2013

I'm going to be honest with you. 2013 was not my favorite year. 

There. I said it. I put it out there. 

2013, see ya sucka'.

While there was the preciousness of Jack's first year of life (and oh, it was so, so precious), the joy of Scott's medical school graduation, the excitement of my sister getting married, the excitement of my husband's first paycheck, and the wonderful surprise of my job getting approved for long distance, there was also some other not-so-awesome stuff.

I am an optimist. If you read my blog, you know this to be true (maybe annoyingly true). But I do think that we learn from stressful situations, tear-filled nights, arguments, and loss. 

Moving thirteen hours away from my family? Not easy. Moving into a nasty apartment with a neighbor who constantly screamed at us to be quiet and our stuff all in boxes and my husband working two months of nights and me not knowing a single person? Not fun. A family member being carjacked and attacked one month after I'd moved away? Devastating and scary. Four of my friends having babies while I was away and couldn't help them and couldn't hold their sweet little ones? Big bummer. Being in Little Rock with my sons while my husband set up our new life in Virginia and being apart for nearly two months? Really difficult. A family member leaving to go to a dangerous country and fight for the freedoms we appreciate? A constant worry for my family. 

[My computer just sent me a random message that an error occurred. I'll take is as a sign that you get the point.]

2013 was a year of unexpected change. It was a year of growth. Mainly it was a year that left me looking like that picture above (minus the makeup and the neat-looking hair). It's been hectic. Insanely hectic. And exhausting--emotionally and physically exhausting. While I love the fact that my husband is finally in residency and doing what he loves, of course it's no secret that lots of the burdens of parenting and running a house fall on my shoulders. [Side note, Baby Ryan #3 will be making his/her appearance in FELLOWSHIP, people. That's in like five years, for you non-medical peeps.] 

My hope for 2014 is that it's a little bit calmer. A little bit less stressful. I'm glad my boys are getting to ages where each month seems easier than the last. I'm glad we're settled in our new home that I love. I'm glad we've got friends. I'm glad we have a church and a life group that we adore. I'm glad that my husband is loving his job. 

So there. I've been candid. 2013 was a year to remember. Maybe I'll laugh about all the craziness years from now. But for today, this first day of 2014, I'm glad to see a new year on the calendar. I'm glad to close that chapter of crazy. 

So, here's to 2014! I'm welcoming you with open arms (NOT criss-crossed arms), baby! :)