Happy 2020! I just love the fresh start feeling of the New Year as it’s always a great reminder to reflect and celebrate victories of the previous year, or in this case the previous decade. Each year, I look forward to these posts as a way to count the fruit. You can read previous posts here: 2018 and 2017.
January
- I kicked off my One Little Word rest in hopes of prioritizing resting secure in God, cultivating a life of less, drawing from an overflow of rest, listening to my body and heard, and resting and rejoicing in growth and change.
- Our sweet Chloe turned 5!
- We survived snowpocalypse 2019 – about 20 inches of snow.
- I started watching The Office after finishing up Friends in 2018.
- Kevin and I tried some new restaurants. Le Bao and 44 Canteen were two of our favorites.
- We were regulars at Fuzzy’s Trivia on Thursday nights.
February
- I started meeting with a counselor on a weekly basis.
- I went to California with Mom and Grandma to celebrate my cousin Mia’s birthday. I was in love with the lemon trees growing fruit in the winter.
- My small group friends and I make prayer binders for a craft night.
- I made the best watch face of all time.
- I worked lots of overtime.
March
- Kevin and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary the best way we know how – with some amazing food!
- I created a gallery wall (with my absolute favorite photos) that brings a smile to my face every single time I see it.
- We tried Mod Pizza with our friends, Jeff and Taylor. Somehow I ended up with dairy free cheese.
- I started using Monat hair products and saw huge changes in my curls.
April
- We celebrated our Three Year Highridge Ranch-iversary. I just love this space that’s all ours.
- Our friend, Taylor, moved in with us. It was such a sweet season of spending time together and watching all the Bachelorette and Fixer Upper.
- I ripped out the roses in our front garden beds.
May
- Taylor and Jeff left Columbia for the last time as residents.
- Kevin and I bought a Honda CRV!
- I listened to Sabbath Practice podcast from Bridgetown Church (it was amazing!).
- The Stanley Cup Finals put me in a state of anxiety during every single game.
- I took a watercoloring class with Bohemia’s School of Artistry and learned so much about light and blending.
June
- WE WON THE STANLEY CUP!
- We went to the Stanley Cup parade in Downtown St. Louis – the best.
- Books Read: The Five Intentions: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully, Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Bread Bad Ones, The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own, and Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People, The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships
July
- We celebrated 4th of July in Hamilton with Sarah, Cole, Andrew, Alexa, and Josh.
- We went to Weston, MO for a distillery tour, delicious BBQ, and cave bars.
- We celebrated Grandma’s 75th Birthday!
- I committed to volunteering with Compass 31.
- Book Read: Girl, Stop Apologizing
August
- I celebrated my 28th Birthday (and make white chocolate raspberry cheesecake to celebrate!)
- Mom and Dad took the family to the Lake of the Ozarks for a long weekend.
- Kev’s students moved to campus and he officially became “coach”.
- We wrapped up the month with the annual Family Golf Tournament.
- Kevin and I invested in a record player and spent time searching for gems at the record store in town. Our faves: Eric Church, Billy Joel, and Paul Simon.
- Kevin got me a legit Poloroid camera.
- I graduated from weekly counseling to only going on an as needed basis.
- Books Read: The Coddling of the American Mind, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, A Love Letter Life: Pursue Creatively. Date Intentionally. Love Faithfully.
September
- Kevin and I celebrated 10 years together!
- Willow gets a forever home and Chloe gets a new best friend.
- My first Compass 31 product launch went live with all new products in their shop.
- I started leading a college juniors small group at our home.
October
- Sarah and Cole sold their house next door and officially move; it was the most sad.
- We helped host a dope homecoming tailgate.
- First snow of the season (WHY THOUGH?)
- My team celebrates me well with Ketchup on Bosses Day.
- Books Read: Afraid of All the Things, Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation
November
- Kevin’s Rocket League team wons the NACE Championship and was undefeated in their inaugural season!
- We put up the Christmas Tree.
- I participated in the Live2Lead Event at work and got to see Rachel Hollis speak – I’m a fan.
- We spent Thanksgiving with Claire and Michael and I made my first pumpkin pie.
- I went to VU’s Feast Forum and got teary-eyed over the gratitude and goodness of my workplace. I’m so thankful.
- I spent Black Friday with Grandma and we shopped til we dropped.
- I tried my hand at cooking vegan at home and found some new recipes to incorporate into our regular routine.
- Book Read: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
December
- I watched 12 Christmas movies before Christmas.
- I completely caught up on Project Life – so now I have printed photos from 2013 – present.
- Mom and I dressed our dogs up in matching PJs.
- VU hosted an incredible Holiday Party, as always!
- We made gingerbread houses at work.
- Books Read: Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service, In His Image, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World