out to get mail and take the trash out. It is always hard when you don't get to be in the fresh air to reboot yourself.

I was able to venture out once today, I donated plasma this morning. It felt weird to have minimal interactions in a place that is normally bustling. They have cut down on the beds that are available to ensure that everyone is staying a distance while laying donating. In a few days this could be our only source of income, unless they follow suit and close with the rest of them.

Paul is still trying to find locations that haven't closed yet, pulling all the money out to live in on the meantime.  He comes home exhausted, mentally and physically. It is weird not having contact with the outside world, living in a bubble you almost forget why we are doing this. The reality is harsh when you come face to face with it when you work. 

I was thankful for Savannah's therapist who is doing phone appointments. She had hers today, and I was glad that option was available. He will be calling weekly until we have a change in situations. That is what scares me the most in all of this, our mental health will suffer. We have all been working so hard for the past 4+ months with our therapists, Doctors, etc.