Of all my 28 years, I’d have to say 2018 was one of my absolute favorites. The most obvious reason for this is probably that we got to meet our sweet baby boy on January 14^th, but for slightly less obvious reasons, the life afforded to me this past year taught me so very much. I believe I became a better person: more patient, more empathetic and definitely more understanding. I saw myself become a better friend, a more faithful follower of Jesus, a humbled mother and even more grateful wife. I see the world a little differently now – with a sweeter outlook and deeper compassion for friends, family and even strangers.

highlights.

Fischer was born: Two weeks into the year and just 10 days before my 28th birthday, we welcomed our first baby into the world and to say it was the sweetest most challenging day of my life would be an understatement.

Travel: I’ve mentioned this before, but this year I was so grateful for the opportunity to travel. I used to think that starting a family meant that my wanderlust would be set on the back burner, but this year proved that notion wrong. We climbed mountains in Tennessee, walked to streets of Nashville, explored the island of Bermuda and even went to Hawaii with family.

Careers: We were so very blessed this year in terms of careers. I made the transition to work-from-home contractor and G received a sizable promotion and raise.

New Car: This one may seem sort of silly, but it was really fun for our family to be able to upgrade one of our vehicles. I’d been driving my car since my senior year of high school and G’s Camry was a hand-me-down from college. So, when the Camry died one night in March it was so exciting to replace it with an Acura RDX. So funny how big of a difference working locks, heated seats and a sweet sound system can make on long car rides (which we took many of this past year)!

Yes, 2018 was definitely one for the books. Each month seemed to bring our family something sweet – whether it was travel, additions to our friend group or simply getting to watch our son grow. I wouldn’t change a moment of this past year for anything in the whole world. If I had one word to describe this past year, it would definitely be grow. We grew as a family, I grew as a person and our friend group grew in numbers. A close second would be gratitude.

word for 2019

I’ve thought a lot about my word for this upcoming year and the one that keeps coming to the forefront of my mind is flourish. Last year felt as if we were building a foundation for such a beautiful life and this year my prayer for us is that we’ll flourish in it. A few things on my wish list for this year are that we’ll really set down roots in a church and get plugged in; that we’ll simply take our days slowly and relish in the here and now as a family of 3; that we’ll get to celebrate life’s ups and downs with friends and that we’ll forge new friendships in this home of ours.

So here’s to 2019 and to you, friends. Thanks for being here and for following along. Happy New Year to you and yours.. CHEERS!