2020: A Year of Surviving

Fewer things bring me more relief than the fact that 2020 is coming to a close. I am sure I am in great company when I say that this has been a hard year (and I mean HARD). We have faced the same challenges as I know countless others have as well. Beginning the year with remote preschool, a total lockdown, and having a husband who is still working from home 75% of the time, all the while learning to both grieve and accept our new normal. This year has been trying in so many ways, and yet somehow we survived. We all get to leave 2020 behind!

It is always easier to see those difficult years as just that, difficult. But, if 2020 has taught me anything, it is that in order to truly appreciate the good, you have to travel through the trials. I didn’t want to let this year come to a close without reflecting back a bit and giving myself the time and space to let those silver linings shine.

Photos are always my favorite way to remember. They are the only way we are truly able to freeze time. We were incredibly blessed to have my sweet friend, Katie, from Live Pretty Darling capture some family pictures of us as we bring this year to a close. Once again, I couldn’t pick favorites so prepare for a bunch!

A little reality for ya ;)

There is a whole long list of things that went ‘wrong’ this year, but there is also a whole lot that went 'right.' It’s all about finding those silver linings!

Clara turned ONE and is living up to her name meaning: light. She radiates joy like no other little girl I have ever met, and I am certain she already thinks she is the star of her own show. She loves animals, following Samuel around, and taking a ‘tubby’ (bath). Samuel turned FIVE this year, and continues to prove to us that time truly is a thief! He learned how to read, and blows us away with how far he has come with that in such a short period of time. He loves transformers, believes mac and cheese is the best thing EVER, and can be found digging in the dirt most days. Josh has not only taken on the part-time work from home title but has also added school to his plate this year. He’s working at an accelerated pace to finish his degree in Data Management and Analytics. It is no small feat, but he’s doing it!

And as for me, I am still just trying to balance home life with Mom life, and keeping all of the things afloat. In addition to continuing to write for Dayton Mom Collective, I was recently on-boarded to write for Military Mom Collective as well! It has been both challenging and exciting to contribute to both sites. As I look back at the last year, I can confidently say that I have grown, and am still growing. I have learned the importance of asking for help when you need it most, relying on those in your inner circle, and that truly no one is perfect (even when it may seem that way).

Biggest lesson of 2020: Grace upon grace upon grace!

While I don’t fully know what 2021 has in store, just the fact that I made it through 2020 gives me hope as we enter into this next year. I hope that you all have ‘embraced the suck’ as I like to say, and made the most of what has been an unprecedented season for us all.

Here’s to hoping there are more smiles ahead!