At the start of the new year, I think it’s important to sit down and review the past year. I know it’s not January 1 anymore but hey, at least I got it done before the month ended! It’s a great way to discover where there are opportunities for growth and to celebrate any achievements. Considering 2018 was my first “official” year of blogging, this is a great exercise to do and I’m excited to share it with you all. I think that’s because the more I think about it and talk about it here and there, the more I want to share this journey of growth. Years and years from now I want YOU to be able to look back on this time and feel inspired with me. I’m just a girl that has a dream of living on land someday with Stephen, our children and animals, while serving my community by sharing ways we find joy and craft a purpose-filled and loved home. I, just like the rest of you, started at ground zero. Look how far we’ve come already!

LIFE EVENTS

I think the biggest feat of 2018 would be finishing up the building and purchasing of our first house. It was somewhat of a stressful time but we were fortunate enough to live across the street with our good friends, Laura and John. We had a blast and were so thankful for them and that time. We also only had a couple of things broken on that PCS (for non-military people – it’s moving from one base to another) which was a big win in our book.

We officially hit our one year mark of trying for a Baby T which meant according to the doctors definitions, we were officially battling infertility. I stooped to some of my lowest of the lows. But PRAISE GOD! I FINALLY threw up my hands and gave Him full control. The way my heart and faith changed in 2018 was life altering for me. Stephen and our marriage have also been along the same trajectory which is even more proof to me that there is purpose in the pain.

We went to the local Sweet Potato Festival to find some buy and somehow ended up with another puppy, Brooke. Man oh man is she a little ball of fun! She constantly keeps us on our toes.

We survived two CCL surgeries for Adi. Her 6 week post-op x-rays were last week and were great! While this seems pretty minor looking back on it, it was not at all at the time. We made it though! We can’t wait until she’s fully recovered.

BLOG

I made my first dollar from this side-hustle of mine! I am far from making a full-time income but it’s more than zero! For me that was really exciting and a big accomplishment, even though it was monetarily small.

A lot of the content I shared on here I was dang proud of. It took a good bit of work and seemed to help a lot of you. That makes me really happy!

I started to DREAM BIG about where I plan to take this blog and community. I also hit me that while working full-time, I can’t do this on my own. Right before the year ended, I finally decided to ask for help. That’s a big deal for me, guys. I’m really glad I did it though. I’m so excited for what’s to come with my little team and how we can grow this community together!

I’ve learned a lot in this year of blogging. Most importantly, I’ve learned more about what content will best serve you all. It’s flat out fun to hear your opinions and to learn about what you guys are loving. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support and your willingness to stick with me!

Top Posts from 2018

Brown Butter Sweet & Salty Cookies (at the very end of 2017 but it’s that good it deserves to be this list!)

Why We Live on One Income – Our Biggest Financial Goal

The Bridesmaid Dress Experience with Azazie

Our Infertility Journey

How We Paid Off Our New Car and How You Can Do It Too

AREAS FOR GROWTH

Here comes the tough part… I’ve learned through multiple podcasts and books that this here is the key to reviewing a year – the areas for growth. I looked through my agenda book to determine how I spent most of my time and asked Stephen, “What could we have done better in 2018?” Here are the areas and ways I can grow:

One thing Stephen and I agreed we wish we would’ve done more of this year was gone on more trips. Even if they were small. We love doing things like that and we barely did any this year. I also wish we would’ve tried more donut shops. I don’t know how I missed the mark on that one.

I could’ve been more intentional with my time. I spent a lot of time running around like a chicken with my head cut off while trying to get way too many things done at once. Along the same lines, Stephen truly believes we need to be better about planning out our time. We got a calendar to stick on the fridge so that we’re both in the loop with what we have going on. I’ll report back to you all about how it goes!

I made too many unnecessary purchases. I got caught up in the belief that I had to buy new things in order to produce more content. Don’t get me wrong, new stuff makes it easy to produce NEW content but that’s all it really is… Stuff. That’s not who I am and that certainly doesn’t help me get closer towards my dream.

I didn’t finish ONE BOOK! One book, you guys! That is absolutely pathetic. Apparently now that I’m out of school, I don’t think feel like I need to read anymore? If anything, now is when I SHOULD be reading!

More Bible study. This will be an area for growth for the rest of my life! I can never read, learn, or grow too much in my faith. That’s one thing I know for sure.

I can’t wait for 2019 has in store for us and for this blog! Thank you all SO MUCH for this support. Next up… 2019 GOALS! Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and join our exclusive Facebook group. We’d love for you to join us!

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