highlight reel 2023
The word for this past year was “simplify” and when I initially reflected on the last 12 months, I felt more like I was failing (or maybe even flailing) than flourishing. Our year seemed packed to the gills, full of fun but oh-so busy. We had sports games and road trips and family visits and school and..and…and… But when I was honest with myself – simplifying is a lifestyle, a daily choice, a marathon of moments, and a constant family decision. I didn’t fail, I’ve only just started. We made great strides in finding an annual “groove” for us. We’ve identified the activities we most enjoy in each season and we put them on the schedule first. Slowly, we’ve found a basic rhythm for our week that has spots for church and school and chores and friends. I consider those victories!
And in no particular order, these are some of my favorite pieces of the last 365-day puzzle!
1. Being home with Asher for his first year. Even in my wildest dreams, I would not have imagined a life where I continue to pursue my professional goals, work, and be home for Asher (and all the kids) like I’ve been able to do for the past four years. It is a daily juggle (and we have the most amazing help in our Ms. Amber), but one I would never trade. This fits for us right now. My lunch breaks are often filled with snuggles and giggles, my commute is minimized, and my mornings and afternoons allow me extra time to spend with the kids or take care of chores that would otherwise keep me occupied until late into the night. *To be noted- life is extra full and the day-to-day feels like a complete grind, but I would choose this way over any alternative again and again.
2. Watching the sibling relationships grow. I think this has to be one of my favorite parts of parenthood. Each of the kids brings their own spiciness to the table. Jeremiah is our resident ball player, often sitting and playing softball/basketball/football with everyone. Lilly is a little mama and rule enforcer. You can find her giving kisses and snuggles, but also making sure Mom and Dad know when Asher is throwing trucks into the toilet or secretly climbing the furniture. Aiden is our tender-hearted, snuggly, rule follower. He looks up tremendously to Lilly and loves playing with her and all her older friends. Asher is endearingly named “Smasher” and will be our biggest challenge yet. He is strong-willed, vocal, stands his ground with the older kids, and is often found throwing his toys or pushing Aiden out of his face (because Aiden can never kiss him enough). We love watching them grow into little humans!
3. Building community in our neighborhood. We are incredibly thankful for the relationships we’ve forged these last 8 years in our amazing local community. We feel blessed to have people who would step in (and already have!) to care for the kids in some way, gather mail when we are out of town, share our nanny, enjoy dinner and drinks, or join us in a Fourth of July front yard bash. This picture below is probably my favorite of the year (big statement!) because most of these people have been a big part of keeping us afloat and encouraging us in some way. This “village” of ours is truly incredible.
4. Date Weekend to Delaware – Jeremy and I had a relaxing, fun-filled excursion to Dewey Beach for our first time this past July. We slept, we relaxed on the beach, found amazing brunch and seafood spots, and my fav- went paddle boarding together! Shoutout to my parents who held down the fort and spoiled the kids this weekend and SO many weekends to support our marriage and family.
5. I set some personal goals this year including 1) to read one book a month and 2) get back into working as a Nurse Practitioner. I’m pleased to report I met those and am super proud of myself for making time for my passions and what I love (outside of my favorite people!). In a season where it is easy to be lost in the day to day, I am grateful for the stamina that allowed me to push for what I need and want to be filled up.
6. This year we established (and continued others) some pretty wonderful, but simple family routines and traditions that we haven’t been able to accomplish in years past. Friday night pizza/popcorn nights are a new fan fav. One Saturday a month is “Donuts and {Home} Depot with Dad” Day. The kids look forward to those strawberry and sprinkle donuts with Jeremy all week! Lilly and I have a quarterly salon day where we get haircuts followed by burgers and milkshakes. We are thinking of calling it “S Squared” for salon and {milk}shakes for fun!
7. Birthdays! 16, 10, 3, and ONE! Jeremiah is in 11th grade and driving, Lilly is in 4th grade and a social butterfly, Aiden started preschool part-time and loves all things alphabet and numbers, and Asher is home and learning every nook and cranny of the playgrounds in the neighborhood.
8. Exploring NYC – We have taken full advantage of having family live right outside the city. This year we conquered the Bronx Zoo, seeing floats before the Macy’s Day Parade, and the NYC Museum of Natural History.
9. Bucket List Updates! We had the opportunity to cross off two local adventures from our family bucket list – The National Aquarium and The Air and Space Museum!
10. Extracurriculars! This was our first year with two kids in activities. Lilly is in her second year of chorus through her school and played both the spring and fall softball leagues. She’s not sure softball is her favorite, so we may be trying something new this spring. Aiden played on his first soccer team and excelled at chasing the herd of other 3 and 4 year olds, but Mom and Dad were pleased with the energy expenditure! Somehow, even Mom got roped into a sport- being named Aiden’s “Head” Soccer Coach!
If you made it this far, hoping and praying all of our family and friends have had their own memorable 2023 and are ready for a wonderful 2024! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!