Reminiscing on 2017

Happy New Year! I hope that each of you had a blessed holiday season.

Mine was wonderfully filled with laughter, love, and lots of extra calories!

The new year always brings reflection for me. Looking back on 2017, there were many golden moments and accomplishments that God blessed my family with. Warning: This may be reminiscent of sitting through the three hour slide show of your Uncle Mike’s vacation….sorry about that!   But today, I’m going to showcase my entire family.

My daughter, Carly, applied for a nursing bridge program from LPN to RN. She was accepted into Galen College of Nursing and began classes this week. Her social life may be a bit hampered in the coming months, full-time student while working full-time. However, she continues to flourish and grow in her noble profession, and I am so proud of her!

 

My son, Brett, started a new job this year and sang his heart out at several gigs and events throughout the year. Click here for a listen. I may be partial, but he has a terrific voice that the world needs to hear! I am so proud of him! And yes, here comes the shameless plug. He can be booked by calling or texting him at 941.448.4094.

 

My mother-in-law, Sharen, moved into her own beautiful little home in Ellenton. She has made many new friends and her neighbors love having a true Florida Cracker in the neighborhood.

 

My husband, Doyle, celebrated 50 this year, and he continues to grow his business while being the very best husband a girl could ever ask for.  <3 <3

 

My parents, Don and Sandi, continue their good health. These two stay busy with church, work, and mowing five acres! They are the solid foundation that our family was built on for over 56 years.

 

My sister, Pam, received a new title at work this year. Also, she and her fiancé, Chris, purchased a motor home and have been traveling the state enjoying the sites during their spare time. My sister continues her good health after a rough patch in 2016. Lastly, she has had two daughters in college for several years with one graduating in December…that means a pay raise for my sista! Cha-CHING!

     

 

My sister’s oldest daughter, Kelsey, graduated from UCF (go Knights!) with her B.S. in Psychology. We can’t pull any wool over her eyes with our behavior now – she has us pegged! She also moved into her very first apartment. Hold on Kelsey, adulting is comin’ in fast for you!

   

 

Pam’s youngest daughter, Kaitlin, continues her sophomore year at Flagler College (Pam’s Alma Mater) and just finished a semester in Würzberg, Germany. The jet-setter made it home safely and just in time for Christmas with many exciting stories to share! Paris, Malta, Scotland….oh yeah, and school!

      

 

My brother, Don, received a promotion at work with his company finishing the year with record orders and sales. He and his wife, Marci, are Poppa and Grandma to Ophelia – what a joy in being a grandparent….and what awesome grandparents they are!

  

 

Marci has become the baker for the family and the maker of all things cake. She has mad skills…check out some of her most recent works of art:

 

 

Don and Marci’s daughter, Lauren, started a new and exciting job in 2017. She and her wife, Elizabeth, are doing beautifully at raising my great-niece, Ophelia.

 

Ophelia is full of sugar and spice, and everything nice….with cuteness and sassiness in between! Did she tell you? Aunt Dara is her favorite!   😉

       

        

 

As for myself, I also celebrated turning 50 with my entire family by my side over a superb surprise weekend at Lake Grassy hosted by my sweet and wonderful husband. Here is everyone (minus Kaitlin, she arrived a little later that day) :

 

I also started this, my first blog. I’m glad you’re here, and that you’ve indulged me in reading to this point.

All this is just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. My family had countless joyous moments that occurred this year. There are just too many to list!

I have a dear friend that once told me how fond she was of my family in that we always celebrated each other. Truer words have never been spoken. I am blessed beyond measure because we stick together through thick and thin….year in, year out, celebrating and raising each other up.

So, for my first blog of 2018, I wanted to continue celebrating my family by sharing each of them with you. May 2018 be a year filled with joy, health and happiness while celebrating you and yours!

Dara <3