A Review of 2013

2013 was an incredible year filled with amazing accomplishments, vacations and memories. Here is a review of my 2013. 

January 2013

Nothing too exciting happened in January, but does it ever? I spent almost every weekend doing homework and staying inside to avoid the dread of winter. In one of the hundreds of get to know you fads on instagram my brother phil posted a pic and a heartwarming comment about me. Isn't he sweet?

Love my Bro! BFF! 

February 2013

Well, February made up for a dull January. As a single girl I am not too fond of February, I dread the moment everything in the store turns from red and green to red and pink. Hearts, Love and Baby Cupids fill all the empty spaces everywhere I turn. It's overwhelming and saddening that another year has gone by and I still haven't found my sweetheart (my human one at least). However, this February was different. I finally realized that Valentines is not necessarily singled out to romantic love. Valentines Day allows us to celebrate all the love we have in our life from family and friends. 

My Friend, Debbie Dubois  left some Valentine surprises for me to help me realize that I have great friends and am loved by many. My Brother Phil sent flowers to my work to remind me that I am a special part of his life and loved and admired by him. 

With Valentines over, February 15 brought lots of happiness and joy. First, my baby Oliver turned 1 years old. I invited my family over for  birthday party. It was lots of fun! Oliver got a special dinner and homemade cupcakes for dessert. He was as handsome as ever and seemed to enjoy his party.

Dinner and Dessert

PARTY!

Yummy in his Tummy!

Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Blowing out Candles

PRESENTS!

Happy 1st Birthday Oliver

Second, After years of waiting my best friend Lauren gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Although, her journey is one no woman should ever have to face she went through it with grace and valor. Parker Vincent Ricci was born on February 15, 2013. He has brought her so much joy and I am so happy for her. I can't wait to watch their bond continue to grow. 

A week after his birth I finally met the long awaited miracle. I can't believe how small he was and what wonderful parents Mike and Lauren were (and continue to be). I love my little P-Bug and can't wait to see him grow up and become a big brother. Congrats to the Ricci's on an amazing 2013!

The Ricci's

Parker Vincent Ricci
7 days old

A Family of 3

Our First Meeting

Lucky Charm Jammies from Aunt Whitney

March 2013

March brought a much needed family vacation to Maui, Hawaii. What a beautiful place. It was so fun and relaxing. We stayed in an incredible resort on Kannapali beach. We spent 10 days playing on the beach, snorkeling, shopping and eating wonderful food! 

Huntsman Can't Run without Me!

Humidity Hair

First Stop, BEACH! 

Heaven in a Bag!

Hotel View

Black Sand Beach

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Mama's Restaurant… best meal I've ever eaten

Perfection

Families are Forever

Road to Hana

Luau

Luau 

Snorkeling and Whale Watching

Shaved Ice Deliciousness

Zip lining through the "Mountains"

Family that plays together stays together

April 2013

After returning home from a nice family vacation my dad was laid off. I was so angry and hurt that a company that he put so much work into treated him so horribly. My heart hurts for him as he is in the prime of his life and only had a few more years to put in until retirement. I don't understand how people can continually lose their jobs at 60. It's unfair and should be illegal. He continues to interview for jobs, volunteers for the church and spends time helping my mom around the house and picking up Oliver when I have to work late. I love my dad more than words can ever say and I hope 2014 brings him all the happiness in the world. 

Daddy Daughter Love

2 of my Favorite Boys

On the up side, I did win an egg decorating contest at work. 

May 2013

May was bittersweet. Our family dog of 16 years got really sick and started having seizures. As a family we decided to put him down. It was sad letting him go but know he is running around heaven with all the other dogs. It's still weird to go over to my parents and not have Kirby sleeping on the cement or howling at the birds. Both Oliver and I miss him so much.

Kirby Houser

On a happier note, Oliver and I celebrated our one year anniversary. To this day, I can't imagine my life without him. I have no idea how I survived this world without his love. For all you who don't have dogs it's really hard to explain the bond between dogs and humans, But I am here to testify it is real and is life changing.

Best Year Ever

A stroll in the Park

On May 23, I turned 28. I had a good celebration at work and went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner with my family. As nervous as I am to get older I can't help but think my late 20's have really been the best years of my life. I know who my true friends are, own my own house, make my own decisions, have a good job. I basically have everything I put on my where do you think you will be in 10 years sheet in high school. I am still missing one big part of my life that I thought I would have accomplished by now. I for sure thought I wouldn't be single at 28 but I am and that's okay. I hope that 2014 brings me love and happiness in whatever way I need.

BIRTHDAY FUN

On May 31, I finished my thesis for my masters degree. It is still surreal to think, I have a masters degree in nursing. I am so proud of myself for completing the program in 1 year. I learned so much about what I love and hate in the nursing field. I am looking forward to the opportunities my degree brings me later in life.

June 2013

June was spent enjoying the sun and hanging out with family and friends!

Alpha Phi Boat Trip

July 2013

July was such a fun month! On July 4th, my family and I went tubing down the Provo river. A girls night and ghost Stories on July 9th. Graduation on July 16th and a celebratory trip to Vegas with Debbie at the end of the month. I gave myself lots of expensive presents and they were totally worth it!!!

Summertime

Girls Night

Cafe Rio, Up House and Ghost Stories!

Vegas Baby!

Love at First Sight

Beatles Love

Girls Night

Graduation

Love my Louis! 

It's Official

WOOT WOOT

August 2013

Rest and Relaxation!

Bee's Game with the Phi's

September 2013

Welcome Fall! I love Fall and the tempatures start to cool but it is still warm enough to be outside. I love Football Saturdays and changing leaves. I love leggings and sweaters and soup for dinner.

Oliver completed his first 5K on September 21. A bunch of us Alpha Phi's completed the Heart Walk in Sugarhouse. It was really and good exercise!

Breaking Bad kept me on my toes all season. It ended perfectly. I went through a withdrawal when it ended.

October 2013

Another great month! October 8 was my parents 30th wedding anniversary. What a great accomplishment. I know marriage is hard and my parents have had their ups and downs but I am grateful they've remained strong and steady in their marriage and get to enjoy their "senior" days together. :)

My Brother Phil won a calendar photography contest for Mountain America Credit Union. I am so proud of him and am in awe of his artistic talent.

Wildflowers, Albion Basin Utah

Oliver was a bear for halloween this year. Isn't he adorable?

November 2013

On November 4th, the Alpha Phi House on the University of Utah Campus was dedicated. It was such an awesome experience to watch the house transform from a building with 4 walls to a warm home filled with love. It was such an honor to meet the Alpha Phi International President. I love advising the collegiate members on service on philanthropy. I love Alpha Phi more than words can ever say. It was honestly one of the best decisions of my life. AOE. 

Alumnae Pride 

Last minute I decided to go to a brain tumor conference in Vegas. My mom tagged along and we had a great time shopping, relaxing and laughing. We staying in an interesting hotel that had a horrible continual breakfast. Although, the hotel and food were horrible we made great  memories. I learned a lot about helping brain tumor patients and hopefully am more sympathetic and a better nurse to my patients. 

Diet Coke Lovers

After 18 months, Catching Fire (the Sequel to the Hunger Games) the movie was released. All of us are slightly obsessed with the  books and look forward to dressing up for the movies. We ate a delicious dinner at Wingers and then headed over the the movie. The movie was so good and did not disappoint. 

Last year my family ran the Human Race 5k on Thanksgiving morning. This year we decided to do it again.  Proceeds from the race go to the food bank, this year they raised over half million dollars for the Utah Food Bank. It is so much fun to get some exercise and donate to a good cause. It's the perfect way to start the holiday season. 

Turkey Trot

Fun times with the Fam

December 2013

The Annual Alpha Phi Ugly Sweater Party is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It is so fun to dress in crazy Christmas attire and laugh with your girlfriends. This year all of us brought goods to give to the YWCA. I love giving to others and am so proud to associate myself with strong women who feel the same. 

Phil's Final Project for his photography class was having a photo show. Again, I am so proud of him and all his handwork. He is so talented I can't even believe some of the photos he takes they are so incredible. I always joke that he got all the artistic genes. 

Christmas was as much as ever at the Houser household. Phil and I were spoiled this year with lots of gifts and family activities. I stayed at my parents the whole week it was fun to eat 3 meals together, go shopping and play games. I love spending time with my family during the holidays. 

2013 was filled with homework, accomplishments, celebrations, travels, hope, love, shock and lots of hard work. I met some amazing patients this year, lost way too many, some "beat the odds" while others weren't so lucky. Overall, 2013 was a pretty great year and I am looking forward to a great 2014.

Here's to a Fabulous 2014! Love Always, Whitney