From Where I Stand {2013 in Review}

As Nick and I were driving to Costco the other day (yes, this qualifies as a date in our household-- we enjoy Costco so much) we were discussing some of the stand-out moments of 2013. As we talked it became clear this year was one God continued to show Himself sovereign over every detail, hard and good. The realization came that hard can also be good. Stretching. Growing... Even if we don't like it at the time.

After buying our house, we decided it was time to put down roots in the local community and find a local church. It was very hard to leave our previous church where I had been a member for several years before we were married. What a wonderful family we had there!! Thankfully God led us to our new church home this year. Nick especially has been super encouraged by a men's group that meets every Saturday morning at 6 a.m.! (Yes, you read that correctly). We've joined a small group and will soon be starting a parenting class for 'soon' to-be and current parents. We know we are biting off a lot as first time parents with thinking we'll be bringing home more than one kiddo, most likely between the ages of 3 and 7, and think now is a good time to glean wisdom and think through how we will parent in the future.

I was able to nanny for a 2.5 year old during the first several months of the year. She is a complete and utter doll- probably the cutest little girl on the face of the planet (and I'm not exaggerating hehe). We got to hang out 4 days a week. I miss her lots, but she is loving her new preschool and I'm thankful for the friendship I have developed with her mom. We still grab coffee (tea for me) and I get to see Olivia some, especially during the summer when we can play at the local park. Their friendship is such an encouragement to me!

Having long-distance friends come to visit is always fun. Renae and I were roommates on a summer project in Traverse City with Cru waaay back in 2005. I find myself incredibly thankful for her friendship through the years. We got married the same year and were in each other's weddings. Since then, she and Samuel have had a little guy. He is THE cutest little thing ever and we became buddies. Samuel competes in the sheep shearing contest at the Indiana State Fair and we just love hosting them and having fun with like-minded friends!

Our biggest news was announced in October, right after we had celebrated our 2nd anniversary (have I mentioned how blessed I am?). In case you missed it, we're adopting! The plan right now is a sibling pair from Latin America. God knows what He is doing and we are along for this wild, crazy ride. Talk about growing our faith! We saw God graciously provide when we were at the Together for Adoption conference in Louisville by allowing us to meet another young couple who is walking a similar adoption road and who just happen to live in our area. We met some other friends there that we are blessed by and hope that we will see again even if they are several states south.

Adoption is crazy expensive and we are committed to doing this without going into debt. So, one way we decided to raise funds was through selling Jamberry. This has been a bigger blessing than I would have ever imagined, even beyond the financial benefits. I enjoy using my organization and communication skills it requires, meeting new friends and re-kindling old friendships, and of course, it goes without saying that I REALLY enjoy having my nails done in a cute, budget-friendly way!

Another highlight of the year was reading. Nick and I bonded over our love of reading in the early days of our relationship. As we talked in 2012 we decided we wanted to be intentional about reading in 2013. We know life just has a way of getting busier and busier, especially with adoption paperwork. My goal was to read 100 books. I read 70. Not sure what my goal for next year is in regards to reading. Suggestions are welcome!!

Overall, we'd say the theme of 2013 was a year of firsts, not all good, and yet hard can often lead to good. We hope that 2014 will be an even better year, but ultimately know the Lord is sovereign and this is what we cling to.

Be sure and check out my friend Julia's year in review: www.richardandjuliarudolph.blogspot.com