Farewell 2012

As 2012 is coming to a close, it's always a nice time to look back and reflect on the year.  Especially when you look back at the year in photos - it brings back so many memories.  It is actually bringing a tear to my eye.  Lots of them.   It's a nice reminder how Blessed life it.

2012 was a BIG year for us.  The biggest year yet.  We expanded our family (again), celebrated our daughters first year of preschool, 7 years of marriage, traveled lots, celebrated milestones, and watched Jack develop into a young boy. 

This year was good.

But this year was tough.  The toughest I have ever endured.  My life changed so much when we expanded our family.  I guess I was naive to think it wouldn't be this difficult of a change. 

It was hard.  I can admit that.  I am not ashamed to admit that.

I never imagined caring for three kids (under 4) could be so fulfilling - yet so all-consuming.  So much had to be adjusted and compromised to accommodate my new life.  My marriage took a back seat at times.  My friendships became a little more distant at times.  I had surrendered myself to this family, completely. 

The good out weighed the bad.  Most definitely.  But the bad times were bad.  Sometimes unbearable.  A lot of growing pains took place here.  Looking back I think I may have suffered some post-partum depression.  I don't know.  How do you ever know?  But, it's past me now & in the end, it only made me appreciate my relationship with my husband, my family (especially my mom), and my close friends who I leaned on for support.  These tough times also allowed me to renew my sense of faith and rebuild my relationship with the Lord.

I am forever grateful.  I am Blessed beyond measure.  Life is hard.  But anything worth living for takes hard work.  We had lots of laughs this year, lots of tears, lots of sleepless nights.  But we also had lots of milestones, vacations, celebrations, and fun together!  I am proud of my kids, I am proud of my husband and I am proud of the mother I am striving to be.  I look forward to next year.  I think things are continuing to become easier for us over here.  And one thing I know for sure - is that we have each other - and that is unbreakable.  I love this family.  I love the life we live together. 

I am ready to move forward.  I am anxiously awaiting 2013's arrival.  And I know, the best is yet to come for me and for this family of mine...

Here is a review of some of the best times we had together in 2012...

Looking back at these photos brings me to my knees in Thanks and Praise to the Lord.  Thank you for blessing me so much.  My life is so rich.  Not in money but rich in relationships.  The stuff that counts.

Cheers to putting 2012 behind us and to a joyful, restful and rich 2013.