2014. The Year of the Home.

My friend Nicole of Three 31 does an annual year end review link up. I love the idea of looking back on what you’ve done, accomplished, didn’t do, memories… I have shared a year in review the past two years in 2011 it was the Year of Social Media in 2012, it was the Year of Love. 2013 was the Year of Marriage, and 2014, is the Year of the Home as we started building our forever home here in North Dakota. 

What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before?

I exercise 3-4 times for one year straight. I ran 6 miles as well as ran a 5k in 30 minutes. Packed, made the 12 hour flight, and traveled to South East Asia (Singapore, Cambodia, & Thailand), planned and built a house (still to be completed).

Did you keep your new years’ resolutions?

Some of them I did (exercise). Some of them I didn’t (reading more of the Bible). Some of them are a work in progress.

Will you make more for next year?

Probably. I like to have goals even if I am not the best at achieving them to the fullest. At least it gives you something to strive for!

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! This year has been the year for babies! I have three friends pregnant, plus many more social media friends! Baby fever has been at an all time high. 

Did anyone close to you die?

This year marked quite a few deaths. I guess 2014 just had to make up for no significant losses in 2013. Sucks, but glad to know those people are spending their New Year with the Lord! 

What countries did you visit?

Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand. 

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

Nothing as of right now. Our lives are eternally blessed. Last year I wanted a home and God answered those prayers. 

What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory?

September 7th. Our first anniversary and the day we officially started digging our house! 

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

On this blog, lots. I wrote consistently. I had some huge posts, although not as big as my “viral” post, my numbers remained consistent. 

In life, I made new friends. I faced some of my fears when it comes to exercising. I set goals and achieved them. I continued striving towards strengthening my faith. I finally found my church home. 

What was your biggest failure?

Photography. I feel so stagnant when it comes to my photography. I didn’t push myself this year. 

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Thank goodness, no. All healthy!

What was the best thing you bought?

A HOME! 

Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband, my parents, my in-laws, my 6 AM Crew, all of the people who read and share my blog. Seriously, I am blessed.

Where did most of your money go?

Our house. No joke. 

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

BUILDING OUR HOME!! We kept it a secret until it was “official”… That was the hardest thing EVER! Lord help me when I’m pregnant. 

What song will always remind you of 2014?

 Blank Space by T. Swift. I didn’t want to like it, but I can’t deny its’ catchy beat!

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder?

Happier

Thinner or fatter?

For once, THINNER!! 

Richer or poorer?

Richer in so many other ways than just financially!

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pushed myself more in photography and continually stepped outside of my comfort level when it comes to my blog. I need to not be afraid to set my value and worth when it comes to writing and photography and stick to it! 

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Wasting my time, emotions, concerns on relationships and conversations that aren’t healthy. And focusing more of my time on my healthy and fruitful relationships. I also need to learn to say NO more often. 

How will you be spending Christmas?

We will be spending Christmas with my in-laws and the rest of my husband’s family. As always, it is tough to be away from my family on Holidays like Christmas but I have a great family in my husband’s family. 

** It was a quiet and relaxing Christmas. My FIL had his knee replaced the day after. All went well and he’s in recovery (please pray for him!). So we had Christmas early and then the hubs and I spent the afternoon on the couch watching Hart of Dixie. It was honestly fantastic! We also FaceTime with my parents, my brother, and the rest of my family so we got to talk and see everyone. THANK THE LORD for technology bringing families together on Holidays! 

Did you fall in love in 2014?

With my husband all over again? Does that count? 

How many one-night stands?

Nada! I’m a married woman!

Who were your best friends?

My ladies in town, you know who you are. I am so thankful to have cultivated better relationships with you all. My fearless co-editor at Rural Housewives, Katie, I adore you, love you, and am so thankful for you. My mom, she is and will always be. My social media friends that I have grown closer to and chat with weekly… Love you ladies! Thank you for the advice and encouragement, always! 

What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?

Continued to write on this blog. The encouragement, support, love, and well wishes I get from this blog consistently BLOW ME AWAY. The world is so small and to be able to touch people through my words means the world to me. 

What were your favorite TV programs?

Scandal, Nashville, How to Get Away With Murder, Hart of Dixie… So addicting! 

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don’t try to keep any hate in my heart. It’s a waste of energy.

What was the best book you read in 2013?

The Bible. I started on a path to try and read it more and every single time I sit down and read it, it speaks to me. Outside of that, I loved Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick and Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel. Honestly they will change your life and ignite your faith! 

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Ed Sheeran. He seems like a cool dude. 

What did you want and get?

A home. I am still in awe that it happened. God is good my friends! 

What did you want but did NOT get?

In the grand scheme of things, there are some small things I could ask for. But overall, I’ve got everything I need. 

What were your favorite films this year?

I didn’t really watch any movies this year. So lame I know. Some gals and I went to see The Other Woman, it was hilarious! 

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I celebrated my birthday very low key. I’m pretty sure the hubby grilled me steaks. I turned 27, I know.. Just a baby! But at the same time I am also celebrating my 10-year high school reunion next year and holy Lord does that make me feel old! It’s like the first “step” in getting older.. EEKK! 

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

To be honest, nothing. My year was already full of amazing things and blessings. 

What kept you sane?

God. My husband. My friends. You all listening to me.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Eh. I try not to get wrapped up in celebrity drama. 

What political issue stirred you the most?

Oh gosh, there’s way too many to list. I try and keep that stuff off of social media as much as possible. It seems to bring out the worst in people, even people that are my friends. 

Who do you miss?

My grandma (my Nonny). I miss her all the time. 

Who are the best new persons you met this year?

There are SO many I have grown with closer this year, both in real life and on social media. I am thankful to have a pretty amazing circle of friends who I can be honest with, who I can turn to, and who don’t judge me even if I make mistakes. 

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.

ALWAYS put your faith and trust in God. He will open doors you never knew existed and give you strength you never knew you had. 

Quote that sums up your year:

Our house rules that will be displayed in our new home.  

I invite you to join up and do this year end review! Link up and check out how other blogger’s year end reviews went!

How was your 2014? 

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