My, my, what a year I’ve had.  Never could I have imagined the joy, opportunity, and unexpected wonderful that 2016 would bring at New Year’s last year.  And here we are, a whole year later and I’m left in awe of undoubtedly one of the best years of my life.

So much good has happened, it was hard to narrow it down to my top 5 of 2016.  I’ve been so very blessed.  Here are some highlights from the year:

5. HOME & FAMILY NEXT DIY STAR TOP 5

Who would have known when I decided to send in a reel to Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family Next DIY Star competition I would go on to be selected as a top 5 finalist.  It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and one I am so very grateful for.  I met some wonderful people, was able to announce my pregnancy on tv, got great advice and guidance from the oh so kind staff, and made lifelong friends.  I can’t thank the producers, hosts, and entire team enough for their kindness!

Read about the experience HERE.

4.  ANCHOR GIG AT FOX 13

When I walked away from TV news several years ago, I truly had no intention of ever going back.  It was a season in my life I knew had changed and I was ready to flex new muscles, explore my other talents, and turn my attention to goals I previously hadn’t had the time or creative energy to accomplish.  I was caught completely off guard when the news director at the local Fox affiliate contacted me to see if I was interested in returning to news.  My first instinct was to say no, but after he laid out the position of part time weekend anchor of Good Day Utah, I knew it was an opportunity that wouldn’t come around again.  With the support of Jon, I decided to go for it (and go back on TV at 7 months pregnant), and it has been the perfect fit.  I can keep my foot in the career I dedicated so much of myself to while also pursuing design, the blog, and taking care of my now three little ladies.  What a gift!  I’m excited to go back after maternity leave on January 14.

3. BETTER HOMES & GARDENS/STYLEMAKER FEATURES AND PANEL PRESENTATION

If I could pinpoint one thing that took my blog to a new level, it’s been the support of Better Homes & Gardens.  In the first six months of blogging, withHEART was named BHG DIY blog of the year.  This year, our home, the #staggreno, and family were featured on the pages of Better Homes (hello dream come true!) and I was selected as a 2016 Stylemaker and featured in a spread in the first issue of the new Stylemaker Magazine.  (I’ll share more about the shoot and spreads soon!)  I was also honored to speak on a panel at the NYC Stylemaker Event in September.  I continue to be so very grateful to the editors and staff at BHG for their support.  They are the best in the biz!!

2.  STAGG DESIGN

It has long been a goal of mine to launch my own product collection.  Stagg Design is all I dreamed it would be, and it’s so rewarding seeing textiles I designed/produced in the homes of customers.  I wholeheartedly believe your home is a sacred place and I’m in awe that you all would want to put our products in the place you hold most dear.  Thank you thank you.  And thank you again.  I can’t wait to see what the next year ahead holds for this budding business.

1. BABY VIVIENNE

We learned we were expecting Vivienne in March and I’ve never had so many opportunities to be photographed/appear on television while pregnant.  My pregnancy seemed like a whirlwind with all the craziness happening this year and her birth was such a wonderful way to end such a wonderful year.  Vivie was born November 3 and has brought such a sweet spirit into our home.  She is an angel.  Her two big sisters and parents adore her.  (photos by Veronica Reeve)

This year was not without its hardships and stress, but as I look back at the year past, I see only all the good.  I’ve been so blessed.  2016, you were one of the best.  Now, let’s do this 2017!