Happy New Year: Top 10 Things I learned In 2014

Sorry that more posts on Italy have not been forthcoming. Once arriving back in America Jason and I have been busy with his students graduating, our first Christmas together and finally the New Year. Both of us have it as a goal for this year to blog more. Let's hope that happens!

I spent some time yesterday thinking over all that Jason and I have been through this last year. Between us we have had five deaths. Two grandfathers, a brother, a cousin and a great uncle. We have had our own wedding, traveled extensively, moved, started new jobs, celebrating the wedding of a sibling, I had back surgery, attending multiple funerals and we have been so grateful to be together through it all. It's been a crazy year and I took some time yesterday to write down the top ten things I have learned this year. 

1) Live life conscience of your health, because surgery sucks. 

2) Husbands make dreams come true. 

3) Doing things debt free is bliss.

4) Grandmothers are a girl's best friend.

5) Math is the language of God. 

6) Distance will not separate you from true friends. 

7) The moment at a funeral when tears turn to laughter is the most healing. 

8) Travel bonds souls. 

9) Italians really do eat pasta EVERY DAY. 

10) "The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off". 


We have visited so many places this year, it's amazing. Here's the list last time we checked: Portland OR, Seattle WA, Victoria BC, Vancouver BC, Boise ID, Colorado Springs CO, Yellow Stone National Park, Mount Rushmore, Washington DC, Annapolis MD, Boston MA, Concord NA, Cheboygan MI, Lake Michigan, Dayton TN, Charlotte NC, Rome Italy, Florence Italy, Assisi Italy, Venice Italy, Pisa Italy. 

Here's to even more adventures in 2015. We are blessed and so thankful for all that God has done in us this year! 

Assisi

It's hard to put into words how I feel about Assisi. It was the most mystical and charming place I have ever visited. The burial place of Saint Francis of Assisi takes up the crypt of Saint Francis Basilica. I sat in Saint Francis tomb for several hours. I watched as 40+ nuns arrived and knelt, saying prayers. I also watched as 50+ Indians arrived and fought over candles to light in honor of Saint Francis. While I can't understand the Catholic side of his burial spot I can say his life and way of living challenged me. I didn't know much about Saint Francis other then his well known prayers. After visiting Assisi I can say that I am intrigued by his life and how he lived. I'd love to go back to Assisi again.

Assisi was literally sandwiched between the clouds.  High on top of a hill the views were breath taking.

We had an excellent guide that took us through the little town. Here is all of Jason's class in the birthplace of Saint Francis. 

Jason took me on a glorious date at the top of the city overlooking one of the castles. It is one of my favorite memories of Assisi.

In the morning we climbed to the other side of the city. Stunning views and the clouds were magical.

I could have taken a picture at every street and around every corner. Assisi was full of picture perfect moments. Some of the smallest cars I have ever seen were there. Literally go-karts.