Year in Review 2023

 

Ah, the magical stretch between Christmas and New Year's – my absolute favorite time on the calendar! It's that week where I find myself blissfully oblivious to what day it is, just soaking in having time to relax and just be. 

Reflecting on 2023, it's been a year of notable professional achievements. With a lot of hard work and determination, our team has accomplished commendable milestones this year. Personally, I've prioritized my well-being, incorporating regular exercise, more sleep, and hydration into my routine. This year also allowed me to complete several meaningful Bible studies, which were all fantastic!

A significant portion of my time was dedicated to supporting my parents and mother-in-law through various health challenges. As the year draws to a close, there's a sense of stabilization in their conditions, which is a relief.

To review the past 12 months, I invite you to peruse my comprehensive Year in Review!

1. In God's Word

At the beginning of the year, I embarked on a journey through the Bible with the Daily Grace Co. However, come June, the rapid pace of reading left me feeling fatigued. It became a mere checkbox exercise rather than a meaningful exploration. Recognizing this, I returned to She Reads Truth, a platform with which I've had a longstanding connection. Since July, my immersion in various Bible studies has been both fulfilling and enriching.  Here are a few things I've studied this year:

• Study of the Book of Judges
  
• Study of the Book of Ezra
• Psalms for Prayer Study
• Study of the Book of Romans
• Study of the Book of Genesis
  
• Study of the Book of Job
• Study of the Book of Exodus
• Study of the Book of Joshua
  

Alongside these studies, I completed another year of utilizing Val Marie's Paper: Prayer Journal – a practice I've faithfully upheld for the past five years. The ritual of capturing daily gratitude and ongoing prayer requests has become an integral part of my spiritual routine. 

A post from earlier this year when life seemed overwhelming!

2. Adventures with Matt

This year, Matt and I ventured to new places. His presence at a special event in Washington D.C. brought added excitement, and our October escape to Key West proved to be an absolute delight. Exploring the Florida Keys for the first time, we created lasting memories and are already planning our return.

 

Returning to one of our most memorable places in Florida!  

LOL! #IYKYK

 

Key West was amazing!  One of my favorite vacations hands down. 

We ended the year with attending Miracle on 34th Street at Barter!

The play was so good.

3. Adventures with the Little Ones

The past year was a tapestry of cherished memories, from upholding holiday traditions to celebrating birthdays and every moment in between. Our family time was filled with joy and shared experiences.

 

Celebrated Easter! 

Watching Little Bit Davis in her first Dance Recital!

Celebrated Little Nugget's 3rd Birthday!

Had lots of summer fun together!

Annual Christmas Tree Pic!

The best Christmas photo we could get!   

4. Appalachian Regional Commission's Appalachian Leadership Institute

The culmination of my participation in the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI) this summer marked a pivotal moment in my career. The experience was transformative, introducing me to remarkable individuals. Being chosen by my peers to represent the class at graduation, with the honor of delivering a speech in the United States Capitol, stands out as a highlight of the year.

 

Our ALI Class at Graduation!

 

So fortunate to have this group as my Cornbread Kinfolk team!

 

My travel partner in crime!  So thankful for this ALI! 

5. Loving my job!

This year I fell in love with my job!  I get to work with the best people, and the work we get to do is inspiring and fun.  Additionally, the demands of my job led me to various destinations this year, including Birmingham, AL; Youngstown, OH; Cumberland, MD; Washington, D.C.; Jamestown, NY; Ashburn, KY; Blowing Rock, NC; Hampton Roads, VA; and multiple trips to Richmond, VA. The dynamic experiences enhanced my professional growth, making this year a remarkable chapter in my career. As 2024 nears, I eagerly anticipate the new opportunities it holds.

This was one of my favorite photos from this year!  I adore every face in this picture, and I am so thankful for each one of them!

So thankful for the support and friendship from this gal!

 

 

So many great projects!  Loved this groundbreaking in Spring 2023! 

 

How did I get so lucky to work with such incredible people!

6. My Health

The kickoff to this year brought less-than-ideal health news my way. Recognizing the need for change to steer clear of potential health challenges down the road, I embarked on a gradual but determined journey. Slowly but surely, I revamped my diet, incorporated regular exercise, made sleep a priority, and upped my water intake. The result? Shedding several pounds and setting the stage for an even more ambitious health journey in 2024. Here's to continued progress!

 

This is proof I hiked in the woods. LOL!!

 

7. Celebrating the Royal Coronation

My best royal friends came to town in time to watch King Charles Coronation in May.  We had a ball watching all the festivities, and we even decorated like we were in the UK and fixed English treats!  Oh I love these memories with Laney!  

Watching the Royal Coronation of King Charles!

As I wrap up this reflection on the past year, I'm filled with gratitude for the diverse experiences that 2023 unfolded. From the depths of insightful Bible studies and memorable adventures with loved ones to the transformative journey with the Appalachian Leadership Institute, each chapter has contributed to a year of growth and enrichment. Balancing personal well-being, family joy, and professional accomplishments, I look forward to carrying these lessons into the promising horizon of 2024. Here's to another year of flourishing health, exciting adventures, and continued personal and professional growth. 

Wishing you all a joyous New Year filled with abundant blessings and fulfillment! 

Cheers to the adventures that await!

Kim

 

Annual Year in Review - 2022

Greetings Friends!  Its that time of year again that I log onto this blog and share memories from the past 12 months.  This is something I always look forward to, but more importantly, I love looking back at all the precious moments of life.  2022 was overall a good year, and the top two highlights were definitely graduating with my MBA and celebrating by 15th Wedding Anniversary with Matt.

 Here is a little look into the past year:  

 

We kicked off 2022 with a snow storm.  It was nice to slow down the start of the year a little, and enjoy the stillness of the snow.

We celebrated my Sis-In-Law's Birthday with a family dinner.  I sure love this family of mine.

   

After a quick work trip to Richmond, and I came home with COVID.  And, it kicked my butt!  I was down for about 2-weeks, and I'm don't think I have ever been that sick!

In February, I started feeling much better and headed out on one of many trips across Southwest Virginia.  Loved this stop in Big Stone Gap with this awesome group.

 

My sweet friend Tammy and I headed to a show in Knoxville.  Loved spending time with her!

 

 In the Spring, our leadership team headed on a retreat!  It was an awesome time to spend time together, plan for the year ahead, and set goals for the next 18 months. 

 

Matt & I headed to Rosemary Beach in May for a quick beach getaway.  

We enjoyed our time to 30A!

 

 

We celebrated Matt's birthday with a family dinner.   

We also celebrated two of my Aunts birthdays - 70 and 80 years old.  Love this cousin of mine.  She has always been by my side.

We kicked off the summer with a great concert in our Amphitheater w/ a Symphony 4th of July Show. 

Our team headed out on field study day in the region.  We had an awesome time.

 

This summer, Little Bit Davis decided she loved "Sandwich Hugs" which Uncle Matt and Aunt Kim love!!

 

The day after I graduated with my MBA, I had a medical episode on stage in front of 200 people (no one knew I was in any pain), and when I finished speaking I walked off stage and went straight to the hospital.  No one in the audience knew I left.  LOL!  All was okay, but it scared me to death.  Knew my lifestyle had to change.

When I returned back to work a few days late, my team through me a celebration Breakfast for graduating with my MBA! 

Our team also celebrated Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion!

We honored the year since my Father-In-Law passed away, 

with sending "Thinking of You" Balloons to Heaven! 

 

 In October, I kicked off a one year adventure with Appalachian Leadership Commission Leadership Class! 

 We also celebrated a ground breaking with one of our projects. 

 

We also headed to the tree farm for our Annual Christmas Tree Adventure!

This little Nugget is the cutest!

Santa photo with two of my favorite people.

Celebrated another groundbreaking in Norton!

Christmas 2022 with my family!

 

 A fun Christmas Tree pic!!

 

 

Happy New Year's Eve Friends!!

 

Kim 

2022 Goals and Word of the Year

Happy New Year My Friends!

I love the start of a new year.  Its a time for new beginnings, new hopes and new dreams.  

On New Year's Eve we took it easy.  I have been fighting a cold all week and I haven't been sleeping well, so I called it an early night.  I actually rested/slept from 8pm - 11:00 a.m.  It felt so good to rest, and I spent the rest of the weekend resting too. I am starting to feel a little better, but taking it easy and getting lots of rest. 

As we start 2022, I thought it would be fun to share my goals for 2022.  I do this from time to time, and thought it would be fun to share this year.  

2022 Goals

1. Spend the first moments of each day with Jesus! 

This year, I am going to continue to follow the She Reads Truth Bible Study. I also plan to use the Val Marie Prayer Journal (my favorite) to capture my gratitude, my prayers, and answers to prayers.

2. Embrace a new healthy habit each month. 

Each month, I want to focus on implementing a new healthy habit in my life.  Things like focusing on sleep, water intake, intermediate fasting, etc. The goal is to end the year with 12 new healthy habits.  

In January, I am focusing on building a healthy sleep routine. Sleep is so important, and I know I have neglected this habit for way too long.

3. Love Matt well. 

I am truly so lucky to have Matt in my life, and I want to show him each day what he means to me.

4. Celebrate Well. 

This is going to be a year FULL of celebration.  From our 15th Wedding Anniversary to me graduating with my MBA.  Its going to be a fun year, and I want to embrace and celebrate all the incredible moments.

5. Create Family and Personal Rhythms 

We have gotten out of the rhythms as a family.  Things like regular dinners with my parents, church on Sundays, indoor tailgate parties for UT games,etc.  I just want to re-establish our family rhythms.

6. Cultivate a Peaceful and Calm Home 

I love creating a home that is restful and peaceful.  One of the ways to do that is to de-clutter our home, and keeping our home clean and organized.  I always love keeping our home in order, and look forward to some big projects this year. 

7. Be a good steward of our finances. 

Matt and I are getting more and more serious about our finances, and I really want us to grow our savings and get more aggressive in our investing too. 

8. Intentionally grow and learn. 

This past year when I started my new job I stopped reading as much as I used to.  This year, I want to be intentional in reading, listening to podcasts, and watching master classes.  

These eight goals lead me to my word of the year.  This word comes after a year of feeling overwhelmed, tired, and exhausted.  I faced a lot of challenges in 2021, but my goal by the end of 2022 is to be filled with energy, joy, and full of life, instead of being so tired.  Therefore, my word of the year and focus for 2022 is:

I am looking forward to what 2022 has in store. 

Kim

Annual Year in Review - 2021

 

Its that time of year again.  

If there is anything consistent on this blog, its this end of year post.  I have really fallen off from posting on this blog throughout the year, but I always like working on this post. 

This post helps me remember all the great things that happened throughout the year.  2021 was filled with a lot of growth and challenges; however, one thing remained and that was the Lord's faithfulness.  Even during the hard times, I could find so much to be thankful for in life.  

Here is a peak into this past year:

 

We kicked off the new year with dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.  I wanted to capture this moment because we were still wearing masks.  Also, I missed being home for New Years Eve because I was in Knoxville with my dad's eye surgery.  So we celebrated the New Year on January 2nd!

Next, we continued to spend many Sunday afternoons at the Davis House.  This was a picture of me and nugget (ie...Easton Henry) in early January.  I don't get many photos of the little man because his sister likes for us to spend all of our time with her (LOL), but one thing I loved about 2021 was watching him grow.

 

February brought snow! I worked from home most of the first part of the year, and the snow was simply the best when I didn't have to get out in it. 

In February we also celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday!  We always love celebrating with these two!

In May we headed to beach with our favorite people.  We had a great time, and it was also the week I accepted a new job! Life seemed to pick up steam after this week.

At the end of May, I worked with an incredible group of Bristol leaders and helped launch a new music initiative.  I got to work with some of my favorite partners and friends, which was bittersweet because this was the last community event I did in my old job. 

In June, I got to celebrate one of my favorite people - Taylor with a tourism marketing award. 

In late June, I took a new job and I haven't looked back. 

In July, one of my life-long friends moved back to the U.S. and we headed to a music event my dad hosted in our hometown. 

 

In July, we also celebrated the 4th of July! As you can see we didn't get any "official" photos, but little bit wanted to be held like a baby before the fireworks.  So Uncle Matt decided to rock her asleep.  She laughed the entire time.  Oh how we love this little girl. 

 

We also celebrated Easton's first birthday!

 

My sister-in-law truly amazes me. She is an awesome mom, daughter, and friend.  

 

This summer, we headed out to dinner at Grace Meadow Kitchen for dinner and a tractor ride.  This picture was taken right before the storm came. We were soaked about 5 minutes after this photo was taken.  LOL!

In September, my college best friend was in town and we spent some time catching up. Loved exploring Downtown Bristol with her! 

 

 I did make it to Rhythm & Roots in September.  And, got to spend some time with this amazing friend.  I am so thankful for this friendship. 

 

In late September, we lost Matt's Dad.  We miss him each and every day, and life hasn't been the same.  We have somehow made it through the holidays, but it was really surreal and hard.  I am so thankful to still have my mother-in-law and my parents, as I don't take for granted those relationships at all. 

 

In October, our organization hosted a multi-state event.  We had a great time showing off all the SWVA has to offer.  This picture includes ARC Federal Co Chair Gayle Manchin, Governor Ralph Northam, and Delegate Will Morefield. 

Meet my work assistant.  This sweet one is going to make me a dog person yet. 

 

I also spent time around the SWVA region getting to know many of our partners and exploring many of the 19 counties.  I have many more to go, but I will get there.  

We celebrated HALLOWEEN with our niece and nephew. 

Somehow in the midst with all the things, I was able to complete five more graduate school classes this year.  I was exhausted 99% of the time, and I took this picture during a lecture at 8:00 p.m. one night when I didn't think I could make it anymore.  I was able to get all As and only have 4 classes to go. I am excited to graduate in 2022! 

 

In November, we headed to White Top to get our Christmas Tree! I love this tradition, and its fun to watch the kids grow year after year.

In December, our team hosted lots of Christmas events.And, these these two ladies are the best!  They have been such a blessing to me this year. Their positive attitudes have carried me through so many hard days.  

We also celebrated my birthday and Emmalyn's birthday too. 

 

 

We started a new tradition too. We added in making Ginger Bread Houses to our Christmas Tradition list.  We will invite brother when he is 4 too!

We celebrated Christmas. This was a picture of Christmas morning right before mom and dad arrived to open presents.  I love our traditions. 

And, I ended the year hanging out with my best friend Tiffany. 

All and all 2021 was a good year, but it did have a lot of challenges.  I grew a lot this year, and looking forward to all 2022 has in store.