A look back on 2011

First things first, I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I can't believe how fast 2011 went by! Last year was definitely a roller coaster ride! We had a lot of ups and we had a lot downs. It was an emotional ride, that made me as person, grow.  The events of 2011 that I had to go through, made me a stronger and wiser person. They made me appreciate the smaller things in life and to make the most of everyday. Last year will always be a year I will be grateful for and it will be a year in my lifetime, I will never forget.
I typed and retyped this entry a few times because I wanted to share the low and high lights of 2011 with you. But after my third or maybe fourth attempt at writing, I realized that what seemed like monumental moments for me, would probably be nothing extraordinary to others. So I am choosing to just share a few events of last year that where life changing for me.



My 26th Bday Tahoe camping trip

In January, I met a woman that was going to be deciding the fate of who Kayla was going to ultimately end up living with. I had just one hour to change this woman's outlook on me because she had previously met with Kayla's father a few weeks ahead of time. And needless to say, he painted a rugged picture of me. After our session, she left me with positive thoughts, only to learn a few weeks later and a day before our court date that she was torn between the two parties but had doubts about my parenting skills. This same woman, was the source of much of my stress during the summer when she went MIA for our session before the trial dates, leaving the judge to decide with what was presented in court and the information in her first report. As you all know, on August 18th, the judge rewarded me and Tyson with full custody of Kayla. The trial lasted a year and a half, with most of the case occurring in 2011. Which helped make 2011 unforgettable. 

Christmas 2008, Grandpa Silva in the Red Hat :)

In March, I suddenly had to say "See you later" to a man whom I came to know as the backbone of the Silva family. Our beloved, Grandpa "Bud" Silva. I never got to spend nearly as much time with him as I would have liked. I came to know him mostly from memories Tyson and McKenzie (my sister in law) shared with me. But he quickly stole my heart when I first met him on Christmas back in 2008. He loved me and Kayla the moment we met and accepted us into his family with no questioned asked. All he knew was his grandson was happy and loved us. And that was all the reasons he needed. And the few times we did have together, Grandpa always made sure we knew we were loved, even if it was without words. Those times will always be cherished. With his passing, I learned that the time you share with those you love dearly should always be made the most of. Make sure that when its time to say goodbye at the end of the day, they have no doubts in their mind, that you love them. Because tomorrow is never promised. 



Kyia & Keason Aug. 2011

In May, we went home to Utah for a week long vacation. We've made trips back home plenty of times in the past few years. But this last trip was one I'll never forget. We didn't do anything spectacular. Just spent much needed time with our kids and family. We held a joint birthday party for the girls, took the kids to Lagoon and just hung out at home playing. Keason has always called me "Jamie". I've never pushed for him to call me "Mommy", "Mom", "Momma Jamie" or anything like that. Kyia would every now and then call me "Momma Jamie'. But whatever they were comfortable calling me, I was comfortable with. On one of our last days in Utah, I was getting the kids ready, when Tyson called down the hall for me. I came down the hall and Tyson told me that Keason had a question for me. I sat down with him and asked him what was up. He seemed a little shy which was out of the ordinary for him with me. He always knew that he could come to me for anything, so it was a bit odd for him to be acting that way. After a few minutes, he finally quietly whispered the words I will hold dear to my heart, "I was just wondering, cause you love me like my mom does and you treat me really good, can I call you "Mommy'?" His smile melted my heart. At that moment, I could feel the pure, innocent love, just pouring out of his soul and into my heart. Of course I told him he could, if that's what he felt comfortable with, I was more than okay with it. I think I squeezed him much longer than he expected but it was a moment I wanted to hold onto for as long as I could.

Kayla cheering

In December, Kayla had her second competition of the season with her new team/gym. As you all know, Kayla is extremely passionate about cheer leading. Well, after they competed, Kayla spirits seemed down. She called Tyson after her performance and told him that they didn't do well, that they had dropped one of the girls during a dismount. So she wasn't excited about the awards. It was the first time I had ever seen her down about a performance. Last season, Kayla's old team/gym never really placed in the top, so Kayla had adjusted to placing low. We've taught her that, placing doesn't matter, what matters is that she enjoys cheering and that she had fun. The award ceremony started about 20 minutes later. There were 6 teams in her division and Kayla's team placed 1st! To see her go from being doubtful to extremely excited and proud of her team in just a short period of time was heart warming. I was so happy and excited for her, I held back tears while cheering for her. Its a rewarding feeling knowing that your child puts so much dedication into something they are so passionate about and others see it and reward them for it.

When I look back at 2011, every up and every down in some way or another, a lesson was learned, and I became stronger and wiser from it. In life you live and you learn, so why not look at it in a positive way and take the lesson as a blessing... So here is to 2012.. may it bring you Peace, Happiness, Joy and Love. :)
Until next time... xoxox