The Holidays have come and are quickly leaving and with 2025 fast approaching I am truly hit with the reality of time flying by. We are neck deep in probably the busiest time of our lives and lets face it, for us Longmires, that is saying a lot! Our girls have entered that time where they need us a lot except when they don't. Balancing out the desire of doing things for me that bring me joy with the need to also be available to them is a challenging endeavor. As they both grow in independence the reality of how fleeting this time is grows. I mean seriously, Lily is 14!
2024 was a great year, it really was. It was also a year full of challenging growth not only personally but in our marriage and home. Some of the big highlights from this year:
Completing my 300 hour training to become a YTT 500 certified yoga instructor
Lily playing in Beauty and the Beast
Evie participating in multiple diving events
Alaskan Cruise with my Mom, Dad, Brother, and his family.
Family Trip to Gulf Shores Alabama
The girls saw Hamilton
Bob and I took a trip to Florida for some R&R
Made a huge play to pay off our debt and move into the New Year financially ahead with dreams on the horizon.
Lily entered 8th grade on fire. Not only is she involved in the Advanced Choir and Musical Theatre, but this year she took on 3 honors courses and added an additional A hour to the beginning of her day. She loves learning, writing, singing, being on stage, and is an avid reader. I mean its impressive how she reads. Lily is a romantic (like her mother) and loves a good romance, throw in a suspense component and she is hooked. I love her heart. Her faith has grown immeasurably this year and I have seen her step fully into her own skin alight with the life, love, and passion of Jesus. Her sister still tests her ability to love unconditionally, but I suppose that's normal. She will be headed into High school this coming year, and while the fact that WE ARE THERE is not lost on me, this kid is ready. She is. There is no holding this woman back. I've known it for a good long time. I love watching her flourish and live boldly, compassionately, and intelligently. Man she's awesome.
My Evie Bee, this kid is so big for being so little. Evie is one of the most incredible kids. This little firecracker has brought love, joy, and tremendous growth in our family. The love she has to give is like an ocean, the fire she has inside is sometimes like a forest fire, the power this little girl has to do literally anything she wants. WOW. Evie is in 6th grade this year and looking forward to junior high. She has a posse of good girlfriends that love to play Roblox, plan playdates, make videos, and put makeup on. Evie is an extrovert at heart and is fueled by the presence of others. Keeping this kids calendar of events and social gatherings is nearly a full time job. When this kid sets her mind to something......thats it. One of my favorite stories from this year is when she wanted to do a lemonade stand.........and we had no lemonade, no lemons, and no time to do the grocery store. The kid found a travel packet (1 packet) of lemonade, mixed it in a gallon of water, sliced a strawberry in it, and made $16 in one morning selling it in our neighborhood. She made $10 another day walking the neighborhood with a friend offering to walk or pet peoples dogs. This kid FULL SENDS when she decides she wants something. I am so excited to see what she does in the world. Just a heads up, if she gets into sales, and comes knocking.....she is a master at getting the YES. Evie is a gymnast and spent 2024 learning to dive with the East Valley Dive Club. While diving isn't sticking (its cold) she loves gymnastics. She also loves riding horses up at Memaw's house and is quite the consummate horse woman. There is no limit to what this powerhouse can do. Bob and I are just no for the ride.
Bob and I celebrated 20 years this year and made some shifts in the dynamic of our marriage and home life. My yoga training was a beautiful opportunity for me to examine myself and take ownership of changes I have wanted and needed to make. The Masculine/Feminine dynamic is such a beautiful flow, but learning how to step into those spaces fully takes work, takes ownership, and takes willingness to walk a spiritual path full of laying down your preferences. But the return on that work......1000% fold. The depth and intimacy we are stepping into is more than I could ever want. And we have only just begun.
Our lives are full of work and living. PSPC continues to provide both Bob and I with the financial security to do all the things we set out to do. My photography business remains a gift to me and I am looking forward to expanding my skills in 2025. I teach yoga 3 times a week and Coach Crossfit. Working this next year to find a bit more balance in the physical, spiritual, and mental output. After all I am still a mother, confidante, daughter, wife, and friend when not working my 4 other jobs.
Bob has spent much of his time honing his golf skills this year and working on putting muscle back on his lean (sexy-can I say that here?) frame. The man started the year barely able to do a pull up safely and is ending the year doing multiple pull ups easily. I like me a man in muscles so its been a fun addition to our relationship and has been a delight watching him step into the strong masculine structure for my feminine home and softness. I am grateful every day for this man and the unwavering way he has loved me and continues to do so.
I am excited for 2025. Who knows what is on the horizon. I have deeply learned the value of being firmly grounded in the present. This moment right now is one I won't miss. For whatever lies ahead know that we are grateful to do life with all of you. We hope that joy, peace, and light fills your present and flows into your future.
The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Longmires
