Don't Hate on 2016.

Hating 2016 is the popular thing to do - memes and videos and social comments abound. But, for us, 2016 has been a great year.  No, I am not a Trump supporter. But, neither am I a politics supporter. Yes, I am sad that so many great artists have passed away. But, I didn't know them. At a global level, 2016 may have brought some tough stuff, but at the local level - the level I live at - 2016 has been pretty swell. 

2016 Results: Ade did not have a successful year caring for Sylvester, as his care fell to me. But, she has a renewed focus on helping. Ryan broke his collarbone.  I think I was much more patient overall.

 

2017 Resolutions: Adelaide's resolution for 2017 is try to listen to her parents more carefully, and her goal is to help the dogs not poop in the house. Ryan's resolution is to be more patient (echoes mine from last year!), and his goal is to be healthier this year. My resolution is to pay more attention, and my goal is an unassisted, solid headstand. I am focusing this year on my intention of Gratitude. 

PointSource: We have significantly changed the business. It was HARD. But, we did it. And we are better for it. The vibe is positive. We value the right things, and build people up. I have grown immensely from the whole experience, even the regretful parts. 

We are living our values:

Be authentic.

Strive for balance. 

Partner with each other & our clients. 

Live outside the box.

Do the hard work. 

Remember to laugh.

Brent quit, and then he came back. Jenna is now a project manager for PointSource. It's been a blessing.

Travel: Ryan and I did a brief get away to NYC, and then so did Jenna and I. We spent a blissful week on Daufuskie Island, SC, where we did a whole lot of nothing. Golf carts and no cars, and playing cards on the porch. I traveled A LOT for work (~90+ days), including to a few new cities like Providence, RI. We had an awesome trip to Disney with Barry's family so we could party with Mickey for Halloween. Jenna and I also went on a journey of a lifetime to Wanderlust in Snowshoe, WV. 

Adelaide: Kate and Cameron remain her best friends. They are obsessed with YouTube, video games, and Littlest Pet Shop (LPS as they call them). Ade still gives the sagest advice ever. She is an outstanding artist. She draws little pieces on post-its for everyone in the office, and they keep her custom art up everywhere. I am so proud to say she is loving chorus also! Her Thales choir won the holiday song radio competition this year! So much sushi. Sarah the best nanny ever. 

Dogs: We have added a snack-pack sized beagle named Gracie to the pack. What?!?!? Yup. I went to get groceries one weekend when Ryan and Ade were sick in September, and the Petco next door had Franklin County Humane Society set up on the sidewalk. Gracie looked at me. Her eyes. They reminded me of Cheyenne. I came home and burst into tears, and scared the crap out of Ryan. But, to his immense credit, he said - if the universe is telling you we need to have her, then I can't say no. And so here she is! Our Battle Beagle!

Houses: We sold the yellow chihuahua, though it was sad to say goodbye to Crenshaw Manor. We lived in a rental across the street from Jenna - literally, across the street - and a mile from my parents for 6 months. It was a block party. The 4 acre lot we bought in Hidden Lake, Youngsville, took nearly a year to design and build. We closed on Dec. 22, and moved Dec. 23. Our first morning in the house was Christmas Eve. Quite the holiday we have had here in our new dream home. Adelaide has named her Holly Hollow. 

Misc: Ryan got into an accident and was charged with DUI. It was a legal loophole nightmare, which has resulted in be being a chauffeur at times. Bad things happen. It is your attitude and how you respond that shows your spirit. I am a yogi and hippy and I am embracing it. I taught my first yoga class on a retreat in the Georgia mountains with one of our clients. Maybe one day I will get certified... Jane Goodall. Wakefield Country Club. Meeting Ginny Rometty. Snapchat filters. Pokemon Go. Younique makeup. Lularoe leggings. UFC.

We are happy. So, so happy. And blessed, and thankful.