I saw a drawing on social media the other day that I felt was quite apt. It showed several people standing together with a long pole in their hands. They were poking a door that said “2022” with the far end of the pole. The idea was that these people were quite cautious about starting next year and weren’t certain that they wanted to touch it with a proverbial 20-foot pole!
I understand this sentiment because the last couple of years have been full of so many challenges for so many people. However, whether we’re ready or not, 2022 is about to start. Before it begins, I’m taking a little time to reflect on 2021.
Winter
My first post of the year was one in which I shared a printable weekly to-do list. Last year was the first year in my adult life that I didn’t use a printed planner to keep track of things like appointments and important tasks. I began using a digital calendar, but I found I still needed a way to document daily to-do lists. I created this weekly planner so I would have a place to do this. This works for me! I’ve been using it all year and it has helped me get done the things I need to accomplish. I plan to continue using it indefinitely.
In mid-January (and in the coming months) I spent a lot of time meditating on how we, as Christians, should treat one another in a society where few people seem to genuinely care about others. I still make lots of mistakes, but I think I am doing better at aligning my actions with my beliefs.
My husband completes forensic work alongside law enforcement, so he was included among first responders in one of the earliest groups to receive COVID vaccinations. Thankfully, the only side effect he experienced was a sore arm. It was such a relief to get him vaccinated!
For most of the winter we were able to get out for a daily walk because our temperatures were relatively mild, but then the storm came. Our temperatures dropped and snow fell, which caused us to lose power (and later water). Because so many power plants in Texas choose not to winterize, they were unable to produce power in the freezing temperatures. Many Texans were without electricity and water for days or even weeks! Sadly, there were quite a few fatalities. All things considered, we managed quite well. The entire incident was a good reminder of how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.
Be Prepared: Thoughts On and Lessons From the 2021 Texas Freeze
Spring
The cold didn’t last long! Or temperatures quickly warmed, and we entered spring. I found out that I was eligible for the COVID vaccine, so I visited the local health department to get my two doses. I had mild side effects from these (sore arm and headache). Thankfully, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were also able to get vaccines, so we all felt comfortable with them visiting over spring break. It was the first time we had seen them in over a year! My girls had such a fun time with Granny and Aunt Brit.
We had a quiet, but enjoyable Easter. I marvel at how quickly the girls are growing!
A lovely sunrise caught my eye towards the end of spring. I paused and watched it for a minute. This reminded me that I’m often so busy rushing from one thing to the next that I don’t take time to enjoy the little things happening right now. I’ve been trying to pause and take in the sunrise (or my kids laughter, or the flavor of my food, or whatever) more often.
Summer
My parents were also able to get vaccinated in the spring, so they made their way down here in early summer. The girls loved visiting with Grandma and Mebop. We made some yummy Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream during their visit.
Though it was summer, we were still in school. We’ve chosen to use a year-round approach for our homeschooling. This is working quite well for us, and I took a moment to share about how it benefits us.
I also took some time to share about how freedom in Christ differs from freedom in America. I see many Christians conflating the two, and I think this is unbiblical and potentially harmful.
Though it was super hot (it always is around here during the summer), we still managed to get outside to go on lots of walks and to play in the yard.
Fall
We took traditional back-to-school photos in August when we started the new school year.
I shared some printable cards that contain Bible verses to encourage kids who are returning to school. I also shared about a strategy I’ve found that has increased my girls’ interest in trying new foods. This has really helped expand their horizons in terms of what foods they’ll eat!
Kids and Cookbooks: A Strategy for Getting Kids to Try New Foods
We tried many new recipes this year, but I think my favorite was this one we tried just a couple of months ago: Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler. I made it a second time just weeks after trying it the first time!
We spent the latter portion of the fall engaged in family-friendly gratitude activities and other traditions. One of our traditions is to bake lots of Christmas cookies and share these with our neighbors. We did this and then we slowed down to celebrate a quiet Christmas with Granny (who flew in to spend the holiday with us).
Top posts
Here are the 10 most popular posts I wrote during 2021:
- 8 Ways to Stay Connected to Friends Without Social Media
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Printable Weekly To-Do List
- Be Prepared: Thoughts On and Lessons From the 2021 Texas Freeze
- Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
- When is the Best Time of Day for Your Quiet Time?
- Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler
- How Freedom in Christ Differs from Freedom in America
- 14 Family-Friendly Gratitude Activities
- 16 Alternatives to “Good Luck”
Final thoughts
Thank you for being part of my 2021. I’m grateful to have you with me as we enter 2022. I know that each year has its own unique ups and downs. I hope and pray that the coming year has more of the former and less of the latter for all of us!
What are some of your highlights from 2021? What things are you eager for in 2022?
I made your snickerdoodle apple desert for Christmas celebration with son and daughter-in-law. Everyone loved it! I’ll make it again!!!
I so enjoy your posts and am thankful you are on my emails.
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it, Charleen! It is definitely one that we will make year after year because it is both easy and tasty.
Thanks for the kind words about my posts. I’m thankful to have you along on the journey!