Word for 2015: Grow

Each year, I like to summarize the past 365 days with one word.  Previously, those words have been love, change, full, awestruck, and fleeting.

When I sat down to think of a word for the incredible year that was 2015, only one would do.  Grow.

Just 7 days into the year, we learned our family would be growing.  For the next 9 months, we watched my belly expand and our excitement for this little guy increase.  Then, finally, on September 10, our family grew from 2 to 3.

My love for The Boy from Texas exponentially grew after his beautiful faith during a scary time and upon seeing him take care of me and BB after his arrival.

Our house grew, we doubled the size of the Little House on the Prairie, making it the perfect size for our little family.

My faith grew, particularly through the false positive we received on our genetic screening test and my monthly commitment to praying a Novena for another.  We saw many prayers answered and much comfort given.

Our animal friends grew as well.  Angus was added to the household in July.  Thelma and Louise joined us in September.

My friendships grew stronger, particularly as College Roomie, the Oklahoma Girls, BFF, ABJ's Mama and Emma's Mama all had babies this year. Going through this experience--as rewarding as it is--was immensely difficult as well. Thank God for  being surrounded by so many who understood right where I was.

Our farm equipment collection grew with the addition of a tractor, a new shredder, and a new pick up.

My list of states visited added Iowa, Minnesota and Georgia.

My list of recipes grew thanks in  large part to the Newlywed in the Kitchen series.

My tolerance and sympathy has grown beyond imagination. Anytime I now hear a baby crying in public, my reaction is sincere sympathy and a "we are in this together and tomorrow it could be my kid" realization.

Not everything grew, however.  Our bank account balances went in the opposite direction.  Our little family got smaller before it got bigger when we lost our sweet dog, Chili, in July and The Boy from Texas' companion of 13 years, Cabella, in December. There were days where our patience did anything but grow.

But as we look back at 2015, our lives are so much fuller and happier and better thanks to the tremendous blessings we were given this year.  I remember saying toast year that I was not sure how 2015 would top 2014, but it blew right past it. I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store!