Scrolling through social media and realizing that there’s so much negativity about 2020 (people are so anxious for it to end), I was reminded 2020 was not my worst year at all. Yes, it had its challenges but also it’s blessings 2020 blessed our family with TIME, something we had let slip by with the unnecessary business of life
😬Jake and I both passed our Praxis exams to become licensed administrators. We are both becoming master in-person and virtual teachers at the sane time. I’m so glad we get to work together (same school, grade, and subject- it’s sweet and makes it hard to ever want to change).
😳Ginny graduated in the top 5% of her high school class and determined her college of choice, after going back forth between BYU- Provo age ETSU. East Tennessee State University proved to be the best for her. She has decided to serve a full time mission and has her papers ready for submission this month. She demonstrates great trust in our Heavenly Father and shows faith as she moves forward into the unknown.
😀 Aubree has learned to drive and has her license. She is navigating a new lifestyle of virtual learning, requiring greater self- advocacy, responsibility, and determination. It is tough, but she somehow is managing all high A’s and is in all honor/AP courses. One of her greatest blessings is a new found closeness with her sister.
🤩 Will has become quite the outdoor yard care helper and got his first paying yard jobs this year. He exceeded expectations. He was so excited to be able to buy Christmas 🎄 gifts for all his siblings. He is also learning the importance of non-procrastination and being through as he navigates virtual school. Real talk- it is super hard for him and he struggles to stay focused but he is doing it and steadily improving. He has also learned the desire for in-person friendship days and big just video games. He longs to see his friends in person.
😎 Christopher doesn’t want 2020 to end. Last night he shared the best thing about was COVID-19 because it brought family time and virtual school. He has championed the unexpected and reminded us that LOVE really is spelled TIME. He also mastered learning to ride a bike.
🧐 2020 bring lots of personal/world heartache, grief, distress, and flat out negative for many. We hope to remember the good that happened too. We created stronger family relationships, loved home church- learning together (our gospel study became alive and more personal), and as much as we love vacationing-the minimal this year that forced us home with more time. May our little crew never forget the patio dinners, masks 😷 and sanitizers new car necessities, bike 🚲 riding, family walks, trying new recipes, games of 4-square, building puzzles 🧩, board games, card games, piano/vocal duets (the expected and unexpected) and our first (and probably only) Christmas 🎄 with just the 6 of us.
🥳 We are grateful for 2020 because we are better from it... we were reminded the importance of family time, trusting in God and His timing, learning patience as we venture in the unknown, having faith in the small and simple things and not only does God hear our prayers but answers them...most often in unexpected ways. In the beginning of the pandemic I felt sad for myself and kids. I wanted Ginny to have a gradation, prom, etc and I wanted to experience as a traditional mom but I’m glad I got to learn this new way. I was so sad when Aubree’s play was cancelled but later experienced a completely social distanced play where there was more opportunity to shine. So 2020 as you end, you’ll forever be one of my BEST years.
🙏🏻We count ourselves fortunate this year and continually pray for our close friends and families who are/ were affected differently through the last year. We are aware 2020 has been the worst for some. Our family will continue to do our part and what the leaders have asked. May the Lord bless you and may you feel His love from Him and through others. May we all notice God’s grace more abundantly in our lives this year and act upon it. Welcome 2021!
