I sit here realizing that I'm less than one week away from my babies turning two. TWO?! How on earth did that happen? When and where did that year go? Wasn't I just having these pictures taken, wondering how they turned ONE?
Don't blink, it happens too quick. My last babies, my last little bits of clay to help mold. It's amazing how fast they've grown, how much they've changed over this last year.
In fact, it's amazing to think of all of the things that have happened and changed in the last year in general. We started January out with a bang. The twins turned one, and then a week and a half later I landed in the hospital for an emergency surgery. That was an experience. I didn't need the appendectomy that I had, but it happened and my recovery took a bit longer than expected. All things happen for a reason, apparently the reason that I needed to have that surgery was so that I could meet the lady that became one of my best friends. That God, He's a funny guy!
Speaking of God, our church life changed in January. Our pastor left and lots of things began to change within the church. We're still trying to find a place to call our home church. This change was one of the hardest for me this year. When you struggle to find a place to call home, it makes lots of areas of your life harder. Honestly, I miss the fellowship and conviction that I always found. This is the second time in our marriage that we've been on the hunt for a home church. I have faith that there's a reason that we're searching, and that we'll find where we belong, but it's hard. I think that God is trying to remind me to rely more on Him and less on how I think things need to be.
This past year I also started this blog (see my first post here). I really started it as an outlet for me, but I think that through some of it, it's resonated with others as well. It's something that I've enjoyed doing and hope that as my children grow, they will look back and learn a lot about their mom and their lives.
The next couple of months we celebrated Rob's birthday and then Maui's. Maui's birthday, that's another moment in the don't blink department. My first baby turned eight. I sound like every parent that ever lived, but how did she get so big? Shortly after her birthday she had her tonsils taken out after having tested positive for strep for six months in a row.
In May, I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a trip with my sisters to Mexico, it was A Trip To Remember. Rob and I celebrated our eleventh anniversary in May also, time sure flies when you're having fun (and when you've got a love like this). We went and saw one of our favorites, Kenny Chesney a little later in the summer to celebrate.
We spent a large part of our summer at my dad's enjoying his pond. The kids all found new confidence in the water this year. It was fun to watch them enjoy get excited every time I said we're going to Papa's.
I tried to really slow down and appreciate the tiny hands, the big messes, the smiles, and hugs. I realize that every day, they are getting bigger. I loved taking them to do things that I did as a kid and hope that one day they'll do the same with their kids. We danced in the rain, we fed the fish, we went to the park. Nothing extravagant, but it was life and we lived it.
Work was crazy for me with people retiring and moving on. Finding the right people for the job kept me hopping for a while! I did before, but I appreciated my staff even more after those couple of months! I needed to remember my own life lessons from a doughnut and a puzzle!
We celebrated my grandma's 70th birthday in July with a surprise party. The look on her face and to see how happy she was to be with those that she loves was one that I hope I never forget.
August came and we celebrated lots of birthdays. My niece turned one! Rob and I went to the Ozarks with some friends. It was my first, but hopefully not last, trip there.
Also in August came a broken heart. A broken heart that I'm still working through. I'm still trying to understand. I'm still trying to remember to trust God in this one because it's hard. I still cry. I still feel sad, and I can't explain it. Loss is tough. It teaches us lessons. It reminds us of what's important. It reminds us not to hold grudges because we never know what tomorrow holds. I'm trying to remember that we reap what we sow and cherish the memories that I've got to have.
In September Rob and I were able to get away. We took a long weekend and went to Knoxville and hit Nashville for the first time. It was nice to get away together. It's something that we don't do nearly enough, but I enjoyed every second.
And because it seemed to be the thing to do this year, Bry had surgery as well. I'm not sure why, but her thirty minute procedure had me more nervous and worried than any of the others. Thankfully I've got some good friends that reminded me where I needed to lay those fears (at God's feet in case you were wondering).
I also started on a fitness journey and became a coach with Beachbody. I honestly don't remember the last time I felt this good about myself!
In October I was able to run up to Iowa and surprise my sister Heather for her 30th birthday (yes, you may all be jealous because I have a husband that rocks and can handle the house in my absence)!
I also celebrated a birthday. Another year, another gift, another reason to be thankful!
I feel like I've started to come into my own this year. I'm no longer afraid of what others may think about who I am or what I've been through (I'm not fooling anybody). I've found the confidence and freedom that I needed to make me a better person. Hopefully in the long run, it's made me a better wife, mom, and servant of God too.
In November my sweet Brylynn turned three. She's so full of life and I'm amazed by her every day. She's become such great sister!
Also in November,I was blessed to be re-elected as Montgomery County Circuit Clerk. I'm thankful for another term to serve in a position that I love.
I also had the honor of being sworn in to the IACC Executive Board. It is such an honor and privilege for me to have been selected by my peers for that position. An added bonus, I get to serve alongside one of my dearest friends!
December is of course always a busy month. This year I let the kids decorate the tree by themselves.
We did our annual gingerbread house.
We hit the Woburn Christmas lights (another childhood memory of mine).
The night after Rob and I took the kids to see the lights, my mom and I did the same. We went after we stopped by to celebrate my other grandma's birthday with a piece of pie (I also learned that my grandma's two favorite pies are also my favorite pies). I'm so thankful for every visit we get to have with my granparents. I know how lucky I am to have them!
My mom and I also went and saw a late night showing of Christmas Vacation, complete with ugly Christmas sweaters! It was a fun night.
We sneaked in a visit with Santa.
We celebrated Jesus' birth and loved the time we had with family.
Right now, we have a lot of uncertainty with where Rob's job is. I'm telling myself that there's a reason that we're being tested through this. I'm learning to trust God more. Honestly, I feel like enough is enough, but the great powers that be in our state haven't gotten on board yet. So I'll sit and wait. And as I sit, I'll learn to pray more and worry less.
As I reflect on this year, I remember all the things I have to be thankful for. I have parents and grandparents that help us more than words describe. My grandpa went through a series of heart procedures that each time became a bit more worrisome, but he is doing ok. I have a wonderful husband and we have been blessed by four beautiful healthy girls .
The losses, the uncertainty, and the struggles that we've faced and are facing I know will be ok. I'm far too loved, far too blessed, and very much God's child for me to face adversity and not come out on top (whether it be in the way I think it should be or not). I will not let my fears consume me. I will trust in God's plan.
Looking back on the year brings smiles and tears, mostly lots of smiles. I choose to focus on the good and believe the struggles help shape us into better people. The hard times are there to remind me to trust God, not myself. So as I reflect on this last year, I will take the following verse with me to the new year: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25
Here's to a fantastic 2017, I can't wait to see all the blessings that await!
