Running from the Law: 2015 Year In Review - Part 1

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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

2015 Year In Review - Part 1

2015...where do I even begin? This has been a tough year for me. We ended 2014 on a high note and I was so excited for all that 2015 would bring. However, within just a few weeks, we received a huge shock when my father had a stroke, immediately followed by his diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer. When I heard the doctor say that he had "maybe a year" I was convinced my life was over as well. I've never been so scared in my entire life. That happened at the exact same time my dog Mally (14 years old) was diagnosed with a brain tumor and went from bad to worse. The day we put her down was one of the worst of my life, as it seemed like everything I knew and loved was falling apart. But my dad is one tough cookie - he rocked chemo and by the summer his tumors had shrunk significantly and he got a break from his treatment. However, only a month later, my mother lost everything she owned, including her pets, in a house fire that nearly took her life as well. She barely made it out and we all had a new found appreciation for life and smoke detectors. Except, exactly 4 months later, just before Thanksgiving, my grandmother's house caught fire and she wasn't as lucky. She didn't make it out and we not only lost her way too soon, but we lost her home and all the memories and mementos she was keeping for us all. 

It's been a hard year, marked by significant loss, sadness, defeat and trials. But it's also been amazing and a gift to have lived through it. The dirt under my fingernails proves that I survived this year...that I hung on...that I'm still here. My dad is still here - strong and courageous and determined to spend as much time as he can with us and his grandchildren. My mother's still here, despite having lost everything twice, more faithful and devoted as ever. My babies are still here, absolutely perfect in every way. And Ryan and I are stronger than ever in our marriage and our commitment to each other. I'm so proud of us all for getting here.

Don't get me wrong, 2015 wasn't all bad - there were so many many highlights. We had an incredible week long vacation in Florida (our most fun one yet). Ryan finished his first year as Partner in his law firm and is currently staffed on a major case set for trial next year, which is great for his career. I traveled to Baltimore to visit my bestie, to Las Vegas to meet up with my SSM family, to Phoenix with Ryan for our first adults-only getaway and to Kansas City to see my little brother get married. I went down to part-time at work, attended a Taylor Swift concert, got back into running and started chipping away at that baby weight. Mac learned to fly fish and ride a bike and tell a joke.  Mim went from a little chubby baby to a walking, talking, eating machine that loves to dance, snuggle and read books. Despite the setbacks, it's been a really great year too. 

So, without further ado, here's Part 1 (January through June) of our 2015 Year in Review in photos...

January

February

March

April

May

June

Tune in for Part 2 tomorrow! 

17 comments:

  1. My heart aches for you and all you've been through this past year, I got tears in my eyes reading that first paragraph. I love that you were able to see the good though all of it though, that's what I admire out you, Sara! Cheers to 2016! XO

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  2. What a tough year! Here's hoping 2016 treats you and your family better!

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  3. You have had a hell of a year my friend! Here is to 2016 and it's going to be significantly better than 2015.

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  4. You, my friend are such an amazing and strong woman! Lots of hope and prayers for a less eventful 2016, filled with all the best.

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  5. Such great pics/memories. The Easter picture of Mim smiling behind her Nuk & Mac crying is a personal favorite. Ha! :)

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  6. I am so sorry for all you heartbreak and trials this year, you are courageous and your spirit is admirable. Wow how much the babes have grown! Always a shock to go back and see such marked changes.

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  7. You are a strong and inspiring woman, Sara. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. Speaking of family, you have a beautiful little tribe of lovies! Such great pictures and memories you will always have. Happy New Year, friend!

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  8. Your year has rivaled mine on the "make it stop now" scale. You are a strong woman, beautiful inside and out. I know 2016 will be much kinder to you. <3

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  9. Wow, what a year you have had! My heart aches for you my friend! And yet through all the bad, you've had some amazing moments as well! Hopefully 2016 will be a little easier on you and your family!

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  10. Even though your year started out so roughly, I'm glad you've been so optimistic. You've captured such wonderful moments over the year.

    liz @ sundays with sophie

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  11. Ok, I'm dying over re-living these pictures!! I can't believe how much Mim has changed!
    First of all, I love your positivity. You guys have over come and survived so much and have come out that much stronger. I completely admire you for that. Obstacle after obstacle have been thrown at you and your and your family come out with more fight in you than before. 2016 is going to be your year. PLUS 2016 is the year I get to meet you IN PERSON, which I'm pretty stinkin' excited about!!!

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  12. Mim is a baby model!! You definitely had a tough year, but these pictures show it wasn't all bad. Prayers that 2016 is a whole lot nicer to you and your family!

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  13. I, too, teared up reading this. I am sorry you had such a tough year. You are one strong lady and I admire that about you! Your positiveness is inspiring. I pray that 2016 is much better for all of you. And prayers for your dad! I love the Grandpa = My Hero shirts. Amazing!!

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  14. Sara, I'm so sorry for the sadness that 2015 brought you. I hope you hold tight to the good memories, find strength in your experiences, and have a brighter 2016. You are an inspiration to me and bring joy to those around you. Happy New Year, friend!! :)
    (I can't believe that LITTLE Mim, hard to believe how much they change in a year.)

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  15. Oh Sara. I'm so sorry for your struggles and trials last year. Thank goodness for putting 2015 behind us, huh?? Congrats to your husband for making partner!! That's awesome!! Thank you for sharing your amazing moments with the cutest siblings - What Mac Says can always bring a smile to my face!! :)

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  16. Wow, really awesome pictures are here and we can see they a lot of enjoy there. That cute little baby is looking very nice and that is really a perfect family. They should contact to any firm to learn how to write an essay and share about their experience by in essay.

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