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Looking Back on 2017

Going into the new year I don't have any real resolutions. One of the things I've learned about myself is that, for me, grand expectations can be a killer of joy . Life is full of hiccups and mistakes, and it's amplified with four little kiddos. In 2018, I just want to continue to get better at seeing each day as a fresh start. A new day to love my family and my friends well. 

When the night of January 10th or January 3rd comes along an I haven't had my daily quiet time, or worked out, or I've lost my temper and yelled at my kiddos; I'm not going to beat myself up and count the year as failure. Instead, I'm going to thank the LORD for His grace. I'm going to accept His gifts of rest and a new day. Maybe it's different for other people, but for me change doesn't happen with big resolutions. It's happens slowly, almost unnoticed, as each day I choose to focus on the gifts of the LORD. It's only when I choose to focus on the joy of this life, even when some days leave me feeling defeated and weary, that I can look back and see real growth. 

For us 2017 didn't hold any huge events. It was a quiet year with lots of routine but happy days. This past week, I've been going through this year's photos; choosing which ones to delete and which ones to put in an album. It's a hard process...there are so many that make me smile! I'm nowhere near finishing the album, but I have found some favorites that will definitively be included. Scroll down if you want to take a photo tour of our 2017.
Celebrating Little Lady's 6th birthday.
A Daddy daughter ball.
Soccer games...with the cutest goalie ever. 
Praising the LORD that the spring storms didn't cause any real damage. 
Dance recitals. 
BabyZ falling in love with books. 
Mini Man climbing everything. 
Strawberry picking. 
Trips to Lake Egypt to spend time with family. 
Fourth of July traditions.
Visiting all the ice cream shops in our area. 
Big Buddy's 10th birthday trip. 
Lots of hikes.
Mini Man's 8th birthday.
Camping with cousins.
Apple picking

House upkeep...some mundane and some exciting. 
Homeschool days. 
Homeschool field-trips
Wizarding World costumes.
The kiddos, much to Jer's relief, FINALLY falling in love with basketball.
Old and new Thanksgiving traditions.
Annual Christmas tree hunt.
BabyZ is two!
More Christmas traditions. 
Celebrating another year of this wonderful man's life. 
Hoping your 2018 is light and joyful one but when the weariness and the darkness creeps in may you remember to turn to the one true light. 

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will
 never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 
-John 8:12-
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