Well guys, can you believe we are into 2018?! Just saying that number feels a little surreal to me. 2018. Seriously, how are we already to 2018?! I can still remember New Years Eve in 1999. You know, when everyone thought the world was going to end with Y2K. Everyone was stockpiling canned goods and water in their basements. It was a BIG deal. I was just a youngin at the time, but I remember the moment the clock struck midnight. I was sitting in my living room with my parents and we were all just looking around, expecting something to crazy to happen. Of course nothing did and the world carried on pretty much exactly the same. Well other than the fact that we had a lot of extra canned food to eat. I don’t know why I’m reminded of that moment right now, but it’s kind of crazy to think about how fast time goes and here we are already to 2018. Today I wanted to just take a few minutes to reflect on a few things from the past year and share a couple of my goals for 2018!
This past year had a lot of amazing moments and a few really hard ones too. But overall, God blessed us richly. My favorite moment from the year is definitely when we welcomed little Ava Pearl into our family in July.
I actually announced my pregnancy in my 2017 goals post last January and at the time I was so nervous about how everything would go. Of course I was excited, but also filled with worries and anxiety. You just never know how a pregnancy is going to go and getting a healthy baby isn’t a guarantee. I felt like I was pushing my luck going for number three, but thank the good Lord above she came out healthy and everything went perfectly. She has completed our family in the best way possible and we are so grateful.
Our family has continued to grow in other ways too. My son started Kindergarten, which was full of lots of emotions for me, and my other little lady got to experience what it’s like to be a big sister. And I gotta say, adjusting to having three little ones, while working from home, has been harder than I thought it would be. I feel like I’m spread pretty thin most days and I still haven’t figured out how to balance it all. It’s getting easier as time goes on and I figure out my groove with three, but it’s always a tricky balance.
This past year was a huge year of growth for LVN. I worked really, really hard and you guys have continued to support me in incredible ways. I am so grateful for it all. I know I say it a lot, but it’s true. I LOVE having this space to share my passions with you all. And I love that you guys accept me for who I am. I feel like you get me and my quirky ways, which means more to me than I could ever say.
This year I don’t have a huge list of resolutions for the new year. I have a few simple goals, but overall I want to change my perspective on a couple things. If I had to choose one word for the year I think it would be FOCUSED. First and foremost, I want to be focused on what matters to me the most in life. I think I lost that sometimes this past year, working way too much and not remembering to make time for things that I enjoy or take care of myself. It’s easy to do, when you love your work, but I want to find more balance in the new year. I want to be more focused and efficient with my time. And more strategic with how I do things. Working from home with three kiddos isn’t easy and I’ve struggled to make it work at times. So my goal for 2018 is to cut out things that don’t matter and focus on what does. I’m still figuring out how that will look for me, but I’m excited to approach things differently.
I have some fun and exciting things coming down the pipeline in 2018 and I can’t wait to share them all with you guys. I want to continue to expand LVN to include more things I love and enjoy, but of course there will still be lots of home renovations, DIY projects, and my usual shenanigans. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store. I wish you all the best in the new year and I hope that you feel energized and renewed as 2018 begins. Take time to think about what you want this year and don’t be afraid to go for it. Life is so short and so precious, we really do have to make each day count. Focus on what you want in life and chase it down. No one can do it but YOU. So cheers to 2018 my friends. Go forth and be awesome! xoxo
I love your blog! I have been following you for a while and I have finally taken the plunge and am starting my own blog. It’s people like you that inspire people like me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that!!
Oh how exciting Leeann!! Best of luck to you. Just be yourself and have fun with it!! xo
Well Sarah, from where I sit you seem to handled things and focus extremely well. I know most people couldn’t do what you do with 3 little ones, and look amazing while you are doing it.
You could certainly model that beautiful hair. I got the gel product you recommended that you use on your hair, and have to admit it has helped with mine. I love how you share parts of your life and not just your beautiful creations.
I hope the family is well now, and that 2018 is truly a year that is filled with love and adventure.
Aw thank you Barbara! And I’m so glad to hear you like the gel for your hair. You reminded me that I need to order more, I’m all out! Thanks for being here, I truly appreciate it. Many blessings to you in 2018! xo
Hope you are all over your illness and I wish all of you a healthy Happy New Year.
Yes Glenda, thank the good Lord above we are healthy again over here at LVN!
“HAPPY NEW YEAR” to you and your family ❤️ Sarah, I think I speak for many of your devoted followers….when I say “we love ‘you’”! You are so real, transparent and fun. You put it all out there, not just the good stuff and that’s what makes you so amazing. Your family and your home are beautiful, but it is your faith and heart that is so wonderful. Sarah, I pray God’s blessings over you and your family in this New Year ‘2018’❤️ All the best,
Patty from Colorado
Thank you so much sweet Patty! I truly appreciate that and I will always welcome your prayers. Big hugs to you!
This is the first time I’ve ever posted here, but I’m doing so to tell you how much I enjoy your Little Vintage Nest. I’ve been reading you for awhile now, and want you to know how much you’ve inspired me.
Even though our circumstances are quite different-I’m retired and a grandma many times over-you’ve helped me to realize that the “look” I’ve always loved in my home is still stylish and fun. I’d gotten away from that for a few years and wasn’t happy, but couldn’t quite figure out why. Thanks so much for all your dedication and hard work! Even though it’s surely challenging at times, just know that it’s very much appreciated. Have a safe and happy 2018! Big hugs from Arizona!
Aw thank you for taking the time to leave your first comment Lynda! I love hearing how you’ve rediscovered the style you love for your home and I’m honored to have been a small part of that. Thanks so much for being here, I truly appreciate it! xo
wishing for peace and happiness in this new year!
Happy New Year! I love your word. <3 We are all here to support you!
Thank you so much Katie!
Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to seeing what you have planned for 2018! LVN is such a great resource and inspiration, I love following along.
Thank you Ellen. And thank you for being here this past year, I truly appreciate it! xo
Happy New Year, Sarah! I discovered your blog this past year, and have really enjoyed it! You have a beautiful home and family. You are doing a great job juggling your family and work responsibilities; being a mom is a tough job! Thanks for keeping it real and never be afraid to share the struggles as well as the good moments; we all need the support each other!
Amen to that Vicki!! We all need that support. Thank you so much for being here this past year! xo
My dear Sarah,
How happy I am to hear you say that you will be taking some time for yourself. At this point I probably sound like a broken record but I don’t care. It’s so important that you realize that and apply it to your life. Never ever feel guilty or beat yourself up for taking care of you first, if you don’t you will be doing a great disservice to your children as well as your husband. My only regret in my life is not applying it to myself much much sooner, and believe me I have made some doozy mistakes in my time on earth. I don’t regret these, do I wish I didn’t do it sure but always felt they were mistakes to learn from. But not loving myself, like the good Lord intended really are truly made me regret all those years that I didn’t. But as they say, better late than never. Sweet Sarah, don’t make the same mistake I did. Have a happy and blessed 2018. Your friend, Angela xxx
Oh Angela, you have touched my heart with your sweet words. Thank you for the reminder to take care of what’s important in life. I want to focus on this every day because life just goes by way too fast and the years get away from us. I want to find that balance in life and fight to keep it. Move love to you! xoxo
May you all have a wonderful 2018 and that you stay focused on your values and goals. Love your real way of blogging where the bad bits as well as the good bits are on show. It makes the rest of us feel ‘normal’!!! Do so enjoy your blog.
Aw thank you Nancy!! So glad to have you here. xo
Stareted following you on instagram earlier this year and have really enjoyed it. You are very authentic! Thank you! Looking forward to 2018!
Aw thank you Heidi! I am so grateful to have you following along. xo
First and foremost, I hope all of you are completely recovered from that terrible flu.
Focused is a fabulous word of the year. I think all of us could benifit from being more focused in our lives.
This next year should be a great one. I’m looking forward to seeing what you have going on.
Blessings to you and your beautiful family and here’s to 2018 🍾🎉
Yessss Sandee, we are all finally feeling better!! Thank the Lord, that was a rough week. But onward and upward! Here’s to an amazing 2018! xo
Happy new year!!! Love reading your blog! I hope 2018 is fabulous for you and your family!
Thank you so much! Best wishes for 2018! xo
I love that you talked about this. I feel like I’m on the same exact boat. I hope this year really brings us to be able to find more balance and really be intentional about everything we do. Being a mama and working from home is so hard !
It ain’t easy, that’s for sure! But I’m hopeful I can find more balance in the new year and more free time to enjoy the extra stuff. Best wishes in the new year Susan!
Hey Sarah! I picked focus as my word for 2018 as well! i just feel if i can focus more i will accomplish whatever it is that is before me. I wont miss out on things because i will take the time to focus and be there in heart. 2018 will be a great year . I look so forward to you growing your blog. I love reading it and come here daily to start off my day!!
I agree, being focused and intentional with our time really opens us up to lots of other possibilities. Here’s to making 2018 the best year yet Kristen! xo
Happy New Year! Hope u guys are feeling better. I’ve been following u for over a year or longer and must say that u inspire me Soo much! Love LVN and I actually look forward to Monday’s now, lol. Thank u for your time and commitment!
I have slowly been redecorating my house to the farmhouse/vintage look and I love it! My husband teases me about all of the signs, says that I’m getting him ready to get old so if he can’t remember where he is, then the “ home” sign will let him know! Lol
I’m struggling with new paint colors, I read your post with your favs. I guess I’m just not sure how to make them blend throughout the house. I have 2 story in which all the main bedrooms are upstairs. Should I go all one color for upstairs and then a different for downstairs? Any advise is greatly appreciated!! Thank u sweetie
lol you made me laugh with your sign comment! Yes, those will come in handy when the memory fails!! Ok, about your paint colors. You can totally do different paint colors for each level of your home. I do think it looks more pulled together when the rooms are all the same color on the same level, as opposed to each room being a different color, but you can of course do whatever makes you happy. You could even make the entire home the same color if you want!
Happy New Year to you, Sarah. Your blog is so wonderful and revitalizing. Luv your daily updates and family pics. May we all be blessed for a wonderful 2018.
Thanks so much Doreen! I always appreciate when you drop by. Best wishes to you and your family in 2018! xo
Good word for 2018 Sarah !! I am like that also and have a word for the year ! My word is Purpose. Having a more purposeful daily life. Somewhat like yours I need to be more focused. Choosing what is more important. Desiring to do and be what God wants me to on a daily basis. Each morning i want to wake up and ask God to give me purpose for that day and not to waste away my day. Blessings to you and your family as we get ready for 2018 and all that is holds !!!
I love that Suzanne. Every morning we have to re-evaluate what is important for that day and ask God for purpose. It’s so important. Best wishes to you in 2018! xoxo