I love these few days after Christmas but before New Year. I love reflecting on the past year — remembering the goals I set at the beginning and noticing how things actually unfolded. I enjoy all the “wrapped” highlights, and so, in the spirit of noticing, in no particular order, here are a few things I want to remember about 2025.

Running

If you know anything about me at all, you probably know I am a runner. I started a daily running streak in 2023, and at the end of 2025 I will be on day 827.

What I am most proud of — and possibly also most embarrassed by — is that I kept my running streak through a fractured toe and foot this fall. Even though that injury set me back from reaching my goal of 2025 miles in 2025, I can still look back on the year fondly.

My kids and husband all joined me for at least one race this year, Evan even had his own mini-streak this summer, and Levi has made it his goal to complete the LCRWG’s 2026 game card.

Running continues to be a place where I show up, listen, and learn — even when my body asks me to slow down.

Our Bathroom Remodel

We completed our first remodel this year (and by completed, I mean we hired a company to do the work). Our bathroom was old and moldy, with tiles falling out of the shower — very much in need of attention.

What started as a practical fix became a major part of our summer and fall. There were decisions, delays, and a lot of waiting. And then, slowly, something new took shape.

We definitely glammed up.

Here are a few pictures.

Learning to live with AI

In May, I was given a new title at work — Innovation Strategist — and began learning, utilizing, and growing in the area of AI. Almost overnight, I went from barely using it at all to using it daily, and it has drastically shaped my year.

In my personal life, I use AI mostly for everyday things: tweaking recipes, meal planning, asking Bible questions, acting as a feedback coach, and generating workouts. What surprised me most wasn’t just how useful it became, but how quickly it integrated into the ordinary rhythms of my days.

This year has been about learning, experimenting, and imagining what might be possible — not just at work, but in life. I’m still discerning what it means to live well with new tools, but I’m grateful for the curiosity and growth this season has invited.

Trips, Joy, and Ordinary Fun

We had so much fun in 2025! We went to Missouri for the first time. We played at the City Museum, went to the St. Louis Arch, hiked up Elephant Rocks, and rode so many roller coasters.

We visited friends and family, we jumped non-stop at Ninja Kids, and we experienced the movie theater for the first time as a family (hello Minecraft movie!).

Having older kids has been so much fun! Watching their interests grow, sharing experiences together, and saying yes to adventures that weren’t possible a few years ago has been a gift this year. It also was the year of the mullet!!

Books

For the past couple of years, I’ve set some ambitious reading goals. While I didn’t read quite as much in 2025 as I have in other years, I still finished 25 books!

Here are a few favorites from the year:

The Will of the Many — James Islington
This one came highly recommended by a family friend, and it did not disappoint. I was immediately pulled into the world and the story, and I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Bright Years — Sarah Damoff
A deeply heartfelt story that had me crying through the last hundred pages. It explores heavy themes and broken family relationships with tenderness and honesty. Beautiful, painful, and deeply moving.

Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians — Brandon Sanderson
Pure fun. The boys and I listened to this audiobook on a road trip, and we laughed the entire way. A joyful shared reading experience that I’ll always remember.

Hiding God’s Word in my Heart

This year I memorized the book of James, along with a few other passages.
I also read through the entire Bible again using The Bible Recap plan.

One of my favorite Scripture-related memories this year is Evan asking to “read the Bible” at night. We established a simple daily rhythm of reading Bible stories before bed, and I know these are memories I will forever cherish.

Scripture continues to anchor me — especially when circumstances feel unstable. God’s Word shapes my prayers, my perspective, and the way I show up in ordinary moments.

God’s Faithfulness in our Family

I may be most thankful for the spiritual growth that took place in our family this year.

At the beginning of 2025, I was attending church alone. The kids were choosing to stay home with their dad and play video games. It is important to Cole that they not be required to attend church, but that they go of their own free will.

So I began to pray — and to disciple them at home.

In the summer, Levi started coming with me consistently. In October, Evan joined as well. Even though it took longer than I would have liked, the fruit has been worth the wait. Now, our kids come to church each week without whining, forcing, coercing, or bribing. They are there because they want to be.

That is worth everything.

And just like we say each week at church, my kids know it to be true:
God is good. Jesus has forgiven me. I am loved. And everything is possible.

Not everything about 2025 was easy or perfect, but I hold the year with so much gratitude. God is present, faithful, and near.