As we head into the last day of 2016, I wanted to reflect on a few of my favorite moments from this year…

1. If you’ve been following my blog the past couple of weeks this definitely doesn’t come by surprise, but November 26th will forever be my favorite day of 2016 because I GOT ENGAGED!!! I’ve been dreaming of my wedding day since as long as I can remember and it has been so much fun finally getting to put those dreams into action!

2. My first semester of dental hygiene school is officially in the books! I’ve always known I wanted to pursue a career as a dental hygienist so this year has been a huge answer to prayer.  I’m excited to see what the next three semesters have in store!

3. This may sound silly, but one of my favorite things I did this year was take a pre-marital class. Chas & I signed up for an 8 week course during the summer at Watermark called Merge. We covered every topic in the book from finances to who does the laundry. Most importantly, we were equipped with the best resources to enter a marriage focused on the Lord and pursuing holiness rather than our own happiness. If you’re seriously dating, or engaged I would strongly suggest something like this. You won’t regret it!

4.  Making new friendships. I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve made through hygiene school, my new community group, and the blog – your constant encouragement and support for this little space on the internet mean more than you know!

As we turn the page into a new chapter of life I encourage you – i’m talking to myself too – to set goals for the new year ahead. My prayer is to find balance in 2017. I want to be the best wife (woah!), student, daughter, sister, friend, blogger I can be by being present where I am, knowing when to turn off technology and just be.

What were your favorite memories from 2016 and what do you want to achieve in 2017?

Wishing you all the happiest New Year!

bloom & grow forever,

Madeline Rose