Our night didn't start until around 8:00 when I got off work, but my sweet family waited on me for dinner! We had Mexican food at home, and then the kids decorated cookies. We filled out our 2020 Year In Reviews and then went over them together. Then we played a little Monopoly and it was already midnight. The night flew by so fast.
This year was probably the weirdest year we've ever had. January started off a little crazy with talk about moving. Then on January 30th, we signed the contract on a new house build! February was filled with packing, moving things to storage, and having people out to fix things! Traci and Lacey made a quick visit to get some things of Gaga's because she was moving also - the end of February. I had to say goodbye to my childhood home, which made me a little sad (and Madison)! March started the real crazy. Madison was in Indianapolis for her band trip when all this COVID mess started. We were so worried she'd be quarantined there, but she made it home safely (thank goodness). They announced another week for spring break and the kids were way beyond excited! It kept getting longer and longer, and while it was exciting in a way being home, they really didn't like online school. Madison turned 16 this year, and then a week later we were moving to our apartment. It was sad to say goodbye to our home of 17 years, but we were excited about the new adventure. In April, after a ton of frustration with our new home and the lack of any progress, we canceled our contract and found our new house the exact same day! We put an offer on it the next day, and they accepted. Preschool had been canceled since spring break, so May was filled with a few preschool zoom calls and dropping off presents and belongings to my kids! All while trying to pack up AGAIN. We closed on the house on May 20th, and moved for the second time this year on May 21st! June started with unpacking and fixing several things in the house. We weren't going to take a vacation this year but felt like it was much needed with everything going on, so we left for Pensacola and had a great time! In July, Nathan turned 13 - an official teenager! Madison started band camp and she got her license on the 31st. It was a little hard accepting the fact that my baby is driving on her own now, but it's been great! We also traded in two cars for a new Sentra because we didn't need three cars with Michael working from home. In August, we had our hotel getaway at the Gaylord Texan, and school started for the kids. Madison was excited to get back, but Nathan wasn't ready (as always)! August ended with church opening back up and with the dreaded purchase of the Mini Cooper (good intentions, but bad memories and lots of wasted money)! September was fairly slow and we celebrated our 18th anniversary together! We also dumped the Mini Cooper and bought another Sentra. We honestly could write a book on all the cars we've purchased in our marriage! In October, the kids had their pictures taken finally since I wasn't able to do it this year because of COVID. Speaking of COVID, Papa got it and had a rough two weeks of sickness but thankfully turned a corner. Halloween was a fun night too, and the kids had a good time. In November, Nathan got braces! He also was put on quarantine from school a week later and had to miss his fall concert. I had my first interview in years with Agero and got the job, which was exciting and scary. And we hosted Thanksgiving at our house for the first time ever! December was a huge blur for me because I started work on December 7th, and for three weeks it was full-time. Michael really helped out and was a single parent until 8:30 every night! Madison also went to San Antonio for her state competition, and we hosted three different Christmas celebrations over here!
So many people say 2020 was horrible. I would definitely use the word WEIRD, but not horrible. Things slowed down, which our lives desperately needed. Michael has been able to work from home since March and we've loved that. The kids get to see him and talk to him for more than just an hour or two at night! We have had time to slow down and realize what's really important, and it's been wonderful. I'm not sure I ever want to go back to life before COVID (other than not having to wear masks). Praying for a good year to come....hopefully, 2021 won't be as weird, but praying it brings good things! God has blessed us in so many ways, and we are very thankful. This year has definitely taught us to appreciate family and to never be fooled into thinking we have control over our plans. God is in control, and He knows what is best for us!
