Saturday, January 11, 2014

Highlights From 2013

I suppose most people have put 2013 behind them by now, but before I join them in putting the year to rest, I have a few reflections. It was a mostly positive year, with one dark cloud which will continue to loom over my family in 2014. Though I may not always be able to see the sun on a dark, cloudy day, I have faith that it still exists on the other side. So, in no particular order, some of my highlights and favorite things from 2013.

1. Writing - What would I do without words? Without characters and stories to create? Probably succumb to watching HGTV 24 hours a day. That channel is seriously addicting.

2. Squash pie from Wilson's - I discovered this pie right before Thanksgiving and had to go back to buy one for Christmas. I may have accidentally hid it in the back of the refrigerator on Christmas until after we had eaten dinner and dessert. Such a shame that the family was too full to eat any.

3. Speaking of refrigerators...My new refrigerator! - After my ol' faithful 20 year old fridge froze its last ice cube a few days before Christmas, it was time to put it to rest. My new one is shiny and white and doesn't have handles. It's sparkly with it's LED lights and oh, so clean. I never thought I'd become enamored with a kitchen appliance, but I'm smitten.

4. Pope Francis - I love that this simple man of faith is leading my Church and I'm hopeful for its future.

5. The University of Notre Dame

6. My family - There were so many joyful  moments that made my heart soar this past year: birth of a new baby, wedding with a story behind it that makes me tear up every time I tell someone (and the addition of our Chloe), my parents moving back from Florida, celebrating sacraments together: First Communion, Confirmation, Baptism - we are truly blessed. There were/are some difficult events that we struggled with and will continue to face in 2014 but we're strong, resilient, and hopeful.

7. One of those joyful family events...My son running, finishing, and in his category, winning a marathon.
He trained last summer, often running 8 to 15 miles in the heat. This past fall, on his fall break from college, he flew home and ran in a local marathon. His time, just under 3 hours, qualified him  for the Boston Marathon in 2015. He is such an inspiration to me and I'm so proud of him.

8. My friends, J and T, blog about their child and how she has changed their lives in the best possible way. It's a peek into their private lives and the little joys that come with their child's discoveries and growth. Their posts put a smile on my face as I remember my own brood when they were that young. I look forward to every post!

9. Downton Abbey - Yes, I am bandwagon jumper on-er. After mispronouncing the name of this hit show for two years (kind of like how I mispronounced Hermione's name until I listened to a Harry Potter audiobook. Doh!), my oldest daughter and I decided to borrow the DVDs for the past 3 seasons to see what all the hype was about. Well, it only took a few episodes to hook us and I'm so excited about season 4. Can't wait to find out what happens to the residents and staff of my favorite English residence.

10. My comfy Clarks. Worth every penny.



What were some of your favorite things or moments of 2013? I'd love for you to share them in the comments below.

15 comments:

  1. Congratulations on so much - from family to friends, there was much to rejoice about. And I hope your son does well at Boston. It was a Big Moment when my hub qualified so can imagine all the smiles -- make sure and book a room as close to the starting line as possible as that will be important on the actual day.

    I looooove Pope Francis. . . so much so I go to the Catholic Church with my husband.

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  2. Congrats back to your husband. Luckily, we live close enough to Boston that we won't have to stay in the city. But that's not for over a year anyway and it will depend if he can get away from school -- it won't be over spring break.

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Kittie! A Happy New Year to you!

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  3. I wish you and your family much peace in 2014, Suzie.

    Highlights for me: going to New Zealand, my daughter taking the lead in a major musical, and my book deal.

    I have lots of plans for 2014. I'd better start planning!

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    1. Congrats to your daughter!! That's amazing! And of course, I'm thrilled about your book deal. Wishing you much success in 2014.

      Oh, and are sure you're not a hobbit?

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  4. I loved reading this positive happy post. I had many highlights of the year and feel extremely grateful for them. In fact I started writing them in a notebook just to have a record.

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    1. I loved reading on your blog about your exciting, new adventure, Karen. What a great idea to write what you're grateful for in a notebook. Happy 2014 to you and your family!

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  5. What a fun post, Suzie. Congrats to your son! Heck, finishing a marathon is a huge thing, but winning his class. Woot!

    Squash pie? Is that made with Butternut Squash?

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    1. Hmm...good question. I may have to do some research and get back to you.

      *gets fork ready and drives to Wilson's*

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  6. Love your list, Suzie. I'm so glad to hear we can put a smile on your face with our silly little girl. We're behind on Downton Abbey, we watched the first two seasons but need to catch up on season 3... I already got spoiled partly when I saw a promo posted with Mary in black. AND I love your Clarks too, I should get some like that! :)

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    1. Your little girl is delightful! Oh, definitely catch up and DO NOT read anything about season 4. Last night's episode...OMGosh!
      *zips lips*

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  7. Great list! New appliances are exciting! We had lots of wonderful moments in 2013 as well - hope there are many more to come in 2014 for you :)

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  8. Thanks for stopping by, Jemi. Wishing you a wonderful 2014 as well!

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  9. Ah, you inspire me, Suzie! I had meant to do a recap of 2013….I may get around to it yet! I fully agree with your comments about J and T's blog. I rarely comment, but I always read and love it!

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    1. PS - no idea at all why this just showed up on my newsfeed; but I am glad it did!

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