The cards went in the mail today so I guess I should finish the "2023 Year in Review!" I apologize for the huge font, I am seriously pushing 50 and I can't see anything anymore with or without my glasses!
Every year I mention it is busier than the last, or crazier, and honestly who knows at this point. Life is a wild, beautiful ride and it can be wonderful, boring or excruciating all in the same day. Here goes, I will hit some high lights. For the sake of a year end letter, the year starts in December. We did not travel last December but did enjoy some down time here just before Christmas and it was actually pretty nice (we are crazy and fly out tomorrow for either a few beach days or waiting out Tropical storms, praying for the best!) The kids, my sister, parents and James's mom were all here for Christmas (eve maybe?) I did not take a single picture so that usually means it was a good time. I mostly remember that unborn Eden got more presents than anyone combined. We already loved her soooo much, and we had no idea how much that would grow in a year.
January was its typical blur of cold and not much else. I remember finishing up my kitchen remodel in there. I do absolutely love my new kitchen! Eden was due in April so baby watch was on high alert.
In February Paige and Peyton turned 23, they were over sometime near their birthday and it was warm enough for James to use his flattop and do so pretty amazing hibachi.
Ended March and started April at a small group couples' retreat at Starved Rock State Park. It was a cold, rainy weekend but we still had a fantastic time even with no hiking!
In May we celebrated a few more birthdays. Grandma Pat and Gram both had birthdays. Paige had her first Mother's Day. James and I took a pretty awesome trip (education for me!) to the Florida Keys and enjoyed the beautiful drive through the Keys. Took the required "southernmost spot in the US" picture. I don't really care to return to Key West again but I am glad we got there once!
We managed to get most of us in a family picture for Isaiah Tidwell's graduation party!
In June we took off for Bradenton again to spend our 15th anniversary. The Ketcherside family joined us for part of our stay. We had a great time on the beach and boating! Absolutely grateful for such good friends in our lives and incredibly grateful for fifteen crazy full years of marriage.
In July we celebrated my favorite holiday (the 4th of course). Reese went to volleyball camp in Wisconsin. We enjoyed the long days and I tried to sit out by my fire pit in the evening as much as possible. We love every minute we spend with Eden! I turned 49 in August. We celebrated my sister Jamie's birthday in August as well. Summer goes sooo fast. I know many people love the cool fall weather but I go into the colder, darker months pretty much kicking and screaming.
Regardless of how I feel about it, September and fall did arrive. I consoled myself with enjoying the start of Reese's volleyball season and a new Jeep sweatshirt! I am loving every second of watching Eden grow and she is sooooo smiley!
October is hard. It just is. I tried to appreciate the changing leaves and James having a birthday, but it is just full of hard memories and the season changing somehow reminds me so much of them! But God is still so good! Busy with volleyball, Reese went on a volleyball trip to Pensacola. We had a volleyball Weiner roast and the weather was terrible! The girls played volleyball in the rain and dark!
Looking forward to the new year. Excited to watch Eden grow and change. James making some shift adjustments at work. Praying for health for so many family, friends and co-workers who are struggling this year. One of the verses I clung to this past year:
Super distracted this morning replaying a tough week. But mostly watching James on a ladder finish up some tree decorating. He is quite literally the best man I have ever known and I am excited to spend a week with him, the kids (possibly all huddled during a tropical storm). Excited for all that is in store for 2024!
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