AT THE WATER’S EDGE:

Today is my 39th birthday. It also is the two year anniversary of when we adopted our twins. It’s a doubly special day around here! Normally I like to do a annual summary of the year around New Years, but as I’m behind on blogging, I decided my birthday was a good time to reflect on the things that have happened in the past year. Time certainly does seem to move faster the older I get! We had a good and challenging and busy year. I tried to pull out 39 things that happened this year in honor of my 39th birthday. I hope you enjoy this (mostly) highlights reel.

1. I started the year by focusing on the importance of the small things in life. I created a sign next to my bed to display this verse as I work with baby steps to build foundations with my kids in so many areas: “who dares despise the day of small things” — Zechariah 4:10

2. My job situation unexpectedly improved, after facing a potential setback. It’s a long story and not one for sharing here but basically I went from fearing negative changes to being greatly blessed by a good company and awesome bosses. Oh, and I still enjoy what I do. I work part-time doing what’s really a full-time role so it can be tricky. I’m grateful for the flexibility that I’ve been afforded.
3. My kids were in their first wedding! J & P got to be ring bearer and flower girl in my cousin’s wedding in January. Twin four year olds…anything could happpen! But they did amazing!! Oh, and P got to wear a family heirloom dress that I wore as flower girl in my aunt’s wedding!

4. Our Supper Club group turned 7! Seven years ago, we joined a couple we knew and two couples we didn’t really know in creating a “supper club” where we gather monthly for a good meal and great company and community, rotating who hosts. It has been so fun, they have become some of our closest friends, and of course we have shared a lot of amazing meals. It’s always one of my favorite days of the month!

5. We did our first Spring Break trip as a family to Hocking Hills, OH — and got to share our trip with one of my best, nearly lifelong friends, and meet her new baby! I think Hocking Hills was a little over hyped to me, to be honest, but the hiking was perfect for four year olds. Easy 1 mile hikes to see some cool rock formations, caves and waterfalls!

6. Tom made me my own crafting corner! More to come on this, but we both share a sort of maker’s space in our basement now and it’s such a wonderful space to be able to have a creative outlet.
7. I bought myself a Cricut. I don’t buy myself things very often, nor do I often make impulse purchases. But I impulsively bought myself a Cricut cutting machine for crafting after Tom made my crafting space, and it has been so much fun learning how to use it and making things — I’ve mostly enjoyed making home decor pieces — wall signs and wreaths, but have made t-shirts, wall decals and other things, too. More to come on the blog on those projects, hopefully soon!

8. We did a trip to Florida! With Tom’s parents living down there most of the year now, we try to get down there when we can. It’s a beautiful spot and honestly the perfect vacation with littles. They love the beach and the pool and it’s a relaxing trip for Tom and me.

9. P essentially memorized an entire chapter of the Bible. She has a harder time with expressive language and memorizing song lyrics and such has been challenging for her so I was shocked when she came home reciting Psalm 121. It’s the sweetest thing!
10. The kids had their first Lemonade Stand. They made a good amount of money (maybe $30+). J spent some on toys, P saved hers and they both decided to give away all of their change a couple weeks ago to the church offering.
11. Tom and I used our maker’s corner gadgets to update the kids’ room. Tom 3D printed a hot air balloon shelf and I made vinyl graphics and wall decor with my Cricuit!

12. Copper is learning a new trick. I haven’t had a lot of time for dog training lately, but I found a win/win trick. Copper often wants to snuggle on the couch with us but he’s not allowed on the furniture without a blanket. At the end of the day we are sometimes feeling tired and lazy so we are teaching him to grab and bring us his own blanket so we can set it on the couch and he can come up with us!
13. My mom took P to her first movie theater experience. The three of us went to see the new live action Little Mermaid movie. I have to admit, I enjoyed it and it exceeded my expectations! P did amazing and enjoyed the movie, as well.
14. Tom and I celebrated 16 years of marriage. We had a nice dinner downtown by the river and went to an improv show. We don’t go downtown Grand Rapids very often, but we have enjoyed an anniversary tradition of making it down there for an evening or weekend.

15. I had my third gardening year at this house. The vegetable garden did okay with some wins and some losses. The flowers were beautiful and I was able to plant a new section with a mix of cutting flowers (from seed J and I scattered) and some new perennials — the only benefit that came from having to take down a couple pine trees.

16. The kids finished a year of Nature Preschool. We had such an amazing program with lots of outdoor learning. My kids definitely have some struggles adjusting to school, but this was the best way to get them started. They did so many field trips and fun activities in their outdoor classroom.
17. The kids were in their second wedding! This time it was Tom’s cousin getting married and J had his dreams of becoming a flower boy finally come true!

18. J learned how to ride a bike without training wheels. After a couple years on a balance bike and a year on training wheels, he decided to take the plunge and try a two wheeler! He even did a kids bike race in the “new pedalers” division! It wasn’t long before we realized he needed a bigger bike. After sizing up, he is so fast!! And loves to go “off roading” with me.
19. Tom and I got a nice getaway to Traverse City and a free meal. It was nice to get away just the two of us and we stayed at an AirBnB on Lake Leelanau. I made us reservations at an upscale Asian restaurant I’d been wanting to try (Red Ginger). It was fantastic — but the best part was at the end of the meal we found out a gentleman from the next table over had paid for our meal! Apparently he appreciated our conversation and us laughing at his jokes🙂

20. We ran into friends we don’t see often while up north by happenstance! A quick change of plans and we got a fun double date night out with friends at St. Ambrose Meadery.
21. We camped with said friends above at Tahquamenon Falls and by happenstance ran into other long lost friends while way up north! Tahquamenon Falls was a fun trip and I’m glad we did it with friends. We had the bonus of camping across the street from friends we hadn’t seen in a few years by random happenstance! We enjoyed the falls and some hiking and unexpectedly, P really enjoyed the shipwreck museum. And… we saw a bit of the northern lights!

22. The kids rode their first real roller coaster at Michigan’s Adventure. I didn’t think they’d go for it but they both were tall enough and decided they were up for the challenge. They had fun and it was a legitimate mini thrill ride with steep hills and fast turns!
23. The kids are learning to swim! We had our third year of private/semi-private swim lessons. The past two years we have been with a family friend who is amazing with the twins and just does it in her backyard pool. It’s the perfect setting that doesn’t set my kids into sensory overload and they made great strides this year, learning how to swim underwater a bit and other important skills.
24. We went horseback riding with Grammy! My mom agreed to go horseback riding with my kids for an adult/child session at a local stable. She didn’t know what she got herself into (nor did I!), but we had a great time and the kids and I even got to do tricks on the horses together!

25. Both kids are finally potty trained! It only took a few years 😅 It has been a long time coming and we were all ready for their bodies to finally recognize the cues. It’s been nice not to have to carry a bag full of pull-ups and extra clothes everywhere we go. Quite freeing, really!
26. Both kids have expressed a desire for God to be in their hearts and to follow Him. It has been amazing to see how God works through little ones to bless others. Their kindness and compassion and faith are expressed so beautifully.
27. We went family camping in Manistee. We usually go camping with friends but it worked out that we had a trip with just us this year. It was a great time to spend together in one of our favorite places on earth. J loved riding his bike “off road” and they both loved playing in the woods and beach.

25. The kids started a new year of preschool / developmental kindergarten. I’m grateful for a school that allows us to just do three days a week, allowing the kids time to continue to adjust to the structure and demands of school — and allow us some extra time together in these precious early years.
26. We camped with friends in Muskegon. We have a favorite site we get at Muskegon State Park that makes it feel more secluded, and add friends next door and it’s a wonderful spot to camp close to home — and still right on Lake Michigan. It was colder than we had hoped but we still got in some awesome hikes (the kids are building their endurance!) and of course lots of campfires.
27. The twins turned five! Just like that, they are growing from little into big kids. P will tell you, she is not a baby or a toddler or even a little kid anymore. She’s five! And so is her brother. Five has been a good year so far as they continue to grow and mature and develop — they are learning so much and are a constant source of fun and entertainment.
28. New Friendships Have Blossomed. As I became a parent, I found myself in new settings with opportunities to meet new people and form new connections. There are a couple of ladies that I met through my kids who have been such a huge blessing in my life as we share similar parenting journeys and they have been such an encouragement and support to me.
29. I started hosting a Bible Study. I was lamenting the fact that none of the local church Bible studies seemed to align well with my schedule when a friend approached me about just doing a study with a couple other women — and meeting in someone’s home, perhaps mine. It has been such a wonderful blessing to be able to be in a Bible study (without even having to leave my house — win/win when you’re the only one who wants to host!) and to dive in deeper with a good friend and a newer friend. I’ve been challenged in my prayer life and encouraged in so many ways.
30. Tom started a new job. After 5+ years as IT Manager at an aerospace company, Tom took a job as IT Director at another local manufacturing company. It was a tough decision for him to make the move because he built so much up from scratch at his last job, with big projects still in progress, but we are praying that this new opportunity would be a great fit in both sides.
31. We did a mini makeover on our sunroom. I basically changed out the rug, painted, added lots of houseplants, and we swapped out our couch for chairs that are still on order. But even with temporary (patio) chairs in place it feels like an oasis. We moved my desk in there and it’s such a fabulous work environment (and a big thanks to my father in law who insulated it this year!).

32. We continued annual holiday traditions with friends. We have friends that I realized we basically do three holidays a year with: 4th of July, Halloween and New Years. It’s fun to have those traditions and watch the kids (and us) form special memories over the years.
33. I got to have tea with Tumnus. Our church put on an amazing production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe — and the invited kids to have tea and Turkish Delight with Tumnus and the other characters. What a fun way to engage with one of my favorite books.
34. P had eye surgery. Not the most fun item on my list but she needed it and it should correct some vision and alignment issues for her. We had such amazing support and coverage in prayer. Even our doctor grabbed my hand and said a prayer before he operated. She’s recovering as type, but doing well!
35. We marked the two year anniversary of finalizing adoption today! They are right when they say the days are long but the years are short. I spent part of tonight looking at old videos from when we first met the twins. They were two; now they are five. So much has changed. And so much has not. Two years ago we sat across a computer screen from a judge wearing reindeer antlers as we made promises to love and care for our kids and she let the kids bang their gavels as she pronounced us officially Symons family of four.
36. I entered my 40th year of life, as I completed year 39 on December 2nd! We are celebrating with a Christmas parade, a visit from my mom and a Supper Club dinner with friends. There is so much to celebrate and I look forward to what God has in store for me next!