2012 has been another great year for our family. A year filled with so much growth, laughter and fun. I do find myself struggling on a daily basis with the reminder that life is but a fleeting moment; here today and gone tomorrow. I find myself getting sad and depressed at how quickly life goes by. Each day I have to remind myself to savor each moment, each memory, each minute with my loved ones.
Even if time is flying...it's one heck of a ride!
I love reviewing my year and I'm so thankful I can blog and document our special times...what a blessing to be able to look back and see each month from the past year. If you don't blog...I encourage you too...even if you are the only person who ever sees it...it's truly a priceless thing.
Ok 2012...here we go!
January: In January I struggled greatly with having to go back to work and leave Aubrey. She was only 12 weeks old and my heart was so torn between leaving and working. In the end, after much prayer, God showed me that He still wanted me working part time and He kept closing the doors to me staying home. I now see that it was the right decision for my family and I absolutely love my job, coworkers and students so it's easy to find peace with having to be away for a few hours. Aubrey thrives with her Meme's and Nana's so that makes it easier.
February: In February, we dedicated Aubrey Lane to the Lord at our church. It was so special because we dedicated her alongside her cousin Ciel and then had a huge dinner after to celebrate the special occasion. Aubrey is so fortunate to have a special cousin just weeks apart! I hope and pray they have a special bond.
After a year of having our home on the market, we FINALLY got a purchase agreement on our home in February! HOLLA! Selling a home is a pain in the rear and I don't plan on doing it again but it was so worth it!
Oh and in February, we had that crazy mishap with the police and my sweet niece Adlee. Remember, someone from craigslist took her picture from my blog and posted harmful threats about her. The police showed up at my door and wanted to question us about her whereabouts. They then went to my brother's house just to verify that Adlee was indeed okay. Scary stuff!
March: In March, we continued working through the sale of our home and began packing and dealing with major decisions as to where to go next.
Bre started solid foods and began to experience the joy of something besides milk!!
April: In April, we celebrated Aubrey's 1/2 year birthday and we also celebrated Easter with our family.
In April, we moved out of our home and into Nana and Papa's house. Selling our home was so bitter sweet for me because I purchased that home while I was still single and it had so many special memories for me. I met Christian in that home, we had our first kiss in that kitchen, we came home as a married couple to that home, it was Aubrey Lane's first home...so many special milestones. I still miss it and think about the wonderful times we had in that garden home.
May: In May, I celebrated my first Mother's Day and was brought to tears with the realization of my responsibility as well as privilege of being a mom. I was overwhelmed by the goodness and grace of God giving me an amazing, incredible mom as well as a mother in law who loves me as her own and is just precious to me. I've always appreciated my moms but my first Mother's Day brought new light to just how blessed I am.
We continued to live with our inlaws in May and were so fortunate to be able to save and recoup from the loss on our home. We enjoyed bunking with Nana and Papa and even brought Nana to tears when we left.
June: We FINALLY closed on our NEW house in June and are still shocked that we were able to get into such an amazing neighborhood and home. God is so faithful and we are constantly brought to our knees by His goodness.
July: In July, we relaxed and settled into our home. We celebrated the Fourth of July with friends and family and just enjoyed some much needed downtime.
August: In August, Christian and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary and dined at our favorite restaurant Flemings! How hot is my hubby?
Aubrey and I also were a little obsessed with the summer Olympics and all it's excitement!
September: In September, I started back to work at Victory and we also took a much needed vacation right after Labor Day with my family. We had a blast! We ate like kings, relaxed by the pool and enjoyed late afternoon naps!
October: In October, we celebrated my angel's first birthday! We kept it simple and sweet and had our closest family and friends over. It was such a special weekend. Aubrey loved her cake and more importantly all the attention!
November: In November, our nation had an election and I was brought to the realization that we desperately need to pray for the future of our country. Not that we didn't before...but seeing the direction of our nation, we are left with no choice but to cry out to Jesus for guidance!
We also lost my precious paw paw and were reminded once again that life is so short and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We were so fortunate to get to spend special time with out of town relatives and family to remember his life.
We also celebrated Thanksgiving and took family photos!
December: In December, we were busy with Christmas preparation and forming new traditions as well as keeping up with old ones! We had a fabulous Christmas...ate too much, laughed a ton and savored moments with family.
WHEW! What a year. We had a few bumps in the road this year but overall God's goodness and mercy was abundant and clear. We are beyond blessed and are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for us this year. Whatever comes our way...good or bad...we will trust Him and know He has great plans for us.
May you and your loved ones have a wonderful new year and may 2013 be your best ever!