Happy New Year

Each year around this time we tend to reflect on what we achieved (or didn’t get around to doing) over the last 12 months.

Every year I set goals to better myself physically, mentally, and financially. I’m always trying to one up myself and become a better, stronger woman.

Last year was hands down one of the most difficult years of my life – and that’s saying a lot considering I’ve had years where the heat and electricity were off, there was no food, and I had to rotate showering at random friend’s houses so I wouldn’t get picked on for smelling like pee. (True story.)

2016 in Review

I went into 2016 really believing it was going to be “my year.” My hubby and I were doing really well in our marriage, I began making and selling my very own meaningful and heartfelt jewelry designs, and I had just finished writing my first book, Wifey 101.

A few months later I found out I was pregnant with our first born son.

Yep, I was certain “This is my year!!!!” I have always, always wanted to be a mommy.

I turned 30 in 2016

I remember being in my teens thinking about the day I’d turn 30 and how much I’d dreeaaad it. Funny enough, after living through my twenties I was SO ready to welcome a new decade filled with true happiness, love, maturity, wisdom, and stable career(s).

So far 2016 was going great; everything was smooth sailing. It was looking like I could have my cake and eat it too…until July came.

July 13th, 2016 I delivered my sweet first born son, Johnathan at just 17 weeks and 1 day. He was far too precious for this earth, and far too young to survive. I’ve never experienced such an excruciating pain. After this, the blows just kept on coming.

Happy New Home Owners?

My hubby and I were a week away from closing on our dream home when the bank found out there was a lien on this home. We wouldn’t be able to buy this home after all. That was quite a shocker. I mean, anyone who has bought a home knows that one week out you’re packed up and ready to move!

Trying To Be ‘Positive’

I suppose some people would straight up cry over this news, but frankly, I was still so numb from having just lost my son I couldn’t really care less. That loss was like nothing in comparison.

A few days later (when I realized we need to begin looking for a home again!) I found another home that was literally perfect in every way. I mean, it was 100X better than the previous home.

We absolutely fell in love with this home. It had a big back yard with an inground pool, half a basketball court, and plenty of room for gardening (my fav) …Just as our realtor was putting our offer together we got a call saying they found an old student loan for $52 THOUSAND dollars that landed in judgement and needed to be paid in full before the bank would give us a mortgage.

Ay Yi Yi

Well, that came out of nowhere. It had never shown up on any of Doug’s credit reports…and it took all of our savings. We ended up moving in with my in laws on November 1st in order to save up money (again) for a down payment.

Moving In With The In-Laws

On paper (or in a blog) this sounds SO awful. Not gonna lie, I was totally dreading moving into a home that wasn’t technically mine. Would I feel comfortable? Would I feel welcomed? Would my in-laws be really annoyed of us being there?

I am a grown woman who has been providing for myself and taking care of myself (and my younger siblings) since I was like 12 years old. (No joke, I lived with my friends, my mom’s friends, my mom’s ex boyfriend and bounced around everywhere in between while I was growing up…and when I was 19 years old and a freshman in college all three of my younger siblings came to live me—long story, but I share it in my book, Wifey 101.) Needless to say, I never really lived with ‘parents.’

I assumed moving in with Doug’s parents would be an absolute nightmare.

In No Rush

I am happy to report that my hubs may wanna hurry up, save money, and find our dream home – but I am perfectly content with my in laws. I mean, have you ever met the Hehner’s? Their the craziest family ever – but they’re also the most loving,caring and FUN family! I don’t know why I was so scared.

Doug’s dad cooks dinner almost every night and I have to literally pull our laundry out of Bonnie’s hands otherwise she’d do it all—all the while happily humming to herself. They just LOVE taking care of their kids. It’s a very strange world to me – but wow! I love it!

2016 Fooled Me

While this year had more ups and downs – well, really just more terrible downs – than I ever imagined, I have realized that I have a lot to be thankful for.

First of all, many marriages break up over losses and debt but somehow my marriage has only grown stronger and stronger. (NOTHING about Doug and me is normal…seriously.) Haha. 

I may be living with my hubby’s parents (with FIVE dogs, which makes it more dogs than people-ha!) but I really don’t have anything to complain about. We are SO blessed to have his parents helping us out during one of the biggest trials of our lives.

So yeah, we are ending 2016 feeling surprisingly blessed and fortunate…But don’t get me wrong – I am still so ready to say “GOOD RIDDANCE!”  “Bye Felicia!”  “ADIOS!” and “NEVER COME BACK!” to 2016! 🙂

Happy New Year

Tonight Doug and I are ringing in the New Year in the center of Times Square with our FYI family. We will be all over social media ready to bring in the New Year with YOU!

There’s no doubt this last year was a tough one on us, but I cannot begin to say THANK YOU enough to all of you who follow us. Doug and I are blessed with the most loving, supportive and encouraging FRANS (friends and fans) who we like to call our #MAFSFAMILY. I wish I could reach out and give each of you a big, warm hug and whisper ‘thanks’ in your ear. Every email, comment, etc. has shown more love and care than I could’ve ever imagined. We are genuinely SO THANKFUL for you and feel blessed to have your love, encouragement, and support during the good times and bad!

We hope you have an AHHHMAZING New Year!!!!

What does it take to be a good wife? God knows I had some trouble figuring that out. My past threatened my future, but I learned how to stop that from happening. If you’re struggling in the dating world — or if you’re engaged, a newlywed, a long time married veteran, you will feel a lot better about your relationship after reading about mine in my new book, Wifey 101: Everything I Got Wrong After Meeting  Mr. Right!

It’s on sale for less than $10 bucks on Amazon, B&N, and everywhere books are sold.  Grab your copy NOW! *Online only. (If you’d like to read chapter one for FREE just click here.) 

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