Gifts

I doubt that the Mayans (haha. . .) had New Year's Day on their calendar. I really don't know how it originated--maybe it was the brainchild of Richard Simmons to sell workout tapes? I know it's a hot time of year for diet books and gym memberships. . . And despite that (ha), I love New Year's. There's just something about the promise and hope of a new year. In all honesty, January 1 is no different than December 31--every day should be a new start, a clean slate. But it truly feels magical watching that ball drop, toasting those you love, and passing around lots of kisses (I love that we share this night with our babies too!) It's a chance to wish on the upcoming year, work on those resolutions (that we may or may not keep. . .) and wait for what God has in store.

At first glance, our past year was pretty uneventful. Some may even say "boring." There were no extravagant purchases or vacations. No major milestones or moments. No surprises or announcements. Which made it a GREAT year. I'm learning more and more to welcome and embrace the daily grind. Life is made up mostly of little, day-to-day moments and only broken up every once in a while by something "big." One of my constant resolutions is to focus on those little things. They're not always easy to acknowledge, but every night, I thank God for the blessings of the day that went unnoticed. Those are the true, quiet gifts that make up life. And in looking back over the past year, we were definitely blessed.

Our 2012 Gifts:

• Keke started a new daycare in February, which has turned out to be the BIGGEST blessing. This isn't the best picture but there she is in the middle-right, singing her little heart out during the Christmas program.  Boy did she sing!  I love that in this pic, the little boy standing in front of her is turned around to see where all that noise is coming from.  HA!  Thank you, God, for opening doors!  

• We became a diaper free household this year. . . hopefully in 2013 we can master the "staying dry overnight" thing. Oops.
• Sassy started first grade and she's had another great year.  Her big news of the year is that she has three less baby teeth in her mouth and a few extra bills in her piggy bank. :)
• Our new baby niece E was born in June, and we got to be her godparents a few months later.  Love her!
• We enjoyed lots of little getaways with family and friends--SUCH a fun summer!
• Baby S was born in November on the other side of the family--the girls are so excited to get a B cousin!!!  And that familiar, dark gorgeous hair makes this mama melt. . . .   (But not enough to conquer diapers again--sorry, aunties!)  

• We had one auntie, uncle and cousin move only two hours from us--YAY!--and one auntie and uncle move 1,000+ miles away--BOO. . . . but YAY for all of the amazing adventures they'll have and the trips we'll get to take!  Like Disneyland!  :)  We're excited to get together with the S Family more and happy for the O Family.  So fun to see what God has planned for our loved ones!
• We refinanced the house so maybe 2013 will be the year that we finish the basement. . . and dare I say, get rid of the blue toilet?!?  I almost hate to see it go.  I mean, we just moved here.  NINE years ago!!!  Nine years, really?  Can't believe we've been here that long.

We're excited to see what else 2013 brings.  Stay tuned for pictures of a (HOPEFULLY) white toilet.  And if you're in the market for a blue one, Hubby says he's putting it on eBay.  :)  Happy New Year!