I don't think I have ever done a year in review post for the end of the year, but I thought I would give it a shot for 2011. It has been a busy year with lot's of new things happening. It's interesting to look back and read what was happening and what I was thinking. So, let's get started.
January
2011 started with a really gross story that, quite frankly, I can't believe I shared on this blog. But it ended with a good lesson about humility, so I guess that makes it OK for me to link, so anyone that missed it last year will get the opportunity to read it now. Yay, for you.
There was a lot of anticipation about the arrival of Bethany. Oh, boy I remember anticipating for like 5 straight weeks! And there was some sickness all around the house while Shad was out of town.
And even after all of that, I was still gigantically preggo.
That can't be real, I must have a giant ball shoved up my shirt. Holy cow!
February
I continued to anticipate Bethany's arrival.
Josh got a love letter.
Shad and I celebrated our 19th Valentine's Day!
And, of course, our sweet Bethany Annelore was born on February 21st. Two days before my due date, not early like we all thought. Oh my goodness, I can almost smell her warm, new born body just looking at those pictures. I also just realized that I promised a birth story at the end of this post, but never did it. Hmmm, maybe I'll get it done before 2012 is over...
March
Oh my, that was a busy month! It took me a long time and some teary eyes to figure out what to even say about the month of March 2011.
March started with a very smitten mom who was so tired, but so in love with her tiny girl.
God taught me about control and that I don't have any when it comes to breast feeding my baby.
(FYI: This will be a running theme for the entire month.)
There were some super adorable pictures of the baby.
And then, more lessons about control and humility: Bethany started having bloody stools, I thought she had Leukemia, I took her to a specialist, had car trouble, and Bethany was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy.
It was really hard to read all of this again, but I am over whelmed by all of your kind words, support and prayer through all of that! Thank you!!
April
Hannah found my prom dress.
The big kids performed in a talent show!
We celebrated our first Easter as a family of 5.
May
I did some reflecting on being a mom and being loved by God.
Had a wonderful Mother's Day and purged the fat clothes!
Shad got a huge promotion, spent a lot of time out of town and I apologized to him. We also seriously started thinking about moving.
June
We decided we were definitely going to move.
Shad was still out of town, a lot.
I put off cleaning the bathroom, again.
Josh graduated kindergarten, the kids did VBS, Josh puked in the car, Josh had cold-footitis (which I can't believe I didn't blog about!) and Bethany started rolling over.
July
Josh started Karate, which only lasted about a month, and we took the training wheels off of his dirt bike.
I decided I was ready to move, like I had a choice.
A trip to the barber with Josh became a reality check.
Shad and I celebrated our 15th anniversary.
Lastly, we had an amazing week long camping trip, that was a much needed break and I discovered a new love, peanut butter cup smores!
August
I said good bye to some pretty amazing friends.
Did a review of how consistent Shad and I have been on the cloning of our babies.
Bether's started sitting up just shy of her 6 month birthday, and Hannah got her training wheels off of her bike.
We celebrated my mom's 60th birthday with a family slumber party at the new house.
September
I begged for your advice on getting kids to take responsibility for their actions after a scary trip to the grocery store. Thanks for your words of wisdom, by the way. We are still working on it, but Josh seems to be a little more willing to admit when has been in the wrong.
The big kids started first grade and kindergarten and I fell in love with the new routine.
I started What I Wore Wednesday and I joined the PTA.
October
Lovely, I started October by sharing yet another story about Bethany's poop. She is going to love me when she gets older. Thankfully the diarrhea stopped!
Bether's continued with her cuteness by learning to clap and the girls got matching outfits.
I finally shared why we chose public school for the kids and got some super great feedback from you. Thank you!
I joined Club 35.
And who can forget this?
November
Bethany turned 9 months old and was healed of her milk protein allergy!
We discovered one of the joys of living on property with a gazillion trees.
Josh left me a sweet note.
December
Bethany tried to choke on a flower petal and suffered a below the knee amputation.
We did some major leaf cleaning
Josh lost his first tooth!!
We has a super busy but super great Christmas.
Holy moly! 2011 was full of some pretty major stuff. I realize after going through all of it that God did a lot of teaching me about humility, obedience and relying on Him. It's not easy to learn those lessons, but I am so thankful that He loves me enough to change me, even if it is through difficult experiences. God is so faithful and I was reminded of this as I went back through all my blog posts from the last year.
So here's to 2012, may it be another year of growth, changes and fun moments.
May God bless you in this new year.
1 comment:
WOW! That is beyond impressive! But what a neat thing to do. Not that I'll do it, I just think it's neat for you. ;) and I loved clicking on a few of those posts again, and some that I never read. I've still not accepted that we don't live in the same town, but maybe that, too, will come in the new year. :) Love ya!
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