Happy last Friday of 2013!  I’ve decided to dedicate this entry to the {update}.

I think most of us receive them this time of year.  The family update letters from people we’ve known through the years.  Some are relatives.  Some are friends we met  when we lived in other states.  Some are people we see each day at work.  Some people are creative and make theirs into some sort of haiku.  Others let each family member write their own section.  We received one this week in which the husband and wife take turns writing the letter each year.  I enjoy receiving this type of correspondence and take time to read through each letter we receive.

An interesting aspect of the update letter is I don’t recall ever receiving one at Christmastime that said much negative.  Never any

We went through a bankruptcy this year.

Or……

Our kids are getting along worse than ever.

Or….

Our son failed Algebra 2 and we’re not proud.

For the most part, they generally hit the highlights.

Our family did not write an update this year.  To be honest, the thought never really crossed my mind this season.  Yet, in the spirit of joy [yes, I’m being a bit serious and a bit sarcastic at the same time], I decided to list what made me proudest of my favorite people in 2013.

I’ll start with the youngest.

Allie

Daughter Allie challenged herself this year.  She tried out and made her high school soccer team.  Despite not getting a huge amount of play time, she was an encouragement to her teammates from the sidelines.  Allie also has accepted the opportunity to study abroad next year and continues to make plans so she can live the 2014-15 school year in Europe.  Allie, without complaint, earned money doing childcare at a local Hispanic church.  Her earnings will go towards a February school trip to New York City.  Allie continues to have strong feelings about fairness and justice, which along with her determination to succeed, make me a happy mom of a teen girl.

Jamie

Jamie had many high moments in 2013.  Scholarship offers, acceptance to the University of Louisville, high school graduation, classical and jazz guitar concerts and his move from home into a college dorm.  What makes me proudest of James is seeing him make sound decisions.  He has modified his college plan a bit and set a course for a successful future.  Sometimes he says something and I stop and think, “Wow!  He’s only 18 but sounds so mature.”  Then he’ll say something absolutely ridiculous and make me laugh.  Though I miss him dearly when he’s away at school, I’m so glad he’s doing well.

Chip

This has been a rather difficult year of adjustment for Chip and I, both as individuals and as married people.  I am proud of Chip because he lost a great deal of weight this year and has increased his exercise routine.  He is continuing  his weight loss and fitness goals into the new year, and is looking handsome and healthy.  I am also proud of the way Chip has handled adversity in 2013.  He has faced difficulties and has dealt with them well.  I am appreciative of his openness and honesty and his care for our family.

Me

Well, I’ve been as introspective as I’ve ever been these last few months.  I am thankful 2013 is quickly coming to a close.  It hasn’t been the easiest year.  Quite frankly, it’s been damn hard.  So I’m mustering as much positive mojo I can and look forward to 2014.  My hope is it will be a year of peace.  In my mind, in my home, and in my family as we travel to and from our house far and near.

Happy Friday!  Happy New Year!