The 13 and 14

Wow! November 22nd was a very long time ago. And so much has happened.

Long story short, we've moved to Texas! Blake got a job with the railroad and we are loving it here so far. If you don't already know the story (I would think most of my readers do, but you never know who is reading the blog these days!) and would like to, leave a comment.

But I digress. I requested a repeat list of the 12 and 13 from my friend, Kate, and the reason I have broken the blog silence is because she agreed to post her list on the condition that I post my own. So my dear, this is for you! (And for any of my sad, post-deprived readers. You know who you are... Beth... :))

***

This has been a joy for me, even more than last year. It has really given me the chance to reflect on where I've been, how I've grown and changed, and where I'm going. Make your own lists, if you feel so inclined.

In no particular order...

13 Great Things from 2013

1. Giving birth. Feeling my water break, driving to the hospital... it really was/is such an exciting feeling. Yes, it certainly is a lot of work (labor), both during and for weeks after, but I wouldn't trade giving birth for anything.
2. Our family trip to Yellowstone.
3. Extensive growth personally and in our marriage. Life is sweet.
4. Overcoming challenges regarding parenting and breastfeeding.
5. Spending lots of meaningful time with the Briggs Family over the holiday season. One of the happiest seasons I can remember.
6. Eliza becoming interactive. Don't get me wrong--I've always loved her, but I feel like now I have a companion of sorts. Someone who listens to me, responds, laughs at my jokes, and smiles when I smile.
7. Spending many, many wonderful days with Beth in the Orem House. Some of the best days of my year were spent laughing with her in the kitchen.
8. {Bittersweet} Moving away from Orem and learning to really love Bluffdale.
9. Editing papers with Blake during the last semesters of his undergrad.
10. Blake's last intramural soccer season with the Awesome Possum Crew.
11. Being so proud of Blake as we watched the fruit of his hard work and dedication pay off with some big fly-outs and job offers in December. Also, experiencing all the craziness of this job falling into place so quickly.
12. Accomplishing some big goals.
13. Finding my way into my role as a mother. It's a journey that I will be on forever, because my life as a mother will always be changing. But I've come a long way since February and it feels good to have gained some ground and become more comfortable in the calling I've been given.

Honorable mention:

• Grandma and Grandpa Hull's 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration - learning from their wisdom and experience.
• Having G&G Hull home from the mission; some very wonderful Grandma Days for Eliza.
• My convocation/commencement. Blake finishing school!
• Education Week. Thank you, Mom, for that priceless gift!
• Grandpa Packard's wedding; Kyndal's play; Brynn's choir concert -- I love family events.
• Going to Temple Square with Blake this past December. 

14 Things I'm Looking Forward to in 2014:

1. A better relationship with my Heavenly Father. It's time.
2. Getting/building a house? This year we really will be setting down some roots. Could it really be time for hobbit holes?
3. Baby/Pregnancy #2? Not an announcement. Just being open to what the Lord has in mind for our family.
4. Getting to know Texas. The roads, the geography, the culture, the attractions, the people...
5. Missionary work like I've never experienced before. The other day I got asked if I was a Mormon. I think it may have been the first legitimate time in my life.
6. Watching Eliza continue to grow. Helping her experience that growth and learn to love the world.
7. Texas adventures.
8. New callings. Another chance to really make visiting something meaningful.
9. More personal growth and growth in our marriage. More moments laughing with Blake.
10. Visitors. :) If you're in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, let us know!
11. {Post facto, since this happened in 2014, so it can't go in the 2013 list?...} Having Blake's Dad make the 19-hour trek to Texas with us and having him stay with us for a few days.
12. Watching changes in our families from afar. I can foresee a lot of growth in our family members this year.
13. Getting to know the extended family we have out here in Texas.
14. Some ordinary things that have become extraordinary for me, like attending the temple, general conference, swimming, seeing Blake love the work that he does, picnics, getting a library card... 

Life is a splendid affair for us all, don't you think? Have a great day!