Hi everyone! Happy New Year! I know….it’s been way too long
since I last blogged. It seems like I always have great ideas to blog about,
but then things come up that I need to get done and I push it to the side. I am
going to try to step up my blogging game in 2014. And speaking of the New Year,
I have decided to do a top 10 list of the most memorable happenings in our life
in 2013. These are not in any particular order, so here we go:
1. WEDDINGS
This
was the year of weddings for us. My brother got married in January, and then it
was weddings, weddings, weddings all year! We helped my brother, two of my
cousins, and lots of friends celebrate their marriages. We traveled to St.
Louis, Kansas City, Colorado, and all over Omaha to partake in these happy occasions.
We were also fortunate enough to be asked to participate in some of these
weddings – our titles included: photographer, bridesmaid, officiant, ring bearer and host
couple.
In January of 2013 Briton was only 2 months old. So 2013 was his year of firsts. Some of these firsts included: smiling, laughing, his first tooth, crawling, dancing, walking, talking (a little), his first hair cut, and many more. It’s crazy to think that in one short year – such a little person can learn and do so much! I am thankful to God for blessing us with a healthy, happy, active little boy – and I am praying for many more years of firsts for him!
3. DEATHS
Although
we had a lot of happy times in 2013, it was also a very tough year for Alex and
his family. Alex lost two of his Grandpa’s within months of each other. They
were both wonderful men and I am so grateful that Briton was able to get to
meet and spend time with both of them.
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| Grandpa Bob |
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| Grandpa Teef |
I
got a new job this year. I am still teaching Special Education, but I now work
in the Millard Public School district. I loved my old job and the students – it
was a great 5 years, but it was time for a change and I am now so much closer
to my family. This first half of this school year at the new job has been
wonderful and it’s safe to say it was a good move for me.
5. OUR HOME
We
have been in our home of over a year and a half now, and 2013 was not a good
year for our home. We got a couple bouts of bad weather this spring and the
house took on some damage. There was a hailstorm that completely destroyed the
roof – which has now been replaced. And then there was a windstorm that knocked
down huge limbs (I’m talking huge) from our front tree that landed on our roof
and all over our front yard. Let’s just say, it was not a fun mess to clean up.
After it was all said and done, it could have been a lot worse – and I’m
thankful it wasn’t!
6. BIRTHS
In
2013 we had two nephews and one niece that were born into this world. Alex’s
sister Chelci and brother-in-law Bill had their third little boy (Charley) in
July. My oldest brother Jason and sister-in-law Stacie had a little boy
(Waylon) in October. And my second brother Danny and sister-in-law Whitney had
a little girl (Clara) in December. All three of them are so precious and so
darn cute! We love being an Aunt and Uncle, and more births means more cousins
for Briton! And we love cousins!!!
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| Charley! |
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| Waylon! |
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| Clara with Uncle Alex |
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| Clara with Aunt Erin |
7. ANNIVERSARY
We
celebrated our 3-year wedding anniversary this summer! Although 3 years is not
that long in the grand scheme of things, it has felt so much longer – which in
my opinion is a good thing! This year has been a roller coaster of emotions with
a new baby, loss of family members and welcoming new family members, but I
wouldn’t want to experience any of it without Alex by my side. So here’s to 3+
years of wedded bliss, and God willing many many more!
8. FALL
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| Celebrated our Anniversary in downtown Denver - look at me, I could drink for free! |
8. FALL
Fall
is by far my favorite time of year, and 2013 was no exception! This fall was
very busy and fun for our family! Once school started back up we got back into
a routine of daycare and work – which was good for all of us. Briton went to
his first college football game, and got to see cousin Joel score a touchdown!
We also took Briton to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, he’s still a little too young to
enjoy it, but we got some great pictures. Since Briton’s Birthday is two days
after Halloween, this passed year was his first Halloween. Unfortunately, he
was sick and didn’t get to go trick-or-treating, but he didn’t seem to mind. We
did get some pictures of him in his costume though.
9. BRITON TURNS ONE
Another
reason I love fall is because that is when my sweet baby boy was born! Briton
turned one year old on November 2, 2013. We had a big party for him and lots of
family and friends were able to attend. The theme of his party was paper
airplanes – it was a lot of fun, he loved his cake, but was not too interested
in opening any presents. My baby is now a little boy, and I’m excited to watch
him grow in year two!
10. HOLIDAYS
We
are fortunate enough to get to spend the holidays with both of our families.
Although at times I get sad that the holidays will never again be the same as
they were when I was growing up, I get excited that Briton is starting to make
his own memories with us and both my family and Alex’s family. In 2013 our
holidays were spent with lots of food, out of town family members, great
conversation, games, friends coming to visit, hot tubing, remembering our
Savior, and celebrating both of our birthdays.
The year 2013 was an amazing year, and we continually pray
that we will be blessed with many more years together. My prayer for myself and
for all of us in the year 2014 is that we will seek the Fruits of His Spirit and that those fruits will be a light to all of those around us!
Happy New Year Everyone!
