2018 Year End Review

After what seemed like the longest January in history, the other eleven months of 2018 seemed to zoom by.  That is what three little kids, two busy careers, one company and seemingly endless activities will do to a family!  But no complaints, because we truly experienced a great year, full of blessings. 

So now it's time to reflect. Thank goodness for our blog, because I wouldn't remember what we did last month if we didn't have it. That's part of the reason I keep it up, and always put a goal on my resolution list to print it out or save it down (and never do!!)


January

Why did this month feel so long?  I returned to work, although admittedly my heart was not in it until February (I struggled with the return this time!) We lived for the weekends, with events, birthday parties, and Atlanta trips.  Even a little snow didn't deter us from staying active!

February

Short month, but full of activities. Circus, science museum, visiting friends at the lake,  Every week had some type of event. Oh, and then the Olympics, which I love. But maybe the most important event of the month: baptizing sweet Wesley in the Christian faith.  God bless that sweet baby.

March

Our little town really does it up for St. Patrick's Day, so it's another month full of events. (Are you catching a theme here???)  Our kids are at great ages to enjoy and be entertained by most anything. I know it won't always be that way!  Hot air balloons, pony rides, parades. We celebrated my birthday, four half-birthdays, and partied with JB's BFF as he turned 4.  Then we headed for a big ole trip to TEXAS for a full week of fun with the Kerr family!  The zoo, Magnolia, children's museum - so much fun for all.

April 

The Easter Bunny came to visit us in Texas, then we came home to less-than-Spring-like weather in Georgia. I thought it would never warm up (and complained about it quite a bit).  It didn't keep us inside, though, and we had lots of fun with friends and family who came to visit.  I also took my first work trip of the year, having enjoyed nearly 9 months of time at home.  That's a record!

May

Finally, warm hot weather! We took advantage by taking all our adventures outdoors. Animal sanctuaries, parks, and then our first family-of-5 trip to the beach.  (One of four wonderful beach trips this year, as we live so close to the coast now.)  The kids finished up their 2/3 preschool classes, gearing up for summer fun.

June

We spent a good deal of June with both sides of our family: first, the Sasser family down in Tampa for Andrew and Hannah's beautiful wedding.  We took advantage of the event to explore local museums and aquariums.  At the end of the month, our Texas Kerr family came to visit and we explored some more of Middle GA.

July

We sang 'Happy Birthday, America!' at the lake with our friends, which is quickly becoming tradition. (A July 4th that falls on a Wednesday makes for a very tame party, though...)  The kids spent most of July in the water, either swimming lessons, the lake, or - the big July event - at the beach! We made our first trip to St. Simmons, and it won't be our last. We had a wonderful time.

August

Hard to come back from a beach trip to reality...and school. But the kids were so ready! They started at a new preschool (at our church), and have really done so well.  Mama got a weekend with some girl friends while Gia and Daddy held down the fort.

September

Always the busiest, craziest month in our household!  Since it's an even year, we did not have a baby this September. (And, for the record, there are zero plans to have a baby September 2019...or any month in the future, odd or even year!)  But we did celebrate 4 amazing people in our family who celebrated their birthdays.  Maryn turned 3, James turned forty-something, Wesley turned 1, and JB turned 5. We had one big blow out party for the group.  Loved it!  (And then James and I got to escape for a couple of days to the beach since we had grandparents in town to help).

October

I always want to slow down in October, but...it's fall, y'all! That means pumpkin patches (we visited three times), the Georgia National Fair, and trick-or-treating.   Oh, and let's throw in a hurricane, too (they seem to always hit this time of year - although usually not a direct hit like we saw this year with Michael.)  Lastly, I saw Hamilton in NYC. This is worth noting in the annual recap because...HAMILTON.

November 

Honest to goodness, the month of November was only 8 weeks ago and I'm trying to recall what we did...seems like forever ago....

But, yes, Mama had another girls trip - to the beach!!  (Don't worry, James got lots of guy time in the deer stand, we balance it out.)  We saw our Atlanta family and learned about the BABY BOY joining our Sasser family next year (YEA!!) Then another big trip to Texas. The kids are still talking about all the fun things we did in Houston. 

December

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!  Because of how Thanksgiving fell this year (i.e. early), it's like we had an extra week of the Christmas season.  So many festivities, parties, and excitement leading up to the big event.  Maryn became quite the little celebrity in our hometown, as she was featured in the local jewelry store's Christmas catalog.  We loved every day of December.

And now I realize why we needed 100 blog posts to cover this year.  Man, we are nooooon-stop (Hamilton reference...sorry, just couldn't let it pass...)  Can't wait to see what all we do next year!! 

I know some friends and family are closing the year with a "thank goodness it's over", and we saw pain (physical, mental, emotional) this year.  May God bring good out of all the bad from this past year, as He has promised us He will do.  And we pray for a healthy, happy 2019!

My 2018 Reading List

Not one of the thirty-two books I read this year I struggled to finish.  Big thank you to all the friends, colleagues, Goodreads algorithms, bloggers, and local librarians for helping me find so many literary treasures this year.   Although I surpassed my reading goal (originally set to 20 books), I did fail to complete many other goals (organizing in my house, completing 2 baby books, getting more sleep, etc) on my 2018 Life List....probably because I chose to read instead. :)

Below is the list, categorized and in alphabetical order, without commentary on the content of the book (which is easy enough to find online). I did * those I thought were exceptionally good (tried to challenge myself and really calibrate the list), and those with  ^ denote a Pulitzer or other award winner (meaning, others thought they were exceptionally good, too).  I also highlighted a few themes below.  (We all know I'm constantly behind the times, so very few of these are actually from 2018, by the way....)

Fiction
1. * A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles
2. Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate
3. * Behold the Dreamers, by Imbolo Mbue
4. * ^ Less, by Andrew Sean Greer
5. Manhattan Beach, by Jennifer Egan
6. Small Great Things, by Jodi Picoult
7. The Aviator’s Wife, by Melanie Benjamin
8. *  ^The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
9. The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah
10. The Last Mrs. Parrish, by Liv Constantine
11. * ^ The Orphan Master’s Son, by Adam Johnson
12. The Stars Are Fire, by Anita Shreve
13. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, by Lisa See
14. This is How It Always Is, by Laurie Frankel

Non-Fiction, Autobiographical (ish)
15. Gift from the Sea, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
16. I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, by Austin Channing Brown
17. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
18. * Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, by Bryan Stevenson
19. The Wisdom of Sundays: Life Changing Insights and Inspirational Conversations, by Oprah Winfrey

Non-Fiction, Biographical (ish)
20. * ^ Enrique’s Journey: The Story of a Boy’s Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother, by Sonia Nazario
21. Isaac’s Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History, by Erik Larson
22. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
23. We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled: Voices from Syria, by Wendy Pearlman

Non-Fiction, Nation/World
24. * Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations, by Thomas L. Friedman
25. * DopeSick. Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America, by Beth Macy

Non-Fiction, Religious
26. * A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, by W. Phillip Keller
27. Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World, by Max Lucado
28. * Detours – Bible Study: The Predictable Path to Your Destiny, by Tony Evans
29. Horizontal Jesus - Bible Study: How our Relationship with Others Affect Our Experience with God, by Tony Evans
30. * The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears, by Mark Patterson
31. The Good Book: 40 Chapters That Reveal the Bible’s Biggest Ideas, by Deron Spoo
32. Unshakable Hope: Building our Lives on the Promises of God, by Max Lucado

Although not what I originally set out to find this year, many of my books centered around individuals or groups in our global and local society who are considered minority, persecuted, different, less than, or "other" - and what it's like living in a world where this is your reality.  It challenged my thinking, made me question my own privilege, and just seemed so relevant for today's time.  Obviously I cannot now claim to know what it's like to be black in America, or raise a transgender child, or seek asylum, or struggle with addiction, or find love as a 50 year old gay man - but I certainly hope I humbly recognize and understand that their experience and perspective is different than mine.

A couple of books I actually purchased because I felt the need to mark up most chapters.  I'm hesitant to lend them out now because of all the underlining, highlighting and dog ears, plus I still refer back to them on a regular basis:  The Circle Maker changed my perspective on the power of prayer, something that doesn't always happen to a skeptical, moderate Methodist, who is quick to raise at eyebrow at overly evangelical, name-it-and-claim-it rhetoric (which, this is not).  This, along with several other books from solid Christian teachers and theologians, kept me focused, calm, and confident in my walk with God this year.

The other book I still keep going back to is Tom Friedman's book, Thank you for Being Late. Somewhat nebulous title, this book is all about how we as a community/nation/global society survive in this constantly changing world.  I found myself quoting it at work, in team meetings, at local events, at dinner parties.  (Yes I am, indeed, one fun dinner party guest...)  

A few authors made a repeat from the last few years, as they are favorites and I always try to read their newest books (or just new to me - I'm always so behind): Lisa See, Kristin Hannah, Erik Larsen, Tony Evans.  Not surprisingly, I have a few of their books on my "next to read" list, too.

Speaking of, that list is pretty long. I need to quickly get my strategy in place for how to find and tackle the books that will guide my 2019.  Probably should add a couple of parenting books as the kiddos start to exhibit less than desirable (although I hear "normal") behavior.  Maybe a couple of good leadership books, too, which may help at home and in the office. That's the great thing about our local library - the possibilities are endless!

(For reference, 2017 list )

Wesley Robert - 15 Months Old!

In all the Christmas excitement, I'm a little behind on Wesley's update.  This month there are some monumental milestones for our little caboose baby. Wesley is really changing these days!

First, he's a walker. I know he officially took his first steps a few days before 14 months, but those were tentative steps and he still preferred to crawl.  Now he's walking all over the place, with confidence, and his pace is quite quick!  With this new confidence he also started climbing (aaaaaugh).  He can hoist himself up on the couch, quickly scale the stairs, and get up on top of step stools and ladders. We have to watch him like a hawk.

Next, this child finally got a tooth!!!  I thought we'd see that toothless grin forever!!!  One of Wes' bottom front teeth popped through, and two molars in the back have made their way down. An interesting combination of teeth, but he uses them well and can eat most anything I put in front of him. No signs of any others, though.

Third, Wesley knows what's up.  He understands, follows commands, mimics, tries to do things himself, etc.  He covers his eyes for "hide and seek"; brings you books to read to him; (tries to) eat with a fork; attempts to do the "floss" with JB when they dance; chases; gives hugs and kisses; feeds Enda; points (points, points - he loves to point things out to you); throws an absolute fit if you refuse to give him what he wants (seriously, it rivals his red-headed sister's temper...)  It's a real shift from "baby" to "toddler".  Some days I love it (and proclaim him a genius child - as if no other 15 month old children can do this...), and sometimes it makes me sniffle because my baby is growing up. I realize he's technically been growing since Day 1, but now it's obvious that we're entering a new phase.

But he's the cutest little blonde toddler I've ever seen. So I'll forgive him for getting so big so fast. :)

Oh, and this is a funny thing he does (that I'm sure it going to leave him mortified when he reads this as a teenager):  when Ms T or I take him into the bathroom with us (which we must do, because he can't be left alone for a second), he stands right beside us until we sit down, then pats our bare behind and laughs. I have no idea why, but it's hysterical to both him and us.  Ms T likes to coo "ooooh, Wesley, I won't tell Mr Johnny that you're getting so fresh with me".  :)

I'm curious to see his measurements at his 15 month exam. He fell off the charts last month for height, but he's been rocking 18 month clothes like it's NBD.  My baby scale only says 21.5 lbs, but this child eats so much good food, everyday.  How in the world is he not a rolly-poly ball of cute flubber since his appetite is insatiable!?

We had so much fun this Christmas with our littlest bubs and his siblings. Although he doesn't understand Santa yet, he definitely understood unwrapping and toys - two things he loves.  I can't wait to see how much he changes in 2019.

Post Christmas/Pre NYE Fun

We're in that very confusing week between Christmas and New Years where the actual date is a mystery and the actual days are a blur. James and I both worked a bit, we had two sets of grandparents in the house for several days, the kids played (and played and played), and the clouds dumped buckets and buckets of rain on us (completely over saturating the back yard). 

In this week we managed quite a few fun activities.  First, James and my dad went quail hunting all day on the 26th.  Absolutely no photographic evidence on this event, since none of the women joined them.  They had a great time, and killed lots of birds.

Next, the grandparents took the kids to see a The Grinch at the movie theater.  I think the kiddos enjoyed the popcorn as much (if not more than the movie).  This was Maryn's first movie, and they reported back that she did fairly well!  Also no photographs were provided from this monumental event (??????)

We also celebrated my dad's 77th birthday on the 27th!  I know he doesn't look a day over 60, and is as healthy as most 50 year olds.  I gifted him a Hamilton CD so that he can memorize all the music for when I'm able to find them affordable tickets to the Texas shows.

We started the celebration off in the morning with homemade waffles, then ended it with delicious food from Company Supply.  He got a very late night birthday wish with a Baylor Bear win.  I hope he had as much fun celebrating as we did. :)

Grammy and Gran Gran left us on the 28th (lots of hugs and tears), but Gia stayed a few more days to soak in some fun!  We took her to our favorite Macon Arts and Sciences museum, where the kids know the exhibits so well that you just follow their lead and run from spot to spot.  Our family membership comes in handy - we use it all the time!

Gia spent a lot of time working with JB on his new two-wheel bike (no training wheels, per Santa's instructions!) She taught James to ride his bike, so how special is it that she's also teaching his son, her grandson.  And, she's obviously a great teacher because JB got it down in just a few days! We spent a lot of this week, riding up and down the neighborhood.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of the year!  We're staying busy, busy busy until the very end.

Celebrating Christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! We had a truly magical one.  Although I could probably make this two (maybe even three??) posts, I'm just going to put all these hundreds of pictures into one looooooooong one.  Get ready for lots of activity.  We were busy, busy little bees elves!

We started off on Saturday with our Atlanta Christmas (what I refer to as the "Copeland Christmas" since everyone originates from the Copeland sisters - our Gia and Aunt Wyllene) We got to spend time with the other Sassers, and the kiddos adored the playtime with cousin Addison.  Next Christmas we'll have another Sasser cousin when Baby Boy Sasser (theirs - not ours!!) joins the party in May!

The sister made a lovely brunch with casseroles, homemade sweet potatoes (recipe from their Williamsburg trip), honeybaked ham, biscuits, and a homemade chocolate pound cake.  Everyone ate very well.  We enjoyed catching up with everyone, including lots of college cousins who we only see this time of year.  Lots of family that we're very proud of.

Then presents.  The kids could hardly stand the wait. They got so many thoughtful things!  Maggie and Callah (my first grandchildren) have already made very good use of their new high chair.

We had a blast celebrating our first round of Christmas with this side of the fam!

We got home from Atlanta on Sunday to find Grammy and Gran Gran (plus Greycie, the poodle) at our house.  Cue lots of excitement from the kiddos.  We took everyone to see the light display at Tom Sawyers farm that night.  While everyone enjoyed it, Wesley absolutely adored it.  We did have to say "don't touch" a hundred times (and he complied about, oh, 10% of the time....)

 

That took us into Christmas Eve, which we spent cooking and prepping for Christmas Day. Our neighbors hosted their annual driveway party for friends and friends' houseguests, and the weather allowed lots of running and playing in the yard.  We enjoyed a really beautiful day!  That evening, we celebrated at church, remembering the reason we celebrate (and preparing our hearts and minds for Jesus - or "Jesus' birthday", as the kids reminded us).  JB sat in "big church" for the Christmas Eve service, and wow'ed everyone with his very enthusiastic singing of Away in a Manager. 

The children then proceeded to act like we've never taken a picture before... :) Even threats of "we will turn Santa away at the door" did nothing to detract from their silliness!

We got home, enjoyed a delicious pulled pork that had been cooking all day in a low-temp oven, opened gifts from Grammy and Gran Gran (sidenote: my parents never let us open gifts on Christmas Eve, but for the grandchildren...?) and prepared for Santa.  We said goodbye to Snowflake (writing letters for him), set out some cookies, tried our best to convince the kids to get to bed - but first, after several attempts at a group picture, yet again (Wesley was NOT having it!!)

Then, Christmas morning!!! The kids slept until 7AM (which is a rarity on "normal" days, much less a holiday), and we kept them corralled upstairs until all the adults were present in the living room. There is just something magical (for us) about watching the kids light up when they see their Santa gifts!  We got a good 10 minute video to forever capture the excitement. 

The adults got to open our gifts, too, and James spoiled me with PJs and a super fancy purse that I was totally not expecting.  I got him speakers and a vacuum sealer - practical things. :)

Ah, sibling love...

Gia arrived from Atlanta, and we had several other guests from around town who joined us for breakfast and/or lunch.  I love a full house on the holidays.

The meal went off without a hitch, and we ate according to schedule!  I have to pat myself on the back for all my prep work for the meal (while also thanking Mother profusely for all her help.)  James gets the credit for a delicious turkey AND ham.  The sisters sent up the chocolate pound cake, which tasted even better three days later. 

We played with gifts all day long, continued to open presents into the evening, face-timed with family who sent presents so they could see the excitement on the kids faces when they opened them, and had lots of smiles and laughs. 

We are so thankful for all the beautiful blessings from God: our Savior, our family, our friends - and a most wonderful Christmas and Christmas season.