Jen and I are working on our goals for 2017 and getting those ready to share with you, but before we do that, we wanted to take time to reflect on the past year!
Although a lot of people on social media have been posting about how terrible 2016 was, I have to say that mine was pretty amazing! A lot of it had to do with getting engaged AND married within the year. Needless to say, it was a busy year. Here are just a few of the highlights...
The year started by celebrating Kyle's 25th birthday! We took a short trip to Chattanooga to celebrate and spend the day together.
In March, Kyle completely surprised me and popped the question! (Of course, I said yes!)
In May, Kyle and I bought our house...
And God blessed Kyle with a new job! (This is a pic of his first day!)
I found my wedding dress...
June was the month of Friendcation...
Then in July was the Bridal Shower...
In September I also had to do one of the hardest things I've ever done. I said goodbye to my fur baby of 12 years, Brody...
Thankfully celebrating helped keep my mind off of things... first was the Bridesmaid's lunch!
Followed by the rehearsal dinner...
And then the long-awaited and much anticipated wedding day!
Followed by the incredible honeymoon in Costa Rica...
A couple weeks later I gained a sister in law...
We celebrated our first Thanksgiving as a married couple...
Survived our second Iron Bowl together...
And celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple by adding a new member to the family!
In addition to all of these amazing things I found out that I'm going to be an Auntie to 3 beautiful babies! My best friend, Beka, my sister in law, Kelsey, and Kyle's best friend's wife, Laura, are all expecting babies in 2017! I can't wait to spoil each one of those precious babies!
Wow, what an incredible year! Kyle and I are constantly overwhelmed and humbled at the way that God has blessed us and continues to bless us. But we also know that not every year will be like this. We also realize that this year was difficult for so many people. There were times throughout the year when I felt guilty celebrating because so many people close to me were hurting. But I know that God is faithful - I know that just as God has helped me through some difficult situations and seasons, he will do the same for others. And it's my prayer that these good times would be a ray of hope for those going through a tough season.
Writing this post definitely made me realize that I have so much to be thankful for! I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the past year as you get ready to launch into 2017. Make notes of things that you are thankful for and memories you don't want to forget - maybe even journal it somewhere! It's so easy to let things slip our minds as each day goes by, but when we take time to really think about all of our blessings, it's impossible not to be overcome with gratitude.
I hope you have had an amazing first week of 2017! Here's to 51 more just like it!
Jamie
What are some of your favorite memories from 2016?
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