Hi all!
I know it’s a Saturday, which usually means I don’t post…but we are several days into the new year and before it escapes any further, I wanted to throw up a quick “Year In Review” post. Thank you all for a great year. For all the support. For all of you who helped with projects, laughed at posts, were encouraged by my words. Thank you, thank you. I really like writing here, and it’s much more fun with you along for the ride. Maybe you’ll remember a few of these moments, too.
In January the world as I knew it became colder than I ever imagined. The polar vortex attacked the US and Practically Canada reached a level of chilly I thought only possible for polar bears to survive. A friend took waved her wet locks outside, it instantly froze and her photo went viral.
In February I finished my cloffice. Which I have used so much and have truly grown to love.
Also in February, our heater went out…which was a terrible experience; we had a cozy weekend at Lake Metigoshe; and my amazing mother turned 60…Derek and I honored her with this video.
March 7th changed life as I knew it…when I came home from teaching a low impact class at the gym, felt something weird in my back, and ended up in the hospital later that night. That day had a ripple effect that led to surgery, lots of faith testing, and physical challenges I’m still coping with. On the upside, the injury gave me the down time I needed to finish up a website redesign, and launch the new look of AmyAllender.com. All that to say, March was an important month in my life.
In April I taught you all how to recover basic thrift store chairs. This pair was made for our youth pastor’s office–a redecorating project I headed up…and a project I should get around to showing you some day…
In May, I learned about the art of Practically Canadian comfort food…and told you all the hilarious tale of my time making open faced sandwiches for a funeral. We started work on the basement {a slooow moving project} and got a new roof. Derek and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with a trip to Maine, where I packed all purple clothes, explored the region with low impact activities, and spotted a moose!
In June, back surgery was eminent. So, as a last hoor-ah Katie and I went to Noah’s Ark Water Park. in the Wisconsin Dells. It was a magical weekend and I met a giant cat named Bunny Rabbit. {Slide photo via Noah’s Ark Facebook Page.}
On June 26th I had surgery, but I came out with the ability to walk and a new pair of hospital socks. Then I ate at my favorite pizza place in Bismarck. All in all, a success.
In July the basement got an egress window and waterproofed by a couple dudes singing Frozen, I made a nifty tote out of an old box and some rope, and we started memorizing Colossians {we are almost done now!}
At the end of the month we traveled to God’s Country, Elkhart, IN…where I experienced The Fair via wheel chair and we got some pics of the whole fam.
In August, I was telling those of you in Minot about the amazing sale at a local thrift shop, Derek was away in South Dakota, and the Arts Council gave me my first opportunity to shine as a local artist with this community canvas.
Also in August, I took a bunch of adorable Sunflower Mini Sessions!
But by the end of the month I was in so much pain from surgery, it looked like the operation had failed. The doctor was concerned and I was miserable. It was a battle of physical and spiritual proportions. At that time, I wrote one of the posts I’m most proud of: Grace and Peace. I hope you’ll read it. At the end of August, I honestly believe God performed a miracle in my life. You can read about it here.
In September, to continue healing and to give my mind some rest, I went to South Dakota to stay with Derek while he was on a temporary assignment. There I had an awkward moment at Devil’s Tower and I was taken aback by the beauty of Badlands National Park.
August also lead to the unveiling of two of my most popular design projects to date: An invitation and a thank you note.
In October we relieved the glory of our best costume ever when it was featured by the Huffington Post, I made spooky trees in my house, carved my best pumpkin, took a million senior portraits and joined the Artists in the Schools Program–which I LOVE! Oh, yeah and we dressed up as Care Bears.
November was Christmas Mini Session month! Most of the month was dedicated to churning out great family photos.
But I also hosted a great Thanksgiving, learned what “spatchcocking” is, and taught kids about the water cycle through art.
In December, I had a fabulous time at the White Christmas Ball in Denver.
And, I was flattered and stunned by the great response I got to my post on things to do and see during the Practically Canadian winter.
It’s been a busy year, and a good year. There has been lots of pain–there’s no denying that…but I’m grateful for the chance to over come and to get to know our amazing God more and more through every trial. I hope you can look back on the past 12 months–no matter how hard they’ve been–and realize just how special, fantastic, one-of-a-kind you are. Then take that pride and boldly move forward. There’s only one 2015, let’s make it amazing.
Amy
