Memories

January was full of quite a lot of business travel and we survived by carving out days and times at home just the four of us. We had no idea in the following months we'd only spend only time together. Even so, it was honestly a sweet winter making the most of those days and taco dates.

February Ian and I snuck away for a staycation in Atlanta at a vintage airstream for my birthday and had a blast. We also hosted a valentine's dinner for some very special widows in our community which is honestly one of my favorite nights of the year.

March started off so wonderful as we celebrated our anniversary and Jettson's second birthday. Things quickly escalated with the nature of everything going on in the world and quarantining, but we made the most of our time together. Truthfully, we really enjoyed it.

April we started quite a few house projects including our backyard/deck area and our laundry room. We had so much fun getting creative for Easter celebrations and loved spending just about every single second outdoors.

May the boys celebrated me in the sweetest surprise Mother's Day movie night with my own concession stand and Cove and Jett bucks. Then we had a wonderful time with my in-laws staying with us in between their move. We spent a lot of time picnicking by the lake and in the back of our trunk. Honestly, moments I know are fleeting so I soaked up every second.

June I bought several old wood chairs and started sanding them down for our kitchen. It was very therapeutic as I struggled with some anxiety. Ian also rebuilt our kitchen table to match. We also got a quick escape to Hilton Head Island with my family and it was SO healing and such a fun time.

July we celebrated the fourth with family and sweet cousins and made bread and more bread, Oh, and had lots of pizza nights. We went glamping in the Great Smokey Mountains and LOVED it. Highly recommend Under Canvas.

August we revamped the pantry,moved the boys in the same bedroom, refreshed Ian's office and planned for homeschooling Cove.

‍September we started homeschooling and thrived! We also went to a little mountain house in north Georgia for a little apple picking and time with my family. Ian and I also soaked up some one-on-one time in Chateau Elan.

‍October we did all the pumpkin things and fall activities possible while social distancing. We also did a little beach getaway to the King and Prince as an early birthday celebration for Cove and family time. We revamped our living space with Fowler Brothers. It honestly feels like a new house with all the changes we made this year. Then we got all dressed up as Bambi and Space Characters for Halloween.

November we pulled out all the decorations early to bring some holiday cheer and I had my busiest month with photo sessions and senior shoots. We had a sick family member so our Thanksgiving was delayed, but we still were able to celebrate in a special way and saw family.

December we celebrated Cove and Ian's birthday. Stayed at the Omni at Grove Park Inn for an amazing winter getaway. Then we had one of my favorite Christmases as a family to date.

Honestly reading back over these memories makes me cry. Partly because I know there was so much suffering and pain for many this season. I wish it were so different. Partly because this is only our highlight reel and there were hardships we faced too, but God is so good and gave us so many sticky notes of His faithfulness and goodness despite all odds.

Takeaways

I guess you could say one of my takeaways is that hindsight was not 2020. We saw clearly in 2020 what was important and what our trust should be in. Not comfort, not control, or anything else for that matter.This was a year that the wind was knocked out of us, but God blew a fresh breath of perspective and position in our hearts and minds. Most importantly, it drew us to the never changing God-breathed word that overflows in our hearts when everything else is lacking.I will never forget the quality time and moments I got with my husband and children that I may never get again. So for that, I am forever grateful for 2020.