I know I'm two weeks into 2014, but since I'm still finding bits of tinsel and glitter everywhere and cramming lone forgotten decorations back into holiday tubs in the garage without fully taking off the lid and disturbing the stack, I thought I would share. A couple weeks ago, I ran across this post by Crystal at The Art of Simple about making a list after the holidays of things that worked well and made your holiday more enjoyable and peaceful, as well as a list of things that didn't go so well, and what you would do differently next time. She then suggested to put it in with your holiday decorations so you would see it right away the following year as you haul everything out and begin the hustle and bustle. You'll be instantly reminded of what worked and what made you want to punch people in the throat.
I love the idea of being mindful and intentional about such things, and have added my list to my garage tubs, tucked away safely until next year to make the holiday a little less crazy and a little more meaningful. So, while I'm remembering what was magical and what was just plain stressful about the holidays, I thought I would do a little Year in Review about life in 2013. It was a big one.
January 2013 - I chose my word for the year, "intention." I can't get over how much I've learned about being intentional this year, and all the things on that list that have actually happened! We joined a small group to get to know some people at church, and those friends have quickly become some of my favorite people on the planet!
February 2013 - My brothers' band, Citizen Way went on their first big tour, and I interviewed them about it. Then one of them turned 30, and I made up some pretty hilarious Hey Girl memes for Mr. Ladd in honor of Valentine's Day.
March 2013 - My mom and dad visited from Wisconsin, and my mom had a birthday while they were here. I shared some homey things like how to host a house guest, and my Google Map masterpieces.
April 2013 - I found out my idea was accepted and I would be writing a book! My brothers' first album from Citizen Way, Love is the Evidence was released! Mr. Ladd and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary with an awesome weekend trip to Cottonwood.
May 2013 - I appreciated some teachers, and found some new favorite things
June 2013 - We went camping in Crown King, and found ways to deal with lots of sad, hard news.
July 2013 - We had a pool party on THE hottest day of the year with an easy, tasty dessert, and then spent some time in a much cooler Wisconsin with friends and family.
August 2013 - I launched my new website, The Candid Teacher. I also started sharing more openly about our struggles with infertility and future plans for our family. Mr. Ladd turned 34 and I listed 34 things I love about that guy.
September 2013 - I learned a big lesson about inspiration and showing up creatively, and we started to say goodbye to summer finally.
October 2013 - I ate my weight in all things apple and pumpkin, and worked hard to create our faux fall, and I started The Photo Challenge Next Door. We also hosted our annual Halloween party, which was a hoot.
November 2013 - We had a great trip to cabin with friends in Heber, and then on our own a different weekend in Pinetop, and fully enjoyed the mountains this November. We also hosted Thanksgiving with some family and friends at our house. I will never tire of turkey on the grill.
December 2013 - We decked the halls, hosted our small group Christmas party, I didn't blog at all (yikes...), went back to Wisconsin for an early Christmas with my family, and I turned 33. We had a quiet Christmas Eve and Day at home, and I made Beef Wellington for Christmas dinner (it needs to be noted). After that, we hosted an Arizona Christmas with his side of the family, and had pajama New Years with these lovely people once again. Whew!
I also joined a book club in May, which I love to pieces, and it makes me want to read all the books ever written. So, I'm working on my 2013 What I'm Reading post for next week with all my latest reading recommendations.
Have a great weekend!
