Thirteen in 13

 I actually turned on my computer for the first time since last Friday morning.  I almost forgot how to do it.  We have been busy, busy, busy.  Last weekend, we had two Christmas celebrations.  Then on Monday, my six year old had her tonsils and adenoids taken out due to sleep apnea.  Monday and Tuesday weren’t too bad, but Christmas morning hit her hard 🙁  She was trying so hard to be happy about everything, but she was just so tired.
So, I am finally getting around to linking up with Hadar, Kristin, and Traci for their annual Linky Party.
Some of these follow the topics they gave and others are completely random from 2013.
 
As I was making Christmas cookies with my girls this year, I remembered that this time last year, we had no kitchen or laundry room.  Our refrigerator was in our foyer and our dining room table was in the living room along with a dryer that was delivered too early.  Even though our kitchen has been finished for 10 months, I am still in love with it.
 
After our kitchen was finished, we thought life was going to go back to “normal.”  However, one week later, my husband came down with a horrible ear infection.  Less than 24 hours later, he was in the ICU with meningitis and sepsis and was fighting for his life.  Here is my original post about this situation, which still brings tears to my eyes.  I am beyond blessed to still have him in my life!
 
We have been very fortunate this year to squeeze in some traveling.  We are all about choosing experiences over things and traveling is the perfect way to experience life.
 
 We met my brother and his wife in Las Vegas for Spring Break.
 
 My husband and I went to Nashville for his conference for work.
 
We went to Michigan this summer!  BEAUTIFUL!
 
We took the girls to Disney World for Fall Break.
 
 
This is another big one for 2013 that I truly do not think I can ever top.  In January, I held a fundraiser on my blog to raise money for a 2nd grader at our school in need of a heart transplant.  We were able to raise over $10,000 and the best news is that she received her new heart and is doing amazing!
In February, I was honored to be named the February Make a Difference Award winner by WTHI TV.
Then in April, I was named the Vigo County School Corporation Teacher of the Year for 2014.
Like I said before, there is no hope in ever topping 2013 😉
I have never liked public speaking…ever!  I had to give a speech at our Back to School Teacher Rally during the first day of school this year and I stressed about it all summer!  However, when I was done, I discovered that I kind of liked it.  Maybe it was because I was done.  So I don’t know that this would necessarily be my favorite new thing, but it’s a new thing.  Another new thing that will be happening in 2014, is that I am PRESENTING at I TEACH 1st in Las Vegas this summer!
 
This one is easy!
Oh my goodness!  I LOVE this show!  I may be a little obsessed with it.
 
 
 Remember how I was talking about my husband earlier…he truly is the best!  I have mentioned that someday I would love to see a Broadway show.  Well…this was my Christmas gift.
We’re going to New York in February!!!  Bonus points to him for being so crafty 😉
 
 
I’m not really much of a movie watcher, but we did take the girls to see Frozen last week and it was REALLY cute!
 
 
 We FINALLY had family pictures taken last Sunday.  We haven’t gotten them all back yet, but the photographer did post some sneak peeks and I am in LOVE!
I couldn’t choose just one.  Sorry 🙁

 
 
For our anniversary this year, we decided to try out Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Indianapolis.
Before going, I honestly thought, “How in the world can a steak be so good that it is that expensive?”  Holy cow!  Best…meal…ever!
 
 
This year has been so hectic.  Both of the girls are in gymnastics and dance and it has completely consumed our lives this year.
I am still trying to find the best way to balance it all because I know as they get older, they are just going to get busier!
 
 
I have always loved exercising, but unfortunately this school year has gotten the best of me.  I used to love doing Crossfit and would go at least 4 times a week.  This year with my girls and their schedules, I have been struggling to go once a week.  My goal for 2014 is to get back into a regular exercise routine.  I feel better when I am working out and I know my attitude is MUCH better, so for the sake of every one around me, I must work out! 😉
 
 
Something that I really need to work on this year is accepting that I cannot do everything.  I am getting better at knowing where my priorities need to be, but so many times it is so hard to not try and do it all.  My word for 2014 is:
 
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas!!
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10 Comments

  2. Thank you for linking up, friend!
    This post made me feel emotional — I am so happy for all of your accomplishments and that your family is healthy. !!!! Praise God!
    Looking forward to 2014 — something tells me you're gonna top 2013! 🙂
    PS Scandal – YES. Ruth's Chris – DOUBLE YES!

    Reply

  5. Loved your post. We are going to Disney on spring break with our son, daughter-in-love, and princess grandgirl…so excited! I LOVE Ruth's Chris!!! Your girls are adorb!!! Thanks for sharing. I just got linked up. Drop by when you get a chance!

    Happy New Year!
    Many Blessings from
    Rebecca
    at The Teacher's Chatterbox

    Reply

  6. Congrats on the opportunity to present at the conference! That sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun. And, you can't beat staying in Las Vegas! Glad your hubby is doing better, and love your kitchen reno!

    Reply

  9. I am so glad your husband is healthy and your daughter as well. What a year and congratulations on the I Teach K presentation coming up this summer. How exciting! I've gone two years in a row now and learn so much. Your family is precious.

    Reply

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