I'm going to sound a bit cliche for a moment and say that it feels like I just recapped 2013. My parents did always tell me that time flies by faster the older you get, and I've realized they were right.
(But aren't they always? hi mom and dad. ; ) )
In typical fashion, here's a recap of some of the highlights, complete with pictures:
Jon and I had just started dating when the year began, and I cannot believe we've already been together for over a year now! He blesses my life daily with his servant heart, humor, humility, and handsome good looks. ; )
Lots of fun girls' nights and birthday celebrations for sweet, sweet friends throughout the year
Traveled to Washington, D.C., for a successful work event- my first visit there!
4th annual Kentucky Derby Party for the Think Ahead Group (TAG), the young professionals group I coordinate- every year this event is so much fun (and a whole lot of work), and I appreciate all of the volunteers and my super supportive friends and boyfriend who make it happen!
My little Sooner Sister graduated from OU! Even though I feel like she should still be about 4 years old wanting to steal my Lip Smackers, I'm so very proud of the young lady she has become.
And, my (former but forever) roomie graduated from seminary! After watching the amount of hours she spent studying and writing papers, I knew it was a HUGE accomplishment.
Two members of the Pink! family (from my sorority at TCU) got married! So happy for Meridith & Grant and Callie & Scott and enjoyed our reunions.
Family vacation to St. Thomas. Absolutely beautiful and relaxing. I would elaborate, but pictures do it way more justice and I already wrote a whole post on this trip!
Went on a wine tour in Fredericksburg with Jon and a fun group of friends from church. A blast!
Spent Labor Day weekend at Launch. a young adults retreat through my church, and had a great time being stretched a little outside my comfort zone, growing in my relationship with the Lord and creating new friendships.
TCU/OU game with my family- I now look forward to this annual rivalry, and my parents got to wear the house divided shirts Kristen and I gave them for Christmas last year. And it helped that TCU was the victor : )
#KimmyAndDrewSayIDo
My friend from high school, Kayla, also got married in October, which meant we had a miniature reunion of our high school group. Loved watching my Kayla Bayla say I do, and realizing that some things never change... #photobombs
Weekend getaway with Jon to gorgeous Colorado- my first time there, and our first big trip together! We had a wonderful time and I won't ever forget what it felt like to be looking out on top of a mountain with him.
Adelphe X retreat- a great time together to just recharge. Apparently I was really big on visiting Austin this year!
Double wedding weekend with my handsome date- congratulations to sweet Kate & Ben and Nellie & David!
Started age 27 off in a big way- with brunch with my girls and a surprise party orchestrated by sweet Jon!
A Christmas wedding, spending the holiday with my family, and concluding the year on a two week break from work. I love my job for many reasons, but this long break at the end of the year is an added bonus!
This was a wonderful year- the best, in fact. I focused on releasing worry and a need to be in control, and while I fell short many times, the Lord is gracious in giving me many more opportunities to trust Him and be thankful and joyful in all things. Over and over this year I realized it's okay to not have everything figured out all the time and that I need to trust God, need the people that He's surrounded me with, and need to love others and give them the same grace I've been given through Jesus, even when there's frustration and life presents us all with stressful circumstances and situations we don't understand. It's been a sweet year of growth, new adventures, and happy memories!
Love to you all,
Julie
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