Amongst Stringfields

My Best of Nine & favorite snapshots from 2016

It’s just about midnight. I do my best thinking at night. Funny how that happens — thinking about trying to go to bed, thinking about the lists of things I have to do the next day, thinking about how I need to sleep and the endless lists of things that I think of and worry about that creep into the back of my mind. And the best & worst part of my process of falling asleep is the absolute clarity. Having the quietness to look back on the day with so much gratitude and the juxtaposition of the hectic mess that will be the next. I hardly sleep these days but it doesn’t bother me much. Maybe it’s because I’ve become so accustom to sleep deprivation that now any amount of sleep I get is like a complete and total recharge. As I sit here & reflect on the past year I am utterly amazed at how truly beautiful this life really is. This has been the ultimate year for me. It has been every bit messy, tangled, busy…I mean SERIOUSLY like SO busy. And, even though it was stressful at times, it has been nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. This year has opened my eyes to the fact that life, no matter how much you try to plan it will always surprise and amaze you.

In the a years time, we sold our first home, temporarily moved in with my in laws, found out we were having a baby, bought a home, renovated the home from top to bottom, moved into the new home, & had a baby. In addition to our jobs, regular responsibilities and of course …life. Saying that that this past year was busy is an understatement– it was a complete and utter whirlwind.

With so much going on, my biggest take away from 2016 is to: live in the little moments. It is so easy to get caught up in the chaos & drama of day-to-day life but the most important thing to remember is to not sweat the small stuff. Always keep in mind that if something is not adding positive value to your life than it probably isn’t worth your time or worry. This was the mantra that got me through 2016 and it has made this year the most incredible year yet! Try to soak up all the good little tidbits that make up your day, like your favorite song playing on the radio, or a great cup of coffee. For me, since the day I had our son Miles I love watching my husband play with him. I gush as I watch my husband laugh and smile at Miles as he makes funny faces, I look at the way they look at each other –so bright eyed and full of life. And I intently hope that I can save their smiles, their expressions. I study their every move trying to memorize every minute so that I can capture it all. I soak in and savor each and every minute of the time they spend together. It is in these moments that my heart feels so full and I think to myself, how did I ever get so lucky to have such love. It is these little moments that makes life this life so special.

In the new year I encourage you to try not take a moment for granted. Enjoy the way your husband winks at you from across the table, the way your baby sweetly smiles in his or her sleep, the feeling you get when you finally get to plop down on the couch after a long day. Enjoy it all—no matter how big or small the victory. Although life isn’t always easy there is always something to celebrate. Radiate joy in a way that is infectious to others. Spread love and kindness. Put others before yourself. And with that being said,I wish you all from the bottom of my heart the most healthy and joy filled 2017.

Thanks for much for following along with me this past year! Stay tuned for more in

2017! Xoxo Jeannie