2016 wasn't my best year.
But it definitely wasn't my worst either.
In fact,
I accomplished more than I ever thought I could in 2016.
So instead of dwelling on all of the bad and horrible things that I failed miserably at in 2016,
I am going to choose to focus on the things that I accomplished in 2016.
The things I deserve to be proud of.
Many of you will remember that Spencer lived in Las Vegas for 15 weeks this year,
while the children and I remained in Rexburg.
It was not the best way to start the year.
I was scared and I was miserable.
Single-parenting is not always enjoyable.
But I set a goal that I would attend church every single Sunday with the kids while Spencer was gone.
Honestly,
I thought it was impossible.
I was outnumbered by children,
and I didn't always love going to church.
But I made it through those 15 weeks,
and then I surprised myself by challenging myself to go an entire year without missing a Sunday.
And last Sunday,
Christmas Day,
I did it!
I attended my church services every single Sunday in 2016.
That is something that hasn't happened in YEARS!
But I can tell you that I have seen so many blessings from my church attendance.
It was definitely really hard some Sunday's,
like really hard and awful,
but it was so worth it.
The end of 2016 also marks 2 years without soda for me.
Me,
the lover of Baja Blast and rootbeer.
But it isn't even hard anymore,
and I know that my body thanks me.
That sounded incredibly nerdy and lame.
I do smell Spencer's soda every now and then,
but it has been a really good thing for me.
The end of 2016 also marks and entire year without fast food for me.
I wanted to really challenge myself,
and since I was hitting up Taco Bell every day pretty much last December,
I wanted to push myself and see if I could actually do it.
AND I DID IT!
No Taco Bell for an entire year was so hard for me!
So hard!
And you can bet that at midnight,
the second it turns 2017 I will have Taco Bell in my mouth!!!
I really miss Taco Bell!
Another impossible that I accomplished in 2016,
was running a 5K in under 30 minutes.
Listen,
I am so not a runner.
My body was not built to be a runner.
I am too top heavy,
let's be honest.
But I pushed myself and trained for several months,
and then I did it!
It was amazing!
Totally unexpected,
and Spencer said I looked a little crazy at the finish line,
but I did it and it happened and it was AWESOME!
Maybe the best thing about this,
was that Aniston was inspired to run 2 races this summer too.
It was the BEST!
There were some amazing moments in 2016 for our family.
So I thought that I would share some of my favorite moments of 2016 through pictures!
In no particular order because it's early and I don't have the energy to rearrange them....
Halloween gets better every year with these cute kids!
Coordinating costumes for life!
Aniston was heavily obsessed with Darth Vader for a good part of the year...
Dinosaur park in Ogden, UT.
Summertime with my family!
Benson turned 2!
Star Valley, WY temple open house.
We celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
Family trip to Yellowstone.
Family trip to Jackson Hole.
Spencer signed with Big D Construction for a post graduation job.
Only 14 weeks until we're there!!!!!
Aniston became a Sunbeam in primary at church!
She also had the cutest Valentine's Day outfit for her school party!
Aniston had her first dance performances and blew this Mom away with her skills.
During my single parenting phase Benson got a crazy rash where we learned that he is allergic to Cephalosporins.
Mainly I post this picture because I am so proud that I made it through some super tough parenting moments all by myself.
I really learned how strong I really am and can be during this time.
Princess day at school.
I went back to school!!!
Almost done with me MTE training.
Aniston found an interest in learning about Christ.
Moments with this sweet boy!
Aniston played soccer!
Aniston also graduated from Preschool!
Aniston turned 4!!!
My good luck charms.
2016 was a good year for my little family.
I mean,
any time when you survive another year all in one piece is a good one right?
We definitely had a lot of ups and downs,
but to say that I am excited for 2017 is definitely an understatement.
I know that 2017 will probably be our best year yet as a family!
At least that's my hope and my dream going into it.
PEACE OUT 2016!!!!
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