A look back at 2018
I love going back through the year’s photos and reflecting on all of the events, happenings and blessings we encounter throughout one year. Time moves so quickly, I think it’s important to reflect and pause to appreciate just how much actually happens in those 365 days!
I wanted to share some of my favorites with you today. I so enjoy coming back to these recap posts years later to reminisce. I’ve been blogging since 2013 so looking back on these is like time travel for me in a sense.
So I guess I’m finally getting back to blogging today in a very selfish or self-serving manner. Sorry friends… though I know you understand and hopefully if anything you too will gain inspiration to go back through your photos from 2018 and take a moment to reflect on all of your amazing blessings as well!
2018 Memories
We started out the year expanding the Rustic Honey Boutique warehouse! BEST decision ever! It filled up quickly this year and I have been so thankful for the extra elbow room!
As usual it became a family affair! My husband and father-in-law chipped in with their wonderful craftsman skills to pull it altogether. And just for the record, I did do my fair share of work and painting too! Haha! Looks like I only supervised in these photos! 😉
I spy two big shop helpers…
When the new space was complete with heat, we hosted our first paint party! What a fun time with our friends at Studio 119!
In February, my mom and I attended market for Rustic Honey in Vegas. So excited we’re planning this together again soon!
The boys at the beginning of 2018…
so itty bitty…
And now so BIG!…
I seriously had to check the date of the first photo to make sure! Haha!
How can babies grow SO quickly?!
Family Time
So much happened in 2018, I found myself wondering during the holidays if we had spent enough time together as a family throughout the year. I think it’s just the realization of how quickly time passes and wanting to make sure we’re soaking it in for all it’s worth!
A lot of my favorite memories are pretty ordinary… like simply doing chores together or soaking up the evening sun on the back porch.
We had a bottle calf in the spring/summer of 2018. The boys named him “Butter-butt”… not really sure why but it stuck!
Although an inconvenience at the time, I love the memories made doing this chore with my boys every day.
Butter-butt has gone on to live in greener pastures with his herd across the road. He still comes right up to me like I’m his mama with the bottle! <3
We spent good quality time with family and friends at “The Pit” (basically a glorified pond) this year. My boys LOVE going there so much they are already asking when it will be warm enough to go back!
And per Ren’s adamant requests, we found a quick beach day-cation this summer as well! Even if it was only to a nearby lake. Getting away to the beach from Missouri isn’t an easy trip but I hope someday soon we can give them the real deal!
I guess it just goes to show that it doesn’t take much effort, money, or planning to make lasting “vacation-like” memories with your little family. 🙂
Some bigger events and memories for us this year would have been the Wonders of Wildlife Museum at Bass Pro in Springfield. Pretty neat place and Ren still talks about the sharks!
And yes, 2018 was “the year of this ridiculous pose” by Ren. Haha!
I LOVE mini vacations like this! Sometimes it seems like a hassle to load everything up for the kids and it can be hard to squeeze time into our calendar but the memories made from a day away home are lasting and magical! I want more of this in 2019!
And more ice cream of course! You know me well my friend! 😉
This year the circus came to town too!
Ren loved it! His favorite part was the tigers! 
AND I’m so excited to say I finally experienced Silver Dollar City at Christmas this year!
Yes, it was totally for my selfish gain. I wanted to see all of those lights!
The boys thought is was neat too of course! 😉
Seriously though… they were definitely more thrilled than in this photo! Haha!
This year we also seemed to find a bit more time for dates!
Date days, date nights, mini-dates, group dates… I’ll take ALL the dates with this guy please! <3
And even my 30th birthday date! That big birthday happened this year too! 
My Sister
My little sister is engaged and asked me to be her matron of honor in May 2019! I watched her say yes to a gorgeous dress with my mom, grandmother, cousins and friends! And I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate all of the wedding festivities with her and my future brother-in-law, Mike, this year!
Birthdays
Roric turned the O-N-E in 2018!
And I’m realizing now I never once blogged about his or Ren’s parties this year! I may have to spam you with all of those photos soon as well just so I have the documentation! 😉
Rustic Honey, which often feels like my third child, turned FIVE this year!
We were very proud to announce our award as Missouri Mobile Boutique of 2018! What an honor and feeling of LOVE to have all of our fans, followers, customers, friends and family take the time to vote for us this year! <3
This year there were also new puppies…
cookies just because…
overalls… because… <3
Flinstones… and lots of BAM-BAM 24-7…
Oh and of course… that one kid with Santa…
Of course the year brings all the things… all the good, all the bad, all the feels. Focus on the blessings in every memory! They’re the ones that stick and the ones that are oh-so-fun to reminisce on years later!
So go… grab your photo book, login to facebook, google photos, wherever you go… create a folder of your favorite memories from 2018!
REFLECT on the past, FEEL the blessings and PLAN your path with intention and prayer for even more of the good in 2019!
What was your favorite memory from 2018? Catch up with me below! It’s been awhile! 😉
Happy New Year friend! <3
Thanks for reading!
Lauren