December 24, 2013

2013 in review

I have been so tired and lazy lately (but I have an excuse, right?) that I didn't send out Christmas cards this year. It's just SO much work and money so consider this your Christmas card with a little Bryant family update and LOTS of love from me to you. I am so grateful that some of you still read this little blog. I would continue to blog even if nobody read it (because I love it) but knowing that I have friends out there (albeit many who are strangers) who are supportive and loving gives me so much happiness and appreciation for good, kind people. It really is a wonderful world. 
David: works hard and plays hard. This year he lost 35 pounds, finished a half Ironman, a Tough Mudder race, a cycling race and has spent hours and hours on the bike and in the pool. He also works long days and then comes home and plays with the boys, helps clean up dinner and the house, participates in bathing/bed time and even finds the energy to give me back rubs and tell me I'm beautiful. 

Elizabeth: is pregnant and feeling pretty yucky most of the day, but I do still find the energy to make dinner most nights. That alone makes me feel like I just successfully explained nuclear fusion to a 5-year-old, even when I don't shower until bedtime... I spent most of the year learning to embrace the fact that we left San Diego for good. The whole experience was gut-wrenching but I've learned that home is where your heart (and the love for the people it holds) is. I have found many wonderful things to appreciate about living in Arizona and have enjoyed being near my parents for the last few months before they left on their mission to England.

William: turned four in December. His personality is lots of fun for me, and also very challenging. We are a lot alike in many ways - stubborn, opinionated, and embarrassed easily when we make mistakes. Luckily, he also responds well to hugs and a few sweet words, like I do, so it helps to understand him. He loves to tell stories, draw maps (always with a treasure chest), sing made-up songs and is getting quite comfortable talking to new people. He also enjoys potty humor, making Fritz laugh and sneaking treats from GrandMary's pantry.

Frederick: keeps me going all day long. The boy wakes up running and starving. He eats like a fourteen year old and plays like it's going out of style. His best friend in the whole wide world is tied for William and his thumb. Both make him very, very happy. He loves music and sits at the piano and sings and plays to his heart's content. He also can't resist dancing when music comes on. 

My life isn't perfect and our family has its problems, but there is so much to be thankful for. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy 2014! My theme for next year (which I want to expound upon later) is "Think the best of each other, especially of those you say you love. Assume the good and doubt the bad." - Jeffery Holland

6 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your pregnancy!!! I just read it! :)

    I loved your update about your family! Merry Christmas to you too and Happy New Year.

    And yeah, I'm one of those strangers that reads your blog, but I don't comment that much...

    Regards from Barcelona.

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  2. A lot of people didn't get to cards this year... Neither did I but that was because my baby came 8 weeks early via C-Section the day before Thanksgiving and was in the NICU/Special Care Nursery until yesterday. It's the best and only Christmas present I could have hoped for! Congrats on the baby and take it easy (when you can)!

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  3. I love the quote from Jeffrey R. Holland. It is so true, i too tend to criticize and be hard on the people i love most.
    I love reading your blog and I´m a stranger too, but I´m happy you let me do it nonetheless. :-)
    Congrats on your pregnancy! 3 is a party!!

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  4. Oh, how I love you all so much! It was gut wrenching for us who were left behind. Thank goodness we still live close enough to see each other often. I'd shrivel up and die without my Lizzy Lou. Here's to 2014!! Cheers Love :)

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  5. Elizabeth I read four blogs each morning as I begin my day, and although I could be your mom I enjoy hearing about your little family! I try to get tips from you to use when mothering my own 30 something children. So you help out the "old mom's" here who are just trying to acknowledge the mistakes we made as young mothers to do better with their daughters and son's now, teaching us to be supportive while they are raising their own!~Thanks, congrats, and Happy New Year Blessings!

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  6. I'm a stranger who reads (checks) your blog daily. I found you thru your SIL, Nie. I love reading your updates of your family also. WOW!! I didn't realize David lost 35 lbs this year!! Can't wait to see/meet your new little one. William & Fritz are absolutely adorable.

    Love the quote ~ I'm going to "borrow" it. ;) I post a quote every morning on FB.

    Merry Christmas ~ and a Very Happy 2014 Year!!

    Lorena/Reenie

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