A Year in Review 2012

I have kind of taken a bah humbug approach to writing Christmas letters. I do enjoy reading others' letters, but I just feel such pressure to show off all the grand accomplishments from the year and "brag" about what we've done. Honestly, we have been living more frugally this year, making progress on our debt snowball in the Dave Ramsey program. We are proud of this, yet also frustrated for some of the choices we made years ago with student loans and credit cards. Thus- no vacations this year or extragavent special events.

January 2012: SNOW SNOW SNOW. . . I stood at the door to take this picture.

We decided to use our 10th wedding anniversary as a grand celebration as a re-commitment of our love for God and each other. Plus, I love having any reason to get family pictures!

 

February 2012: Logan turned 7 years old:

Once again, another attempt at a family picture:

March 2012: Malachi turned 4 years old:

I also turned the BIG 3-0 but those pictures are gone. :)

April 2012: Easter time with the family:

May 2012: Bittersweet goodbyes to school friends and also school awards for Zachary and Logan. We loved Milford Elementary.

 June 2012: MOVING MOVING MOVING and Baseball:




July 2012: MOVING the family to Hays America; LOTS of transitions and new beginnings: (first time ever at the museum)

Zachary turned 9 years old on July 30th:


August 2012: weddings and our vow renewal (couldn't have asked for a better day!)

This was a sure thing that Malachi would jump into the pond after the frogs. We're just thankful he got pictures done first.

Starting at a new school, with new teachers, new friends, lots of transitions:

September 2012: RODEO TIME!

Debut of the RATTLESNAKES at the Sternburg Museum:

Cub Scouts, new troop:

October 2012: More Rattlesnakes

Getting to pet a live one:

The Rattlesnake Bowling Team:

Liam was born:

November 2012: Enjoying weather and settling in to our "home"

Watching Kelsie play basketball:

Getting to meet Liam and spoil Brienna with birthday gifts:

Christmas in Jennings:

December 2012: Christmas in a new home, new friends, my surgery,

What a year it has been. It's time to put this one in the books- literally (I get them printed for the boys as a keepsake.) Praying that 2013 brings blessings from God that we can lovingly bless others with. I'm excited for what is in store for our family and friends and know that in God, everything is perfect.

Christmas 2012

It seems like each year flies by faster and faster. Christmas was a bit different this year with me being more out of commission and laid back than previous Christmases. In fact, I didn't feel well enough to even pack for my kids to go to Grandma's house, so our Christmas photo was what it is- holey jeans, dirty shirts, etc. It was a Christmas to remember, that's for sure. More than the gifts or the traveling, the time spent with family is the most memorable part of Christmas for me.

I have great memories of my grandparent's house filled with their 13 kids (my mom and siblings) and all my cousins. It seemed like everyone made the utmost effort to make sure we were all gathered on Christmas night in the large, but crowded house. The gifts over-flowed from a room by the Christmas tree- I have never seen so many gifts ever since. Also, Grandma was a sure thing about getting that one special something that we loved. I cherish the Pacey Christmases and I hope my kids cherish the Everett and Chance Christmases as well.

Brienna is two this year, so Christmas took a whole new level of excitement for her. I loved her spunk, and although she did get worn out, I think she celebrated her little heart out. Here we were at Christmas Eve service at our "home" church in Oak Hill. There were maybe 40 people that night and our pastor is aging, so it made it bittersweet. This is the church we grew up in, got married in, were baptized, had our kids baptized, etc. in. It is "home."

Courtney and her family of 5 (soon to be 6)

It was Liam's first Christmas. Mom and I made sure he was held almost the entire stay at Grandma's house. He is definitely a cuddle bug.

It was also nice to spend some time with our dog babies. We greatly miss Georgia and SuzieQ.

It was Zachary's first time to meet Liam. He loves him and especially loves to hold him. I was a little surprised about this. I figured he'd be at the age to care less about a new baby.

Bella and Suzie shared some sisterly moments together. Those two look nothing like they came from the same litter, but they did and they act just like sisters.

Malachi and Brienna are two of a kind. They loved spending time together. I think Brienna and Liam will have a blast in a few years.

Like I mentioned earlier, this Christmas is what it is. I didn't go through suitcases and check what the boys had packed. I was lucky to have energy to get myself packed. So, we don't exactly match (Shawn didn't get a blue memo I guess) and some of the shirts are a bit dirty from supper, but this was us- happy on Christmas.

This is a 8 grandkid picture (I think so anyway, I didn't count):

Treya will soon be a big sister. I hadn't gotten to see her in awhile either.

Oh, brothers....

Brady and Brian flew back from New Jersey and got in later on Christmas evening. The kids were especially excited. My kids could hardly contain themselves. We've missed family.

Brady and Brian got all the kids some fun hats to keep warm with:

So that was a bit of Christmas in review. I'm guessing my mom just checked out the pictures. That's alright. It is almost time I put this year in the books. What a year it's been and what a year 2013 looks to be. No matter what, we continually look back and are amazed and thankful for the journey God has brought us on and carried us at times. We know that He's had a plan all along, even in the midst of our confusion and worry. We are starting to find friends and "support" out here and pray everyday that a miracle will happen and I can be cured and healthy. The new year is going to be exciting to move forward in our lives and celebrate life each day. We hope you have a happy and healthy new year and find God's presence in your life each day.