I can’t be certain, but I think I am more excited for this new year than ever before.

Having kids is an adventure to say the least. It’s equal measures exhausting and exhilarating. There are moments that make me want to hide in my closet, moments when my patience is tested or when I just have no idea what I’m doing. But motherhood is such a gift that refines me, teaches me and gives me incredible joy.

I don’t know what 2016 has to offer, but I do know that the grace of God will meet us there. And I am quite sure that hugs, baked goods, and friendship will be there too. And in that I am satisfied.

But before all that, here’s a recap of 2015…

January

We celebrated my only daughter’s first birthday this month. Time flies and now I’m planning her second birthday. Once again, so much has changed in a year.

 

New recipes this month:

Healthy Chocolate Cereal  >>> Freezer Pop-Tarts >>> White Wine Creamy Mushroom Sauce >>>  Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Soup

My favorite post:

Reasons My Baby Won’t Sleep >>> A tongue-in-cheek perspective from a sleep-deprived mama.

 

February

This is the month we introduced our kids to the wonderful world of Narnia, broke ground on my husband’s backyard office, enjoyed picnics in good weather and not-so-good weather, and decided the best time to makeover a bedroom was while one parent flying solo with all three kids for a weekend.

New Recipes this Month:

Carrot Raisin Muffins >>> Yogurt Parfait with Dark Chocolate Granola & Strawberries >>> Whole Roasted Chicken

My favorite post:

Love Lessons from the Gilmore Girls >>> I finished the series with mixed feelings but no regrets.

 

March

We went on our annual road trip to visit family and friends who live to the south of us. The trip started with exciting news and ended with coming home to significant progress on the backyard office.

All in all, it was a trip that left us simultaneously glad we went and thankful it only happens once a year.

Accordingly, I shared about how we still eat healthy foods on the road, an easy project that kept my kids entertained for hours in the van, and how to take kids out to eat without losing your mind.

New Recipes this Month:

Chia Seed Jam >>> Round-Up for Burger Night >>> Whole Wheat Sandwich Loaves

 

My favorite post:

Bread Baking: Tips, Tricks, & Links >>> Baking is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen and I shared some of my favorite tips and recipes.

 

April

In looking through posts from the last year, I was surprised to realize I had not published a single post in the month of April. Surprised at first, but then I remembered that the month was mainly spent eating Cheetos and binge watching a favorite series on Netflix in bed.

First trimester nausea had me running from the kitchen, often to the bathroom, and basically down for the count for the entire month. The rest of the family enjoyed simple meals prepared by my husband. I avoided the pungent smell of garlic from the safety of my room.

Extra snuggles in bed, a simple Easter egg hunt in the backyard, and a celebration dinner in honor of my mother-in-law’s retirement were the big highlights of the month.

 

May

May was a welcomed return to a more normal state of life around our home. It was also the month to get back outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Most of my pictures from the month were taken outside–at the river or on a hike or at the strawberry farm. Which is why it makes sense that May was also the month that started one of my favorite blog series to date– The {Real} Magic Kingdom.

New Recipes this Month:

Sheet Pan Nachos >>> Simple Strawberry Crisp >>> 30 Minute Chicken Parmesan >>> Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls for a Crowd

My Favorite Post:

One Thing All Our Kids Need this Summer

 

June

What a fun and full month this one was. For the first time in my entire life, I was a pool member. We found the best time of the day to go and our summer at the pool was started.

The pool, though, was not a substitute for the river, with all its solitary peacefulness and natural treasures. We made it a point not to neglect wild water and I shared some of the ways we keep three young children safe when while we explore.

Our mud kitchen was finished this month with all repurposed materials. It was one time I was thankful for the pile of “junk” behind the shed in the backyard.

Somewhere in all this summer fun, my husband and boys managed to get away for their first “guys only” trip. Hopefully it is a tradition that will continue for years to come.

New Recipes this Month:

Simple Roasted Brussel Sprouts >>> Copycat Zoe’s Kitchen >>> Almond & Parmesan Crusted Chicken >>> Mini Cherry Pies

My Favorite Post:

Outdoor Dinosaur Party & Food for a Crowd >>> We celebrated my eldest son’s fifth birthday this summer with an outdoor party full of dinosaur fun. Over thirty people came and our backyard was just teeming with small children– just the way I like it.

 

July

Not going to lie, this month was one of the hardest ever. Selfies of my baby bump at the beginning of the month gave way to shock and grief when we held our son for the first and last time in the hospital. You can read more of James’ story here.

Also interspersed throughout the month were swim lessons, disc golf days, and really long trips to Costco and Aldi.

New Recipes this Month:

Easy Weeknight Meatloaf

My Favorite Post:

James’ Story 

 

August

I was on the road a lot this month, once with my family but mostly on my own. I attended a conference the first weekend and met Erin from The Humbled Homemaker, a woman and a blogger whom I really admire. Another weekend I attended a book release party at The Nester’s barn and met Emily Freeman, author of It’s Simply Tuesday. When it rains, it pours.

We also took the opportunity this month to get away together as a family at a counseling retreat center. It was a much needed time away together. I read some great books and shared another “vacation” meal plan idea on the blog.

New Recipes this Month:

Crockpot Mexican Lasagna >>> Almond Joy Brownies (Gluten & Dairy Free) >>> One Small Change to Totally Improve Your Cooking

My Favorite Post:

I Choose Comfortable– Escaping the Comparison Trap >>> I am so happy this post was so well-received because it’s one of my personal favorites too. It’s a simple message but one I often need to remember.

 

September

Homeschool! Our first year started nice and slow. I set up a small school space and it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots in the house.

In between lessons, we took a trip to the beach, tried crab for the first time, and found more treasures for our nature shadow box.

New Recipes this Month:

Pesto Pizza with Ricotta & Mushrooms >>> Mushroom Risotto with Roasted Brussels Sprouts (30 Minute Meal)

My Favorite Post:

Her Success? It’s Not Your Failure >>> The comparison trap doesn’t just show up in our homes. It shows up in community life too. We can choose to be inspired or defeated.

 

October

October was the month of trying to blog everyday about kids in the kitchen. It’s a topic I love and am passionate about. Cooking with kids can be fun and such a wonderful opportunity for bonding and learning.

During the month, we hosted our friends at our house a number of times to make apple cider and pop-tarts. Even though I love cooking with my kids, the month was still a big stretch for me.

New Recipes this Month:

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs >>> Homemade Apple Cider >>> Cheesy Drop Biscuits >>> Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts >>> Breakfast Smoothies

My Favorite Post:

Instilling Habits of Health and Hospitality- Drop by Drop

 

November

Hey, so I didn’t mention this for last month, but we found out we are expecting again!

I started coming out of the morning sickness fog a little in November. The month was a bit of a rollercoaster trying to balance the joy of new life and reaching James’ due date. But the Lord has been with me through it all and I was able to share about the grace He gives to do hard things.

Oh, and our kitchen remodel made big progress! Yay!!!

New Recipes this Month:

Ham & Cheese Empanadas >>> Holiday Punch in the Crockpot >>> Easy Holiday Trash >>> 30 Minute Tortellini with Shrimp and Bacon

My Favorite Post:

Toddler Purse Tutorial >>> I was super excited to share this tutorial and to be able to give away a toddler purse too! It’s an easy tutorial and makes a great gift!

 

December

This month was a blast. A long, exhausting, beautiful blast.

We celebrated Christmas with family and friends every weekend. Our boys experienced the Nutcracker for the first time. We all experienced crazy warm weather (water guns in December???). I pulled several late nights working on surprise Christmas gifts. And overall, we just had a delightful time enjoying each other and the great goodness of God.

(And, news– the baby is a boy! Little Josiah is growing well and kicking away. We welcome your prayers and any ideas for a middle name because we are stumped!)

Tutorials this Month:

Holiday Countdown Calendar >>> DIY Rustic Christmas Card Holder >>> DIY Reusable Shopping Totes >>> Tips for Hosting a Gingerbread House Party

My Favorite Post:

Elf On the Shelf: A Gospel of Good Works >>> I am thankful that the most popular post EVER on the blog is one about the amazing good news that makes Christmas so special.

 

And that’s it! 2015 is a wrap!

Thank you so much for joining me here and being a part of this community. Truly, I am so thankful for the opportunity to share and dialogue with friends on the blog. This year has been a big year of growth on the blog and in the life of our family.

I love writing and am excited about the future. I have a lot planned for the new year and hope you’ll stick around (and invite your friends!).

 

Now I’d love to hear from you! 

What was one of your most memorable moments of 2015? 

What was one of your favorite posts on the blog? What would you like to see more of on This Pilgrim Life? 

 

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