LOOKING BACK AT 2017

2017 both flew by and dragged all at the same time.  We had some truly amazing experiences and opportunities.  We also uncovered some hard things that live inside of us and are spending a lot of time and energy trying to make sense of the people that we are.  And the world seemed to be a little nuts, which certainly was not fun to watch, or live in.



Here are the highlights (and notable happenings) of the Spenst 2017!



Lily turned 8, and we celebrated with a Pajamas and Pancake Party.

John and I had a mini-getaway before we headed to CFA Seminar in Texas this year.

We spent part of Spring Break in Branson with friends!



We welcomed a new biological sibling for William and Violet into our extended family that has grown to include some dear friends.  This still makes me 😭.

William and Violet turned four, and we celebrated with a Fiesta Fourth Birthday party!

Violet had her adenoids removed shortly after their birthday.  It has made a HUGE difference for us all, and we are so thankful!

We won a trip to Aruba with CFA- such a gift.

We celebrated our CFA's 10 Year Anniversary.  Cannot believe we've been in Little Rock selling chicken for 10 whole years!  We had a party for people who have been with us for at least five of those years.

One of our biggest 2017 highlights was our trip to Rwanda.  It was beyond amazing and truly an unforgettable experience.  We are so thankful the Lord allowed us this opportunity!

We joined my family in NW Arkansas for a long weekend.



Everybody started back to school for another year that seems to be going well.  I'm so thankful for the places that God has our kids for the time being.



We celebrated the massive milestone of having all of our children potty-trained!!!



Bella turned seven, and we partied with unicorns to celebrate.



John and I traveled to Houston and took in a Dodgers/Astros WORLD SERIES game!  It was such an amazing experience, though they lost the series - we got to see a game they won!



For Halloween, we were the Spenst Sweets, which I particularly loved.

Our college besties visited in November, and we had SO MUCH FUN.



Our Thanksgiving was a sweet one with lots and lots of family.



And, we had one of our best Christmases ever.

I'm always blown away when I look back to see all that one year holds.  I love to see all of the ways that God works, and I am truly so thankful for the good and the hard.  It is all shaping us.

Looking forward to 2018!  Happy New Year!