We Made It!

Looking back at 2013, I realize that I have been a horrible blogger this year. Maybe my resolution in 2014 should be to keep up with my writing?? I can honestly say that 2013 was a roller coaster ride with some pretty amazing "ups" and some heart-wrenching "downs"...you'd think I'd be used to that after the last few years.  I'm more than ready to welcome in 2014 and see what new adventures will be brought our way! In the meantime, here is our year in review:

New Home:
As Tim and I began our life together, and were faced with the sale of my family's home, we had the great decision of whether we would like to purchase a home of our own or rent an apartment for a while to save money. After analyzing all the housing trends in Denver and looking at some seriously small shoebox apartments that cost more than our current mortgage, we chose (wisely) to look for a home of our own! SEVERAL showing appointments, sleepless nights, and headaches later and we were HOMEOWNERS!

We're Parker People

Now that we're all moved in, I have to say that I just LOVE LOVE LOVE our new home! Thanks to mom for all the beautiful hand-me-down decor and to my aunt for the amazing home-made curtains. With their love, it's made our house a home and a place that I look forward to coming back to every day.  Now if I could just find time to take care of all the projects I find on Pinterest...
 

Saying Goodbye:

The biggest down of our year came at the beginning of May, the day before we moved in. After a two year battle with cancer, we had to say good-bye to Tim's mom, Maricela. It's not every day you meet someone as strong, friendly, and inspirational as she was. No matter how much pain she was in, she always had a smile on her face, a kind word to speak to others, and a prayer to bless you. She fought long and hard, going through several surgeries before the "C" word finally took her. Selfishly, I wish every day that I had more time to get to know her as my mother-in-law and that she would be here to meet her grandchildren, but we know she is walking through every day with us and that she is in the most wonderful of places.

Our Wedding!
On June 7, I was beyond blessed to say "I Do" to the most amazing man. Our wedding was absolutely PERFECT and I know that both of our parents were watching down on us from the best seats in the house as we exchanged our vows, toasted with great friends, and danced the night away. I felt like a princess and, per everyone's advice, just tried to take in every last bit of the day. From the amazing views at the Sanctuary, to our Pinkberry and Bundt Cake desserts, not one detail was out of place and it makes me want to do it over, and over again! Rachel captured the night the best on her blog, A Sarti Party. Here are some of my favorite pictures!

The most beautiful Bridesmaids!

My beautiful dress!

My new family :-)

Walking down with my amazing grandfather

We're married!

Saying Goodbye Again:
Immediately after the wedding, we had to move my mom out of our family home. This event was met with many tears and emotion, as I captured with this post.

2nd Annual Drive 4 Dinger Golf Tournament
For the second year in a row, we were able to bring together some of our closest friends and family to celebrate the life of my father and the success of our foundation, The Heimerdinger Foundation. The weekend began with a silent and live auction and concluded with a beautiful day of golf at Legends, the course my dad basically lived on. We were able to raise almost $90,000 for our program and it was so wonderful to catch up with everyone and remember the person that was my father.

Honeymoon! 

After such an overwhelming month, Tim and I were ecstatic to spend our Honeymoon in Kauai, HI. We took off immediately after the golf tournament and spent an entire week with sun, sand, drinks, relaxation, and love! There was not one thing that we hated about the island (well...maybe the roosters that weren't clear when they were supposed to crow) and we absolutely cannot wait to get back again! Our favorite parts of the trip were the shaved ice the size of our heads and the beaches we had all to ourselves!  It was amazing and just what the doctor ordered!

Well, there you have it! It was one memorable year. Here's to 2014 and all the wonderful memories it will bring! Happy New Year!