It Was a Very A Good Year....

 This week I completed  our 2015 scrapbook calendar, a tradition that's many years old.  I delved into my monthly photo files to find photos representing 12 months of 2014 memories.  This process is both joyful and reflective as I get to relive the best of times.

January ~

February ~

March ~ 

April ~

May ~

June ~

July ~ 

August ~

September ~

October ~

November ~ 

December ~

My blessings have been endless in 2014.....

• good health and happiness within my immediate and extended family 
• a daily strengthening and deepening of my Catholic faith
• meeting dear jewelry artist friends and spending time with them
• being honored as a Remarkable Mom
• travels with loved ones ~ Las Vegas, Ocean City, Hollywood
• a new hip, equating to a new lease on life, and fantastic recovery
• becoming a Daughter of Isabella, and entering a blessed sisterhood 
• continuing education with amazing classes and new techniques
• Karen Hess Jewelry is branded and continues success thanks to my precious friends and family
• the everyday joys of this beautiful planet that are too often overlooked

So, sweet family and friends, as we bid adieu to ~

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And welcome in ~

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I wish you great health and happiness in the New Year!

We'll join our girls for a wonderful celebration tonight....especially since we just have to walk across the street!  I know they'd like me to share these Midnight Kisses with you ~ a party favor!

See you next year!

December's Joy and Glad Tidings!

This has been the busiest December we've experienced in quite awhile.  Usually, the Trunk Shows take over along with decorating, cooking, and baking....but not this year.

On Advent's First Friday, we stepped out to experience the snow at La Encantada along with dinner at Blanco.

Next up was a luxurious weekend at Casino del Sol Resort ~ a gift for being a Remarkable Mom.

Spa time for facials and couples massage....

Dinner at PY Steakhouse made even more special as 
the girls joined the celebration ~

Time was escaping and there are traditions to which we are joyfully tied ~ Decorating ~ 

~ Baking ~

Making the dough one day

Baking the cookies another day

Hosting a Cocoa, Cookies, and Chat for some dear friends....

Peppered in between all this activity was a trip to the historic Rialto Theater to see Dave Fitzsimmons' " An Arroyo Cafe Christmas," with apologies to Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion.

Lunch at a new Tucson Original ~ Diablo Burger ~

Celebrating my man on his 66th Birthday....

A paver brick on the patio of the new Alumni Cafe
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
"Go Rockets!"

Participating in our very first "Flash Mob" event at Park Place Mall...

Christmas was ever nearing and with it the Feast of the 7 Fishes on Christmas Eve...

Baccala

Hot Crab Dip

Caesar Salad (anchovies on the side)

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Not pictured, and to round out tradition, were Calamari ~ Lobster Crostini ~ Salmon Puffs.

Sadly, Christmas Day found me on the couch and remaining there for the next 2 days with a bronchial condition.  I can't remember the last time I missed Christmas Mass...and it broke my heart to do so.

But, I was back in the saddle on Sunday and experienced the joys of Christmas at STS. Peter and Paul ~ the many lit trees, wreaths, poinsettia plants, and magnificent creche.

I think attending daily Mass (my New Year's resolution) throughout the month with the somber purples of Advent, made this transformation even more glorious.

We experienced Zoo Lights and Winterhaven last night, as well....

With only two days left to 2014, I'm reflecting on the blessings of this year....especially the love that's poured out to me from my family and friends....

Wishing you a glorious and safe finale to 2014 and everything good and blessed in 2015!

via http://www.pinterest.com/pin/69524387974115958/