Y’all!! I can’t believe how fast 2017 flew by!! It feels like yesterday we were just celebrating last year’s New Years Eve. I’m just completely at a loss of words to share my emotions with you. So much has happened this year. From buying a new home, to starting this beautiful blog.. I’m beyond blessed and so happy with this life that God has given me. And I really wanted to take some time and reflect on this year!

Where do I even begin!? There were a lot of ups, and there were a lot of downs. As usual, the ups always cancel out the bad. But, God blessed us immensely this year. As He does every year. So many new opportunities, and so many chances to explore and see things and grow as people. This year did a world of wonders for me. I NEVER expected myself to be where I am today. But I am truly grateful for every opportunity, for each chance to explore and to grow as a young woman.

 

 

Traveling.. That should have been my word of the year. Cause we sure as heck did a lot of it! Texas, to Georgia, to Ohio, Florida and even Germany!! Seeing family, traveling on orders for the Air Force. We got to see a lot, and learn a lot even in the midst of all of the traveling. We got to see places we’ve (by we I mean me) have dying to see! Like Waco, Texas.. Home of all things Magnolia, and boy was it a dream come true! And I was blessed with another opportunity to go again a couple of months later with Britny! And like I said, we learned a lot in it all as well. About me and Daniel as a whole. Our marriage, and our relationship. Just growing closer together. Traveling can definitely be stressful, but there is so much good that can come from it!

 

 

We spent a lot of time with family this year. Whether it was them coming to us or us going to them. There was a lot of family. It’s always great to be with family and share stories and make memories.. The kind you can talk about for the rest of your lives. Or there are the memories you wish you could forget. Now I know we all may have a few of those. But personally, I learned a lot from those memories this year.. Like, what the true meaning of “family over everything” means. Whose always going to be there for you. Whose going to stand up for you, even when you can’t defend yourself. But, what I love more is the bonds that are created in those times. And the importance of what “family over everything” is. Knowing that your family really is going to be there for you through it all. Knowing you have family who loves you for who you are and would sacrifice anything for you. That’s true family.

 

 

Our friendships grew, even when it didn’t feel like it. Most of our friends have young children, so if you know anything about that life. Well, you know that there isn’t much time for friends. But the time shared with our friends this year was so worth it! We all shared a lot of laughs, and a lot memories. But in the times where we didn’t see each other, or even hear from each other, it seemed like they just weren’t going to ever come around. But when we were all together again… It was incredible. It just showed me how special my friendships are. That we can separate, not talk for days or weeks, and just pick up where we left off. It showed me how blessed I am when it comes to my friends. That those kinds of friendships are hard to come by, so never take it for granted.

 

 

Marriage. How can I even explain more!? My marriage is the most important thing to me besides my faith. We’ve been through a lot of trials, and we have seen SO many good things this year as well. Like, the good COMPLETELY overcomes the bad this year. And I continue to count my blessings when it comes to my marriage. Daniel was pretty absent this year. Between travel orders of the Air Force, and the crazy amount of hunting he has done this year. He was barely around. And at the moment, it really sucked… Like right now, he’s hunting. And it does suck to constantly be alone. But, I’ve learned a lot about my marriage because of his absence this year. But we have shared a lot of good times despite it.

We had the opportunity to celebrate our 4th year anniversary this year! Guys, like how in the world have we been married this long!? And we also learned it’s been 5 years since we met. Where has the time gone y’all?! I can’t believe it. Anyway, we have had a lot to celebrate together this year. I love Daniel with everything in my being. And I can’t wait to share 2018 with him!!

 

 

And that was only a glimpse into what this year has taught me and shown me. And all of the wonderful and even awful things I experienced in 2017. I can’t wait to see what is in store for 2018. Because if you guys had any idea.. 2018 is going to be one heck of a year. I hope 2018 brings you everything you could ever dream of and hope for. That this next year teaches you lessons you need. And that it gives you memories that will last you a lifetime. And everything in between!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!!

 

Cheers,  Whitney