Reflecting on 2013

2013 as I mentioned in this post at the beginning of the year, brought about a lot of change/excitement/adventure for me and our little family. I think it's important to reflect on where you've been in order to allow yourself to move forward.

Our year started out with some heart break, it sucked quite frankly. We had to say goodbye to our sweet B after only 4 years with him. He was the best and no dog we bring into this family can fill his shoes but we did end 2013 by adding another Golden boy who needed a home, we welcomed Harry and I think him and B would have been buds.

We then bought a house after walking through it one time...we just knew this was the one for us and the God ordained moments to get us to where we are at now is nothing short of miraculous in it's own way. We sold our house before it even went on the market, we live down the street from our family who also happens to be our babysitters/lifesavers. We have had the most snow this winter that I can ever remember and we have a massive sledding hill in our front yard perfect for making memories.

Our little girl turned 3 and we got to celebrate by hosting our first birthday at the new house! She started preschool and is on her 2nd season with dance class.

Matt and I went on the vacation of our dreams to celebrate 5 years of marriage and doing life together as a couple. I am so looking forward to what the next 5 brings, I love him more everyday and am so thankful I said YES 6 years ago when he asked me to marry him.

I left my job and took a new job with the kennel that I grew up working at, it is 1.8 miles from my house and has given me so much time with my kids. It felt like going home, like they are my family and it's where I am supposed to be. It really has been one of the biggest gifts of this year.

Our little guy turned 1 and starting walking and sleeping through the night...although that would be nice if he could start doing that again :)

I traveled to Haiti with my sister and Visiting Orphans, getting to experience what life is like outside of my little comfort zone. It sparked something inside of me, the desire to bring my love for orphan care ministry and for serving others into this house and to our community. To share these stories and pictures with my children so they grow up knowing what goes on outside our neighborhood, outside our country and outside of our "normal" life. I want to spark something inside my kids, something that will give them a desire to be world changers, to live for the one who has given us all we are blessed with and to share that with others.

We hosted our first Christmas and opened our doors to friends and family, already allowing this home to be so much more than just a roof over our heads but a place to live life together and make memories.

My heart is so full after this last year, it feels ready to settle into this new place we are in but at the same time I don't want to get to comfortable, I want to be ready to jump up and scream YES if we feel called to make changes or make big leaps.

Thank you 2013...Welcome 2014 Let's Do This!