My Favorite Moments of 2015

2015 was filled with many changes; highs, lows, and memories that will last a lifetime. Here's my journey in 2015...

Rick and I kicked off the year with a little project we called "Jock in the Box." Rick spent over 4 days living out in the cold with only a cardboard box for shelter. (Yep, you could definitely say he took one for the team.) It was one of the most humbling experiences of my entire life. I spent most of my days at the sight and watched hundreds of people stop by to wish him well and donate a blanket or two or more. In the end, we collected over 9,000 blankets for the homeless. Some gave their most precious blankets, little kids dropped off their "blankies" and some gave the only blanket they had.

In May we had the opportunity to go to Disneyland and participate in their 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration. I love Disneyland 10 times more than my children do! It's magical and we had so much fun behind the scenes, riding rides, and watching fireworks. One of my favorite parts of the trip can be seen in this video. WOW!

In July we visited Boise for the first time to talk about joining team WOW!! We loved Boise from the moment we rolled in. Meeting Rich (a.k.a. El Hefe), Zizly, Ally, and Sari, we knew we had found our new home! The highlight of the trip... having lunch with Old Dominion!!

August 7th my baby girl turned 7. I only have two children and their birthdays take me back to the single best days of my entire life. They inspire me, make me smile, help me grow, and our love for each other is completely unconditional. Being a parent is the single best, most trying, exhausting, rewarding, and miraculous experience on earth. I'm so grateful to be a mother. She just had to have a "Beach Party" and I'll admit I spoil my babies just a bit, so a "Beach Party" it was! We had so much fun!

On August 9th Rick and I moved to Boise. I remember packing up my car, telling my family goodbye, and driving the 5 hours from Salt Lake City thinking, "I have no idea what is in store." I was scared, excited, happy, and sad all at the same time. It marked a new chapter in my life, and today I can say that I truly feel that I'm right where I should be.

One of my first experiences in Boise was trying Rocky Mountain Oysters! Eeeeewww!! By the time I actually got around to trying them, they were 3 days old and we reheated them in the microwave! It was definitely an unforgettable experience. You can check it out HERE.

In September my family paid a visit and we conquered the Table Rock hike. The scene was breathtakingly beautiful at the peak, but my daughter wanted to kill me because her little legs "hurt so bad!!" She swears she will never hike with me again!

On September 11th, not only did we recognize those who lost their lives on that terrible day, but we held Taste of Country Fan Jam with Big and Rich. My favorite part of the night... when Rick accidentally introduced the "Eli Young Band" as "The Band Perry!!!" Best moment in front of a crowd ever!!

On October 30th I celebrated one year since having 14 discs in my spine fused to correct my scoliosis. I have no doubt through that single experience alone that modern day miracles do occur and that trials make us stronger, better people. I will forever be grateful that I experienced scoliosis and the surgery that made me who I am today. I never thought I would say I am grateful for that trial, but I am. You can read my story HERE.  

In November Rick and I went to our first BSU football game!! It was so much fun, even though we lost! Rick and I came to the conclusion that we must be bad luck for the Broncos, because they lost to both Utah teams and then they lost the game we went to! Sorry BSU, we didn't mean to be such bad luck!

The first week in December we hosted "Hope for the Holidays" to support the Boise Rescue Mission. Our amazing listeners dropped off pajamas, blankets, food, diapers, and cash to donate to the homeless and we met some incredible people. One woman was still living on the streets, but donated a pair of little girls socks, and some other items she had on her that she couldn't use. Another man told us his story of homelessness as a child and then again as an adult. Today he is a software engineer. I hope their stories stick with me forever.

On December 3rd, Rick and I wrapped up our "1 Shirt 365 Days" campaign. For an entire year we wore the same shirts every single day to raise awareness and hopefully do some good for the homeless population. It was an experience that has changed my outlook on life. Yes, I still complain, and yes, I still want a lot of material things, but I see homeless people in a different light. I see them as real people, just like you and me. People who have faced extraordinary challenges. Even though the project is done, I find myself reaching for a dollar to give the man holding a sign on the corner. I didn't do that so much before, and today I'm glad I usually take the time to recognize them, look them in the eye, and do what I can. Rick really inspired me in this journey. I've never really faced big financial struggles, but he helped me to have so much more of a heart for this issue. I'll always be grateful to him for that. It certainly helped me to look outside of myself.

December also brought my first Idaho Stampede basketball game! Rick and I hosted the half time and quarter break events. We had so much fun! They really put on a show and I can't wait to take my kiddos to a game.

On December 9th I moved into my new home in Meridian. For 3 months I lived in a hotel, and for another month I lived with friends. I am so grateful to be in my own home. Like I said, I've never really truly faced financial hardships like some people have. I had never been displaced like that before. I had never experienced loneliness like that before. I spent so many days crying in my hotel room feeling sorry for myself and missing my family and my old life. I'll admit many times I just wanted to pack up and go "home." Today, Meridian, Idaho is my home. I watched my kids run down the stairs on Christmas morning here, I've met fantastic neighbors, and I'm so excited to see what 2016 will bring. Happy New Year everyone!