Bring It, 2015!!

Wow! Can life get messy?! 2014 was such a challenging year. It's hard for me to admit defeat, but I'm pretty sure I was held down for the count somewhere in the days and hours that we transversed this last orbit around the sun. BUT! There was also a surplus of goodness that filled my days this year, too. Here's a little recap. But before we dive in, here's my favorite photo from 2014. xo

Teresa looks so coy and feminine in this photo. I love the curves of her shoulders and the delicate smile on her face. 

Let's start with some of the tough stuff, shall we?

- My dad passed away in April. We hadn't spoken for three years. Although, I did write to him often, I fear I'll never fully be at peace with my decision to keep the distance between us.
- My brother pulled some major schemes that had me ripping my hair out. (I'm his legal guardian and he's 15.)
- We experienced the worst move ever. Like, really, ever. ever. ever. Mind numbingly horrible.
- A family circumstance has left me on my knees. I thought the worse thing that could happen would be what I listed in No. 1, but God has other ideas.

At one point, due to all of this, I was curled up in the fetal position on my bedroom floor sobbing. Haven't had a moment like that in decades. This year was about feeling broken and raw and getting it all done despite the pain, confusion, and absolute mess that I was in. A lot of prayers were said, and I have to say, by Grace alone, this year turned out to be abundant in more ways than one. 

Now, for some of the good stuff:
- My dad passed away a week before Easter, and we held his services just after Easter Sunday. My brother, his son, came to live with me 2.5 years prior. The sacrifice my father made in accepting that my brother was here with us is beyond my comprehension, and I don't even have children of my own. He knew that Shane needed safety, security, and peace, and he selflessly let him go despite how crazy in love he was with my brother. The point is, saying good-bye to him during the Easter holiday reminds me of God's immense love for us in sacrificing his son. That was so comforting and timely.
- Those schemes that my brother was up to - and had been up to the whole time he's been with us - they've melted away. He's maturing, making amazing friendships, enjoying extra curricular activities like cross country, track, and being an explorer cadet for the MPPD. His schedule is far busier than mine, and he's risen above his heartache like no one I've ever known. So very proud of him.
- One small aspect that made our move tough was downsizing. Little did I realize, it would mean more quality time with family. We can't really escape each other any more. Ironically, it's bringing us all closer. I like it.
- The upside to number 4 above is that I'm relying more and more on my Higher Power.
- My work was published in Today's Bride and on Magnolia Rouge.
- I worked with some top notch wedding planners.
- I shot a wedding in Sorrento, Italy!
- I vacationed along the Amalfi Coast.
- I collaborated with some terrific vendors on styled shoots.
- More work is slated to be published this year. Stay tuned!
- I hosted a birthday party for my 97 year old grandmother. The whole family was there, and we had a great time catching up. (Headed back to celebrate her 98th in two weeks!)
- Elisa Bunell came into my life! She's my amazingly fabulous new hairdresser. I swear, a good hair cut and color can make a girl feel so much better! She uses the balayage technique. Will never go back to foil highlights again.
- Through it all, I've fallen more in love with my incredible husband. He is such a gift and a treasure. I adore him with all of my heart. He was patient with me when I was a wreck, supportive of me when I needed a push, and made me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. God, I love him. 

Here is to another year of ups and downs and all the goodness, love and support that will fill our lives along the way! xo