Happy New Year! I wanted to write a year-end post before Christmas, but things got away from me. So, here I am now with a short recap of my family’s year:
Ben had one of the busiest years to date. He finished his final year of schooling (I mean, hopefully. Never say never, I guess). He successfully presented and defended his dissertation, and he submitted said dissertation once and for all less than 48 hours ago. He is done! When updating friends and family, many have expressed that they thought he already graduated, so if you thought the same, don’t feel bad! But now you would be correct!!! After more than a decade of schooling, him graduating feels surreal and I don’t think it’ll sink in until next semester but we are so grateful, so relieved, just so HAPPY to have this goal be achieved. The road has been long and just completely indescribable but I’m so proud of Ben! He also got a job and has been working this last semester as an assistant teaching professor and has been loving it! He’s looking forward to enjoying his job without the additional load of completing a dissertation this upcoming semester. And he had an opportunity to go teach a two week course in Shanghai, which he returned from two days before Christmas (if you’re wondering why I’ve been a bit absent this month, that’s why!).
My year was full to the brim, mostly with family stuff but also with sewing, reading, running and hiking. I worked a lot on my English Paper Piecing this year, which is always a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the quiet moments. I was also very busy working with our church’s youth group this year and one of the things we did together was train for and then hike the Grand Canyon. It was gorgeous and amazing and I’m so glad I had that opportunity.
Wendy finished Kindergarten this year and then started 1st grade, which she is loving. She often expresses her wish that school wasn’t just during the week, but also on the weekend–that’s how much she loves school (except for PE). For her 7th birthday, she asked to get her ears pierced. I thought it was a wish that would blow over, but for weeks she would wake up early and craft her own earrings that she’d tape to her ears, so we figured the wish wasn’t going anywhere and she got her ears pierced. She said it didn’t hurt at all, which made us think that she’s channeling her Papa Brian’s motto that “fear ain’t a part of [her] life.” She’s a fun, friendly and clever girl.
Greta (5), started half-day Kindergarten this year and has (mostly) been loving it. She was a little bit incensed that she wasn’t reading books after the first week, and wondered if her teacher was a quack, but she’s come around. She enjoys her teacher and class and has been reading some books and enjoying the power that comes with that skill. She is our most helpful kiddo and even enjoys cleaning her room. She also loves helping in the kitchen, playing with her siblings and playing games.
Owen, in his 2 short years, has already given me more heart attacks as well as more snuggles than the girls have combined. He is a whirlwind of energy and emotion and it’s a wild ride! He is talking quite a bit and has already shown his cards as a teaser. He likes to accuse every one around him as the reason for the smell when he’s due for a fresh diaper. For a time, he referred to me as “Mommer.” And he loves pretending to be a baby by crawling around and saying, “goo goo.” He loves being outside, playing with cars and balls, and watching Cocomelon and only Cocomelon and we’re losing our minds over here. He adores his sisters and wants to be just like them.
Honestly, I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced a year similar to this one. It felt almost exclusively bonkers and blessed, almost always both things at the same time. We’ve had some incredible victories amid some very difficult struggles. But we’ve felt both peace and power from our Savior, Jesus Christ, that have made the victories sweeter and the burdens easier to carry. Here’s to hoping everyone a happy, abundant, and peaceful new year!
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