a look at 2013

Today is the last day of 2013. I won’t say the obligatory, “This year has gone by so fast!” or even try to sum it up in one sentence. Instead, I’ll recap it through photos and some of my favorite blog posts from the year. Enjoy!

January

We hosted a day camp on our property here in S. Africa and bused in over 400 kids to treat them like royalty. I even participated in the dunking booth!

February

I declared war on the ants. I don’t think they got the memo, because they’re still invading my kitchen.

March

I finally got around to writing about my one word for 2013…faith. What a year of trusting God to the things we couldn’t and seeing Him bring change where it otherwise felt overwhelming.

April

We celebrated my favorite boy’s 11th birthday with a relay game party! The idea was all his and it was perfect!

May

I revealed a big project I had been working on…The Village Store! In the midst of the changes and craziness of the year, this project was so life giving to me. I also took over hosting In The Studio, a great place for creatives to show off what’s been coming out of their studio (a studio being anywhere your creativity comes from). Please come join us on Fridays!

June

We found a new nearby town to explore, Kaapsehoop, complete with wild horses, a nature walk, and fantastic views! We’ve been back several times since. It’s a perfect family outing.

July

We celebrated American Independence Day in South Africa (because you can’t not celebrate it even if you’re in a different country), but more importantly our African friends celebrated with us for none other than the fact that we’re family. We also started scullery renovations that are still ongoing.

August

I celebrated my birthday! It was such an awesome day with special dates with my kids and a surprise party planned by my awesome husband! It made going into late 30’s not so bad.

September

Jeremy and I celebrated 14 years of marriage! Another year with my amazing man. I love him so.

October

Their birthdays are technically in September, but we celebrated Jeremy and Emma Grace in October with a hot pink, zebra dress up party. Isn’t that the kind of party 30 something year old men dream of?? I also posted our Ten Thousand Homes music video, something you have to check out to get a glimpse of the awesome people we work with everyday.

November

I went to Uganda and met some awesome people like Olivia, Jane, Mabel, Aisha, and so many more.

December

We made gingerbread houses, celebrated Christmas, and rested so that we’re ready for the New Year!

Happy New Year’s Eve, friends!