It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m sitting at Panera sans children and a full cup of coffee (and a plateful of blueberry scone crumbs but that kind of ruins the aesthetic, doesn’t it?).
As I sit here and reflect on the last 365 days, I have so many memories that stick out. Things that I have loved, things that I have not-so-much loved. Thinking about writing this blog made me think about writing facebook notes in high school where it was a list of 130 questions where you just answered facts about yourself and then at the bottom you tagged 10 people who you thought should do it too. I loved doing things like that, and I think we all have a little part inside of us that loves talking about the things they love. It feels good to let the world into our brains for a little bit, even when it’s things such as favorite movies, or favorite candy. So while I’m not going to copy and past a list of pre-made questions from facebook, here are a few of my favorite things from 2021.
Favorite Recipe:
Why not start with food? This recipe has become a weekly staple in our house. It is incredible easy, pretty healthy (pair with a steam bag of broccoli), and the kids love it.
Runner Up: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole It’s delicious, and has ranch dressing and bacon. That’s all you need to know.
Favorite Fiction Book:
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitino
This was a tricky one to decide, but this read was so easy—it truly felt like I was relaxing while reading it. It was witty, but also so captivating. I truly began to love the characters.
Runner Up: Send for Me by Lauren Fox: This was the last book I read in 2021, but it was good. It intertwines four generations of families and is real good, especially if you like books that take place during the Holocaust era.
Favorite Memoir:
Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter (and the second book, Three More Words)
I think I found this book in a little free library in town. I read it extremely fast. It walks you through her childhood growing up in the foster care system. I recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about foster care or adoption.
Runner Up: 2000 Miles Together by Ben Crawford with Meghan McCracken: I don’t really know if this falls into the memoir category, but it was another incredible read. This book documents the largest family and youngest female to hike the Appalachian Trail. It is a super interesting book about parenting, hiking and people.
Favorite non-fiction:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
Oof, this book was a goody. This book walks you through stories that Rosaria and her family have learned about hospitality and loving others. It is an incredible read and I would recommend it for all Christians. I plan on reading this one again in 2022.
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
I read this book on my phone during a season where Hez was really struggling with sleep. I would sit on the floor of his room while he fell asleep and read this book. It is such an interesting book about how so many people find joy during the bland, cold winters. I read it during February and felt like it really helped me be more content with the cold months that followed.
Favorite TV Series
Well we all know that I have watched way too many episodes of the Amazing Race this year, so that’s got to come in first place. I highly recommend watching this show with friends and giving contestants points for the things they do (crying, medical attention, getting lost, fighting etc.) and then picking teams on who you think will win. This has truly been a highlight of my year.
Runner Up: Shadow and Bone (fun fact: Nathan’s friend from college is in this show), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (always), Parks and Rec and the Office. Not much has changed in our household. OH I also watched Maid (on Netflix) and really enjoyed it.
Movies
I’m bad with movies, I either all asleep during them or don’t remember much of them. However, we did just watch Unforgivable (netflix) and I thought that was really good.
Favorite thing about Hezzy:
I love when Hezzy climbs into bed, or the couch, or wherever I’m at and rubs my head and says “oh mama girl”. It melts my heart and absolutely makes me turn to mush. I also love listening to him talk. Currently my favorite things he says are “otay mama” and when he quotes Toy Story 3 or Cloudy with a Change of Meatballs. Yes, he is not even three and is quoting movies. He is sensitive and wild and such a sympathetic boy.
Favorite thing about Naomi:
I love when Naomi waves to every single person at the grocery store, and I love how she will always plop down on my lap regardless of what I’m doing. She is wild and spunky and loves life. She is my sweet Nay Nay.
Favorite thing about Nathan:
Gotta finish out the family, right? Nathan is steadfast and stable. He is strong and loving and forgiving. My favorite thing about Nathan (right now at least) is watching him love and play with our kids. He is clearly the favorite and is so patient and kind with them.
Favorite Restful Activity
This remains the same year after year, there is nothing better than sitting at a coffee shop with a warm drink and a book in hand. Even just looking around and people watching is relaxing to me.
Runner up: Sitting at home on our back deck with a quilt and a good book while the kids are asleep.
Favorite Place I visited this year
Smoky Mountains! It was so much fun to stay in the mountains, and take a break from the real world to hike, stare at the trees and spend time with family (and play 239 games of Betrayal)
Runner up: Seattle! This only gets runner up because it rained so much, but it was so fun to have a girl trip to seattle!
Favorite Game
Terraforming Mars. It is just as nerdy as it sounds, but it is fun. It takes close to 143 hours to play, but it’s worth it!
Runner up: Skyjo. It’s a simple little card game that Nathan and I have played so many times this last year. It’s not as nerdy as Terraforming Mars, but almost as fun.
Favorite Coffee Shop Drink
Hands down it’s the creamy cashew natte at Toasty Goat. Incredibly creamy with the perfect amount of sweetness.
Runner up: Caramel cold brew latte from Three Story. So creamy, so delicious, so cold, so caffeinated.
Favorite Podcasts
Let’s Talk continues to be one of my favorites, but the one I’ve listened to the most consistently is The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. It’s captivating and entertaining and also a little bit heartbreaking and thought provoking.
Music
I haven’t really found a whole lot of new music this year, just stayed to some of my classic favorites: Mumford and Sons, Will Reagan and the United Pursuit, Judah and the Lion, Josh Garrels etc. If you have new favorite music, let me know because I would love to broaden my music horizons.
AAAAAAAAND THAT’S A WRAP.
I couldn’t think of any more favorites to write about.
Alright time for some shoutouts. Halie, Sierra, I’m looking at you. I want to read about your favorite things of 2021!
THE DE PENNING FAMILY 