Lessons Learned in 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Each year on New Year's we have the kids reflect on the past year and think about what they want from the new year.  We try to have them set goals, to reflect on lessons learned over the year, to see how much they've grown in 12 months, etc.

This year I've decided to do that as well.  A lot has happened in 12 months:

*Andy started a new job.
*Andy moved to Jax in January and I spent 4 months trying to sell our house and raise our kids alone.  
*We packed up our house and moved the kids across the country for the second time.
*Said "See you later!" to a lot of incredible people.
*Both kids started new schools.
*We all made new friends.
*We are in a long temporary living situation with most of our stuff in storage.
*We spent a week in Oregon without our kids - first time we'd been away from the kids overnight in over 5 years.
*Kendall started KDG at a new school, only knowing 2 people from preschool.
*Riley made a new best buddy who's family we adore.
*The kids earned Disney passes and have visited the "mouse" a lot in a few months.
*Kendall has a new BFF who will most likely end up being a life long friend.
*We are building our 4th house (in a row).
*We reconnected with dear friends here in Jax.
*Andy bought a new truck.
*Riley got baptized!
*Went to a NFL (Jaguars vs. Eagles) football game.
*We've traveled, A LOT!  Portland, Oregon, Kiawah Island, SC, Morganton, North Carolina, Las Vegas, Nevada, State College, PA, Hershey, PA, Lancaster, PA, and Orlando, Fl  
*We went to our second Monster Energy Cup Supercross in Vegas
*We met my parents at the Penn State vs. Michigan football game
*Kids learned to surf at Gromfest
*Riley got a new/bigger dirt bike
*Kendall got a dirt bike
*Kids earned passes to Adventure Landing Waterpark
*We visited Legoland for Riley's birthday
*We attended lots of festivals and holiday related festivies
*We skied A LOT (and with a lot of friends)
*Andy took Kendall to her second Daddy/Daughter dance at church
*We all survived a full year without our dear sweet Penton 

Reflections on the lessons learned in 2013:

I am stronger than I ever knew.

I am capable of more than I realized.

My kids are my rock when I feel uncertain and anxious.

Family isn't who you share DNA with but who you choose to let in and trust with your heart.  A part of my heart will always be in Utah with our family there.

People who are insecure can be the loudest people in the room.  They have a tendency to overcompensate for their lack of true confidence in who they are and feel the need to brag or become jealous when someone else has the spotlight.  It's often best for me to just walk away.

Some people need to step all over your feelings to in order to feel better about themselves.  Those same people will teach their children to behave likewise and it shouldn't surprise you when their child does the same to your child.

It will always break my heart to see my children's hearts break.

Whenever I start to feel alone, I need to get on my knees.  Jesus is always with me, no matter what.

It's okay to stand up for what you believe, even when everyone else around you believes you are wrong.  There is nothing wrong with being an "outcast."

Sometimes you need to bite your tongue even if it feels like you are going to bite right through it.

Busyness can be a dangerous thing when it comes to preserving relationships.

You need to live your life intentionally.

I will speak up for those I love and respect when someone talks negatively about them in my presence.  

Church needs to always be a priority for our family.  It keeps us all grounded in the Word.

My bible needs to be read often.

Sometimes bad things happen for good reasons.

My mom has been and always will be my "go to" person.  I trust her with my heart and know she will always be my biggest fan while telling me the truth no matter how difficult that may be.

My daughter continues to make me laugh on a daily basis with her witty remarks while my son challenges me and helps me to grow in areas where I'm weak.  

Tuition for a good Christian school is the best money we've ever spent. Our kids love Jesus and have a solid understanding of God's love for humanity.

Don't take people or opportunities for granted.  Don't put off what you can do now because you don't know what your future holds.

Lessons learned will always be a valuable experience, no matter how painful.

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!