Dec 22

Dec 22 Cave Christmas Decor 2014 in 2015

Last year, I didn't have time to take photos of all our decorations before Christmas and post them to the blog. I had them ready for a January posting ,but didn't post it. Well come 2015, the last two weeks at work have been CRAZY! I haven't decorated at all! Seriously, I have our 6ft tree up, and skipped bringing down the 9ft tree. When we put the 6ft tree up, and then left it at that. Meaning, we didn't even put on the ornaments! Criminy! I can't believe it myself some days. As it's now only 2 days away from Christmas, I've given up on trying to do anything special and decided I would just write off this year's Christmas home decor as "just too bleeping busy!" It's been a learning curve with my new job and when our "busy" times are, so I'll be ready for next year.

However, since I did have a few pictures of last year's decorations, I figured should at least post these. These make me happy and make me want to bust out the decor and do a little decorating, but eh!. While the decor is not my standard in the household this year, my Christmas Spirit is there. Walking through the mall and other stores the other day helped cheer me up. Just all the lights, pretty decorations and finding people in such a joyful mood despite the mall being so packed, there was so much fun to look at. Even more, we helped a family out who didn't own a t.v., and another who was struggling to get her kiddos Christmas gifts. It was a warm and happy feeling to be able to help others. I'm so glad to be a part of something so special for someone else.

Christmas Eve my mom and I have reservations for tea and the Dallas Arboretum. I'm so excited about this event! I cannot wait to take photos and just be with my mom. It's going to be so special and I hope it's as magical as it looks from the photos I've seen online. Christmas day, we'll be spent with my Mom, Dad, and Brother. & later, we will spend time with the Caves, closer to New Years! So excited for a little time off work to spend with family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

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Sep 13, 2018

Senior - Ava || Legacy West

Sep 13, 2018

So this is 37. At the start of my birthday last year, I was at a time in my life where I had no idea what was ahead for me & I was still incredibly nervous about the idea that I was on my own. Alone. Then 6 months later, January is where being lonely, was something I was JUST getting used to. Then COVID happened, and I was forced to be alone, alone. All that to bring me here. In the midst of a pandemic, I celebrated my birthday, that fell on a Tuesday 😒, by working all day, and in the evening had a glass of champagne, my favorite cake from Whole Foods, and my baby girl Emilia with a mix of messages, texts, calls, and a couple of deliveries. In the end, it turned out to be a perfect mini solo celebration on a Tuesday evening. Maybe Tuesday’s aren’t so bad after all. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thank you to everyone who made me feel incredibly special today. It was a wonderful birthday. Cheers to 37! 🍾🎉🎉🎉

I don’t even have the words to describe how I have been feeling as of late. My hope is that we are loud enough so that THIS can no longer be ignored. #blackouttuesday

Today was so much fun. We attended #oprahs2020visiontour at @aacenter in Dallas. What a treat to finally see Oprah live. She’s incredible and I am so thankful I was able to see her live, but mostly thankful to do so with some incredibly strong local friends of mine. God is so good. He truly does have a plan far greater than you can ever imagine. My heart is happy. • “Be present, be in the now. Not the past, not the future. The best gift you can give yourself and those around you is, being present.” - Oprah #oprah #icaniwillwatchme #oprahs2020visiontour

Happy Valentine’s Day! I haven’t been posting to my feed as much these days, but this one needed to be documented. Last night I visited the @dallasmuseumart for member’s preview night before the “Flores Mexicanas” exhibit opens to the public. It was a beautiful exhibit. So small, uniquely curated, and yet so powerful. I also really enjoyed taking my time seeing the pieces, one by one, and soaking it all in. I was also just so proud of myself for actually going, alone. Being alone still feels rather new to me. It will be a year in March. I just can’t believe how time has flown. I question sometimes, what is this life? I did not plan this. But I keep going, with my head up, keeping busy, trying to be as positive as I can be, and slowly learning to let go of that I cannot control. Am I the happiest I’ve ever been? Not really. However, despite all that, I instead am mostly feeling grateful for this life of mine. How lucky am I to be experiencing what I one day only dreamed of being able to do. That right there just reminds me to keep dreaming, and while you’re at it, dream bigger.

Jan 11th and it finally “snowed.” It won’t last, but it’s appreciated. Let me remind youI am in Texas, where yesterday we expected hail & tornados, with the rain we got. My windows were open yesterday evening while we listened to the rain, and this was this morning. Ah Texas, you’re so weird, but it’s why I love you.

Yesterday’s lunch was so good. Today, I grilled steaks and had a salad. Going to finish taking down the Christmas decor. Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas from me & Emilia! I would love to post actual photos from today, but unfortunately the Rivera Family was under the weather this year and those photos will be kept private. We were just so happy we found the strength to come together for lunch, quality time, and gifts. Mom has the flu, dad is showing flu-like symptoms, I have a cough that makes me sound like a smoker, Arthur is good and continues to keep on truckin. I somehow managed to singlehandedly cook our entire turkey & sides meal, keep everything hot, and have a clean kitchen. It was fantastic. I raise my glass to my incredible Mamá @ebeth_rivera who’s taught me so much over the years, and because of that was prepared for such a day when I would have to step in to cook for us. • I have to admit just days ago I was not feeling the Christmas spirit, but since then, I have found it and am so thankful in my heart for where I’m at in life right now. I am so very grateful for the family and friends that continue to lift me up. It is because of you all, I have the strength and will to keep going, to keep being optimistic, to continue having hope. Thank you so much for those of you who have taken the time to spend your time with me and fill my cup. & to my beloved Emilia Bear who’s always by side. Everyday she’s my spark of happiness. She isn’t a very sensitive or emotional dog, but somehow she’s figured me out and knows when I need a cuddle, a kiss, or some extra love, and I love her for it. • I may be sick this evening, but I am healthy in spirit and love. Merry Christmas to you and your families. • 📷: @mollymurphyphotography

Every year for the past 5 years, my mom and I go out for high tea for Christmas. This year we opened it up for friends to join us in the experience @thefrenchroom_ in @theadolphushotel. It was so fun and the service and food were exactly as expected, wonderful. If you get a chance to go and enjoy afternoon tea with them, you should. I’m so happy we were able to enjoy this time with friends and celebrate the magic of this season. Thank you all for filling my cup. Today was exactly what I needed. Happy Holidays!

This family is just a gem. And that little baby Preston is just the cutest and happiest baby. Seriously, he’s always so happy, it’s contagious. I am so proud to be able to call this family my friends and in many ways, my family. Happy Holidays!!

Absolutely love this photo little Vayda with her mom and auntie. During this holiday season, be sure to take the time to love and hug your family. Remember they are your family, always and forever. #janetrcavephotography

Hello!

Dec 22 Cave Christmas Decor 2014 in 2015

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