Loyally and Unwaveringly

I haven't posted since I created this blog, so no better time to do it than the first of the year, right?

It seems the new thing is to come up with a word instead of a list of new years resolutions at the start of a new year. Although Grant and I DID come up with a list of areas we wanted to better ourselves in [I like lists], we came up with a word as well. As 2013 was coming to a close, we reflected on what we accomplished and what we could do better. What is awesome about new years, is that it is about a month and a half before our anniversary, so we were able to not only look back at 2013, but also our first year marriage. We have accomplished soooo many things this past year and we have learned so much as well! 2013 was a stressful, yet amazing year! Learning to live with someone is a big huge adjustment, BUT I wouldn't change it for anything. I felt 2013 was a year full of change and adjustment. I went through the temple, we were married, moved in together, got our house in order [note: still getting it in order-does it ever end?;)], we have both been dedicated to work and school, we have finally gotten into a routine, and we have a cat and a dog we have taken in as our own. 2013 was CRAZY… but crazy fun!

Anyways, onto our word. I'll reveal, and then explain.

Cleave is the word! I can't take total credit for coming up with the word though. My dear mom helped me come up with the actual word. I couldn't quite put my finger on the word that my mind was thinking. But, leave it to my smart mom to help me out! Thanks mom! 

So, why cleave? The Merriam Webster dictionary's definition of cleave is "to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly." Man, do I love the last part, loyally and unwaveringly. 

As some of you know, my parents are moving this year. The company that my dad works for is shutting down their Grand Junction location and is transferring him to Cheyenne, Wyoming. My parents and younger siblings will be moving to either Cheyenne or the Fort Collins area. With that being said, Grant and I will be the "lone rangers" here in Grand Junction. Grant's family is scattered in Utah, and my family is scattered around the country. It's actually pretty scary knowing that we will be "alone." I have never lived away from a family member before, and never more than 3 months from my parents. I'm sad that they are leaving, BUT I'm happy my dad has work and I'm happy for the new adventures both them and Grant and I will have.

Cleave will be a major thing in Grant and I's life this year. We will be left to "adhere firmly and closely" to each other and build a family bond that is both "loyal and unwavering." It will be an adventure, but we are excited. 2014 will be a year of making our own new traditions, making lasting friendships and relationships with our ward family, and figuring out what we will do for Sunday dinner ;)

I feel like 2013 was a year of getting ourselves organized and this year will be full of excitement and memories! And who knows, maybe there will be or almost be a new little addition to our little family by next new years! 

Happy [late] New Year to all our family and friends!