This year has been mostly “business as usual” for my family, but there have been some big changes in my family of origin. We’ve been mostly just enjoying our lives, raising our kids, and caring for our many pets. Here’s a look back at this year for my family: 

In February, Cory and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary as a couple. 

That month, my Grandpa passed away. Although his walk with God was not always outwardly obvious, I have been assured that he did believe in Jesus, and as such I have a great hope that he is with the Lord now. My Grandma misses him, but is doing well.  

In March, we redid our backyard, adding a garden as well as a climbing structure, swingset, and sandbox for the kids.  

In May, we had our first family camping trip with just the four of us. We rented an RV and went to a local campground, and had a lot of fun.  

In June, we adopted our kitten, Leo. We also moved to a new church, and have found the most awesome new church family we’ve ever been a part of!  

In July, I turned 26.  

Also in that month, my family of origin moved to a new house, and my Grandma moved in with them. She now lives closer to me than she’s lived for many years, and I’ve been able to enjoy spending more time with her. 

In August, my older brother got married to my wonderful sister-in-law. It was a beautiful day of celebration! Cory, Cody, Abigail, and I were also thrilled to be in the wedding. 

That month, we also celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary, and Cory turned 27.  

In September, Abigail turned 1. 

My older brother joined the US Air Force and completed his basic training.  

In the fall, we also began homeschool pre-K with Cody.  

In October, Cody turned 4.  

In November, we became a Safe Families Host Family, and completed our first hosting. This is a ministry working in collaboration with our church, which provides temporary care to children in crisis.  

In December, I decided to shift my view of my {other} blog, Family on Purpose, to a hobby instead of a business. I also decided to retire my hopes for a coaching career, and instead focus on more productive things for me and my family. Even my birth education business is something I now consider more of a hobby, because quite frankly I don’t make nearly enough to cover the expenses. But I still very much enjoy blogging and teaching childbirth classes, so those are things I will continue to do. I love being able to help others through my writing, and through empowering parents to have better births.     

To end the year, we enjoyed a wonderful holiday season with our families.  

This year we also got San Diego Zoo & Safari Park passes, and we’ve enjoyed many trips to both parks.  

In 2019, I’m looking forward to continuing doing what we’re doing! Some goals I have are to pay off our credit card debt, have my dog Macy certified as a Canine Good Citizen, plant another successful garden this year, and improve and establish more routines and habits to help my home run smoothly. I’d also really like to learn how to play an instrument—and I’m leaning towards the drums!   

I want to continue to grow spiritually. I want to continue to actively walk with God, and see the Fruit of the Spirit powerfully in my life. I want to be even more consistent with reading the Bible daily, and I want to start taking time to study the word and memorize verses.  

I’ve never chosen a “word of the year” before, but this year I feel strongly about focusing on the word “peaceful.” No matter what ups and downs I experience, I want to be a person who remains peaceful, solidly anchored and resting in God’s hands.  

I hope you and your loved ones have a beautiful year in 2019.  

Happy New Year!