The ABCs of 2013

I found this idea here, and I thought it was a lovely way to reflect back on the year that we've had.  Here are my ABCs, all the things I love and remember at the end of 2013.

Amazon. They send me dvd organizers, diapers and baby wipes, seasons of whatever tv show Jesse and I are currently watching, and more.  And I usually get at least part of it paid for by Swagbucks money, which makes it even better.

Bunk Beds. The boys have been loving their fairly new beds, and I like the space saving quality, because it means there's room for Hannah's crib in their room, although she hasn't moved in there quite yet.

Coffee.  Anyone who knows me knows I love a good cup. Every day.

Dresses that my husband forced me to buy. I'm terrible at buying things for myself, especially pretty, unnecessary things, and he has encouraged me to buy a few new dresses this year, including a goal dress in a size 10. I'm really excited for when I get to that one.  Who am I kidding? I'm excited that one is a size 12 and it fits!

Earrings that I'm not allergic to. It's such a small thing, but I love pretty dangly jewelry every now and then.

Fresh fruit. We got a box of mangoes for super cheap this summer, and I learned how to cut them and now I think they're awesome. I had some fresh pineapple the other day that knocked my socks off with sweetness.

Gluesticks. The boys love making projects, and gluesticks are not messy.

Hugs. All of my kids give amazing hugs when they feel like it.

Innocence. Jonah was so excited about the first snowfall. Matthew repeats things that Jesse and I say, even though he has no idea what they mean (nothing bad! but it's still cute to hear grown-up phrases from a two-year-old). I know this stage will be gone all too quickly.

Jesse. He is my rock. He puts up with me when I'm crabby. He lets me sleep in the mornings. He knows me better than anyone.

Kisses from my baby girl. Because who doesn't love big slobbery open mouthed baby kisses?

Legos. The toy that keeps Jonah entertained for hours.

Messiah Lutheran Church. It's our new church home, and we've been overwhelmed by all the love and caring from our new church family.

New recipes. From our month of paleo eating to my pinterest boards full of links, we are never without new ideas for what to eat.

Omro, WI. Our new home. With it's little thrift store, awesome kids' section at the library, Piggly Wiggly right across the street, and Oshkosh just a few minutes down the road. We really like our little town.

Phone. I have a love/hate relationship with my phone, because I know I spend too much time on it sometimes, but I think it's amazing how technology allows us to have all these connections and places to go at our fingertips. 

Quarters. The landlord knows I do laundry every Monday, and he put enough quarters in the dryers to dry all our clothes. Just awesome.

Reading. I've actually attempted to read more this year than the last few years combined. It used to be one of my favorite hobbies and I'm glad I got to do the little that I did.

Sleep. I will always wish for more of it, but the nights I actually get a decent amount are amazing.

Traditions. Old ones, new ones, ones we're just starting. Especially at Christmas time, these things that happen over and over make so many wonderful memories.  This year we introduced the kids to some of my favorite movies from my childhood, and stayed up "late" (by about 20 minutes) watching and eating popcorn.

Upstairs apartment. Because of the heat from our neighbors, we didn't have to turn our own heat on until mid-December, and saved on our electric bill as a result.  We were still warm enough, and it was nice to have a bit of extra money for something else.

Van. I love Hilda. She has enough room to cart around the three kids, all my reusable shopping bags, a back-end-full of thrift store donations, and whatever else we need. And that was just one day.  I used to think minivans were so uncool, but apparently that's part of the mindset that shifts when you have kids, because now I think they're perfect.

Water. Besides coffee, it's my beverage of choice, and I drink it constantly.

Xmas tree overflowing with ornaments. We didn't even have room for them all. The kids like to have me tell them what to search for, like a Christmas version of "I Spy"

Yoga. Who would have thought daily yoga would be so good?  Good for the body, good for the mind...

Zebra ruffle pants and other cute little girl clothes that I get to dress Hannah in. Sadly, she hates dresses, and at least for now, she's a tomboy, but the little girl clothes are just so adorable!