Year of Abundance

At the end of last year, while working with my business coach, George Ira Carroll, he suggested I have a theme for 2013. He gave a few suggestions (gratitude, prosperity, etc.) and I decided on "Abundance". My year of the dragon was going to be abundant. I created a vision board with the word displayed prominently, and looked at it a million times. I even had a photo of my vision board as my phone's background.

Fast forward to today. We are almost done with the year and I find that Travis & I are in the worst financial situation we've ever been in. We're both trying to build amazing businesses and even in this state, I realize that I've never felt more abundant. Every single time we've needed a certain amount of money, it shows up. The exact amount. I have put all of my faith and trust in God and am completely open to His will.

So why are we not financially abundant? Well, for one, I wasn't specific when I said this was my year of abundance. I should have said it would be my year of financial abundance. LOL But let me tell you, this has been the best year of my life. Even with some of the worst events happening (I miss you, Mike-O) I feel so happy and grateful.

My abundance has completely overflowed in my relationships with people. Which was a HUGE lesson for me to learn. People first, then things. It's not the amount of money in your bank account, but the amount of time you spend with the important people in your life.

In February, Travis & I went to Las Vegas for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Elk Camp.  He was a finalist in the World Championship Elk Calling Contest.  So cool!

In June, I got to spend the entire month with Matt & Maria and baby Emma.  It was amazing to love on my new niece every day.  We also had everyone from our family come and most of Maria's family for one weekend to capture the special time in photos.

For 4th of July weekend, we had a BBQ.  It was EPIC!  Andy & Tessa came so we had a plethora of black labs.  Travis tied one on and was on his face (literally) and missed the amazing fireworks show provided by Nic & Ben.  Good thing my wonderful neighbors attended the party, or they may have disowned us.  :)

In July, I went to Sante Fe with Mary and spent some amazing quality time with my friend.  On the way back, we stopped in Colorado Springs for dinner with my BFF, Scott and it was so good to see him!

After that trip, my mom came to visit my sister and I and our sweeties.  We had a great picnic at Painted Rocks Reservoir and saw "The Heat".  We also went to the Celtic Festival.  Bagpipes anyone?

That's the weekend that we lost our dear friend, Mike, and went to Boise to be with Kristie and the kids.  Before that, a quick stop in Burley to try and meet our new nephew, Traigen Daniel-William Jones, Traig & Kort's new bundle of joy born the same day Mike died.  We didn't make it in time before the hospital visiting hours were over, but spent the night with Steve & Shelley.  We spent three amazing days with Emrie and Drew (not sure who was more spoiled, us or them?)

We were able to rearrange our flights to Louisiana for Patrick and Elizabeth's wedding - Travis was a groomsmen.  We spent time with old friends and new...really delightful people...and I got to cross off two states from my bucket list item of "Visit all 50 States"  Only 6 to go.  Travis also visited Cabela's #10!

We went back to Boise where I got to see Lurisa (I'll take even 10 minutes!)  We stayed at Tyson and Amber's so got some good nephew time.  Travis and I had lunch with all of my aunts and uncles in Boise and it was so great to catch up with them.  On the way back home we stopped in Burley again and got to love on baby Traigen.  We also got to see a lot of Travis's side (Larry, Jack & Barb, Dick & Sharon, Aunt Shawn, Tanner and Kaden) We made it home in time for me to go to Girl's Night Out (Kari, Larysa, Jesse, Paige, Erin) and sometimes a night out with the ladies is just what the doctor ordered.

I was home for only a few days before I embarked on my adventure to USANA's International Convention.  I stopped in Idaho Falls and spent the night with Heather and her family.  Her kids are BEAUTIFUL and so well-behaved.  I can't believe how long it has been since I've seen her - and isn't life just too short to let that go one more minute?  I just adore her.

I met up with David and Debbie Draper for dinner when I arrived in SLC.  I always have such a good time with his clan. His kids are just adorable and hilarious!  It was the time of the "friends from my past who are gems of my present!"  I've known both Heather and David since 6th grade.  And I'm so grateful for them both.

Convention rocked my face off.  It was the most energetic (more so than a U2 concert) and I learned a TON.  I met knew friends and spent quality time with old ones (Liz, Heather, Suzanne, Nic).  Can't wait for the next one!

When I got home, I went straight to Boise to help Kristie organize her garage and sheds to get ready for a big move.  I had grand plans of kicking her ass in Canasta, but we tied.  They have a cute baby rescue kitten that is just a doll - makes me miss Zoomer and want a kitten!!  Soon.

I know this is very "list"y but I just don't want to forget this very unforgettable summer.  And I know I'm forgetting something (I knew I was going to write this post after the summer and had everything on my calendar.  For some reason, all of my appointments and dates are gone :^( so I had to re-create it from memory and a couple of texts to people asking, "Now when did we do ____ ".  LOL)

I can not describe how grateful I am for the wonderful memories made this year.  I have the BEST life ever and the experiences are irreplaceable.  The abundance is mind blowing.  Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

Love, Prayers and Abundance,
La