What a sweet year to reflect on!  As I wrote the list below of things that happened in 2013, I’m overwhelmed by the Lord’s goodness, direction and provision, family and friends’ kindness and love, and everything else that took place over these last 365 days.  This year held excitement, goodbyes, new beginnings, challenges, waiting, anticipation, and rest. {ps – sorry I’m too overwhelmed to put all the pictures in the post}

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January

• Attended my first {and only} bridal show at The Blacksmith Shop
• Set a wedding date
• Tried on wedding gowns
• Went to Charleston, South Carolina with friends
• Said yes to a dress

February

• Helped host a baby shower for my sister-in-law
• Booked The Blacksmith Shop for our wedding reception
• Met the wonderful Amber Phinisee for coffee and talked wedding photography
• Celebrated G’s birthday with dinner at Grits in Forsyth {our first time celebrating his birthday together – can’t wait for many more} • Welcomed niece #4 – Addie
• Ordered bridesmaid dresses
• Made the announcement at my old job that I would be moving after our wedding

March

• Made a little trip to North Carolina to visit my {then} soon to be Mr.
• Welcomed nephew #5 – Barret
• G {finaaaally} got his leave approved for the wedding
• Found a wedding caterer that worked with my vision, budget, and style
• Signed a wedding photographer contract
• Received our first wedding gift
• Took our engagement pictures
• Had our first wedding shower

April

• Signed a lease for our first home
• Helped G move in to said first home
• Said goodbye to G for 2.5 months {boooo training!}
• Said goodbye to my Wesleyan Bible study girls

May

• Mailed our wedding invitations
• Became an owner of a crockpot
• Celebrated the one year anni of our first date
• Received bridesmaids dresses

June

• Had four more wedding showers
• Burned my skin off in a eyebrow waxing accident
• Got to skype with G
• Helped host a baby shower for college roommate, Emily
• Finished my last event at my old job
• Started the ten day countdown to the wedding
• Said goodbye to my first full-time job of five years
• Had my first massage

July

• Last wedding shower of engagement
• Final Daddy and Daughters date before I became a MRS
• Reunited with the GROOM at the airport after almost three months of not seeing each other
• Married the man of my dreams
• Celebrated our first days of marriage in St. Lucia (read about it here, here, and here)
• Packed up my things and moved in with my husband
• Started making our first home
• Became a Sam’s Club member
• Met some sweet friends through our first church in North Carolina
• Created this blog – Atwell Adventures
• Spent a Saturday at the beach

August

• Celebrated one month of marriage
• Ventured into the world of community laundry
• Started the painting projects in our apartment
• Finally finished watching The Office series
• Made our first trip to Georgia as newlyweds
• Watched G buy his first pistol
• Paid off my car

September

• Tried my “handy-stitch” at sewing
• Successfully stayed at home for a full week alone while G was training
• Customized this cute tray
• Ate a picnic dinner on the beach
• Finished painting our tv stand

October 

• Started my first #31days series
• Found out G was offered a job in Georgia
• Celebrated my 27th birthday with my family and husband
• Celebrated 100 days of marriage
• Kicked off my 101 in 1001 list
• Received a sewing machine for my birthday
• Made the announcement that we were moving to Augusta
• Shot my first pistol
• Hung more pictures in our living room
• Repainted my secretary desk
• Visited western NC for Mark and Molly’s wedding

November

• Searched for an apartment/condo/townhouse in Augusta
• Finished season 3 of Downton Abbey
• Went to my second marine ball
• Found out I had mono
• Celebrated our first married Thanksgiving in North Carolina

December

• Purchased Leeward the Elf
• Said goodbye to our church in Wilmington
• Had our final date in downtown Wilmington
• Got packed up by our movers
• Said goodbye to our first home
• Said hello to our second home
• Watch G’s youngest brother graduate and commission as a USAF office
• Visited a new church
• Bought our first Christmas tree and decorations
• Took brownies to our new neighbors
• Went to Lights of the South in Augusta
• Purchased a washer and dryer
• Travelled to South Georgia for pre-Christmas
• Celebrated the anniversary of our engagement
• Travelled to Middle Georgia for Christmas
• Had our last date of 2013 at a new-to-us restraunt
• Got a new phone
• Started creating my 2014 planner

As I enter this new year, I’m preparing my heart and mind to be intentional with my time and live a life that honors the Lord and brings others to Him.  What a privilege to share in His calling over our lives!

Happy New Years Eve!