The Year Was 2015

As 2015 begins to wind down, I once again reflect on how blessed I am. Bails and I had many memorable moments in 2015.  Some of them were captured back in a blog post on June 4th which you can read here. This blog highlights the milestones and times spent in 2015 with family and friends.

We kicked off the year with our 4th annual trip to Mall of America.  This time together is spent shopping, eating at a variety of restaurants, checking out our favorite stores and watching the ball drop for the New Year.  This tradition has become one we both look forward to every year.

A milestone anniversary was celebrated this year.  Dad and Mom celebrated 40 years of marriage.  We kept the celebration simple with just our immediate family.  I'm so blessed to have 2 parents who have shown what marriage is all about: hard work, dedication and love.

Bailey turned 14 this year.  Her talent for art continues to grow and get better all the time.  She's also getting better behind the wheel since she got her learners permit (and Mom is getting a little more comfortable in the passenger seat).

Bailey, Hope and I walked in March for Babies in Cedar Falls in April.  It's such an overwhelming feeling to be surrounded by so many people who have been touched by a premature birth.  I'm honored to walk for this wonderful cause every year.  With Bailey walking by my side, I count my blessings once again.

In May my dear friend Gina Cyza lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.  Her fighting spirit never lost hope so those of us left here on earth to honor her memory will not lose hope either.  We will raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and be #ginastrong forever.  Gina sends gentle reminders to her friends whenever we hear a phat beat or see a sunbeam come through the clouds.  

I celebrated the big 4-0 this year.  I spent my birthday weekend riding roller coasters and water slides with Hope at Adventureland, having some drinks with friends (including fellow birthday twin Breck Danner) and enjoying a birthday lunch with Dad, Mom and Bailey.  It was a great way to celebrate this milestone birthday.

The other milestone birthday was Dad's 6-0.  

In September Bailey and I ventured down to Mount Pleasant for the Old Threshers Reunion.  We had a blast catching up with friends.  Highlights included a caricature portrait and Saturday evenings concert, Parmalee.  

Bailey gets up close with band members of Parmalee.

One of the best things I do for myself during the year is take a weekend away for a scrapbook retreat.  This year I was able to get to a couple different retreats.  It's a great time of self-reflection, as well as the opportunity to unwind, relax and of course scrapbook.  

Bailey and I always enjoy going places together.  One amazing show we saw was Theatre UNI's production of Rent.  Working at UNI has it's perks and one was discounted tickets in the 4th row of the theatre.  It was an amazing show and we can't wait to see more live theatre in the future.

One of our final highlights of the year was the Disney on Ice production, Dare to Dream.  These shows never disappoint and we are looking forward to the next show that comes to the area.  After all you're never too old for Disney.

Well that's our 2015.  We always enjoy hearing from family and friends through Christmas letters, cards and photos.  Thank you for taking time to share your lives with us.  We hope you have enjoyed hearing about ours.

Merry Christmas!
  

That's What Friends Are For

This summer I've been meeting with students during freshmen orientation to assist them with their schedules for the fall semester.  Since many freshmen live in the residence halls their first year, a common question I ask is where are they living on campus.  I love sharing my brief story about how my lifelong friendships at college began in Noehren Hall and this circle of friends grew until graduation.  

 

2 weeks ago my college girlfriends and I got together for Panther Reunion.  After graduating from UNI, we often got together for wedding showers, weddings and baby showers.  Wanting to continue getting together for years to come, we started Panther Reunions.  The inaugural year was 2006.  Since then, we have planned an annual reunion with a summer weekend of fun, food and a few beverages.  This year we rocked pink tee shirts and koozies with #Ginastrong on the sleeve in memory of our dear friend Gina.  Panther Reunion is always a good time and a great reminder to take a break from our busy lives and enjoy the company of friends.  Cheers to my Panther Sisters and many more Panther Reunions in the coming years.  

Bails 'n Me Are Back

Ready for Mall of America, June 2014

After a one year hiatus, I'm back to get my blogging juices flowing.  There have been different times when I've thought about shutting this blog down because I just haven't felt like writing a post.  It takes time.  It takes a creative, literary flow of thoughts.  Or so I tell myself.  Then I pulled one of my Blog Books off the shelf recently and saw all the memories captured over the past 6 years when I first started Bails 'n Me in May 2009.  This was just the reminder I needed to get back to journaling the adventures of Bails 'n Me.  Here's what we've been up to over the past 12 months...

Aunt Holly and Cousin Amber with her husband Jim visited Iowa in June.  Although the miles may separate us, it's like no time has passed when we get together.

Bailey participated in the Bremer County Fair in July 2014.  She showed these 3 art pieces, as well as her dog Homer in the Pet Show.  In short, it was a learning experience and I was so proud of her poise and presentation skills when talking to the judges.  

 

First Day of 7th Grade

My cousin Lucas Matthias married Courtney Buzynski on September 13th.  It was a beautiful day followed by an evening of dancing and celebration.

5th Annual Fall Harvest at the Seegers Farm

On October 6th I received the heartwrenching news that a dear friend from college, Gina Cyza (Opsahl), was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  My sisterhood of Panther friends rallied around Gina in the months to follow.  An amazing benefit was held in December and all the Panther sisters were able to attend and show our support for Gina and her family.

Christmas 2014

Bailey went out for basketball this year.  She learned about the dedication and hard work it takes to participate in sports. 

Bailey also participated in the school musical, Aida.  It was an amazing performance!

On March 28th Bailey turned 14.  Turning another year older also meant another milestone, getting her Learner's Permit.  

Following 7 months of fighting cancer, our dear friend Gina passed away on May 22nd.  We said our earthly good-byes 4 days later, but will always carry Gina's love for dancing and her caring spirit in our hearts. 

Last Day of 7th Grade...Beginning of Summer 2015

It's been a year of joy and sorrow, celebrations and challenges.  Through it all, one Bible passage that resonated with me a couple years ago gives me hope.  'For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'.  Jeremiah 29:11