Our 2012

I feel a little emotional tonight. This year has been a year that I could not describe if I wanted to.
Definitely one of the hardest I have experienced and when I look back at the past twelve months,
the difficulty of much of it makes me cry a little. And yet, as we have been promised, those difficult
times are so completely and totally worth it because of who they help us to become and Who they
help us to rely on. Don't get me wrong, there have been so many, many moments of joy, but I would
be lying to say that I am not grateful to have a fresh start with 2013. We are calling it "Lucky 13"
at our house, because my heart tells me that is what it is going to be. Happy and joyful and gentle
and good. Not perfect or pain free, but a little bit easier than this past year. And even if it is not,
I have the six people you see below to call mine, so really, it doesn't matter either way.

These I love. So very, very much.

And our year in review:

January: Our Ben turned four. That boy melts my heart, plain and simple.
February: Annie played an orphan in the school play Annie. How I loved it.
March: Our Matt turned eight. What an incredible privilege to be his mom. 

April: Matthew made the decision to be baptized and confirmed a member of our church.
May: I spent my Mother's Day with these five darlings. And their dad. I'm so blessed.
June: This handsome man celebrated Father's Day. He is truly the greatest father I know.
July: Boating, swimming and family time in Maine. One of our best vacations ever.
August: And a few more days in Maine, enjoying beautiful views like this one.

September: Our Cam turned thirteen. This boy gets better with age--and that is saying something.
October: Our Annie turned eleven. I cannot imagine what I ever did to deserve this girl.

November: Our baby turned a year old. How we needed this sweet boy to be a part of our family.

December: A family vacation to Florida ended our year just right.

Goodbye 2012.
Hello 2013.

Lucky 13 indeed.