Wow! It's so hard to believe it's time for 2012! This past year really did fly by faster than any before to me. I'm sure it's in part due to how busy we have been and the seasons of life all our children are in. I'm the only one up to ring in the New Year (except macy- our yorkie) as the older children are out with their girlfriend/boyfriend. I love sitting here soaking the Christmas tree lights in for a last little bit and hearing distant fireworks! I've made myself a mimosa and just wanted to be still and reflect for a moment on the year! It seems like we've heard of way too many tragedies or serious sickness in the last 3 weeks. It really made me aware of the blessings of health and family even more. God has really blessed us in the joys of this year in those ways as well as many others.
It's hard to believe the twins had their second birthday back in February, and now its time to plan party number 3! What amazing growth and change in their little lives over the year! Annabelle and Cade both have amazed us with their vocabulary and how they can communicate with us as little people now. It's a gift to watch them run and play not as much as babies or even toddlers now, but as small children. Oh how fast it all is going! It makes me realize a resolution to worry less about the house and just soak them up even more, is a necessity, before they're off to school and these sweet days are over!! Being organized is one thing, but missing life I can never get back is another! They'll never remember if it was all perfect or not anyway!
Precious Abigail has really come so far this year! How uplifting to watch her determination to crawl, climb stairs, and now take her first steps! The smile that sweeps across her face after her victories is absolutely contageous!It's like her little heart is dancing and sneaks up to let the world know how proud she is of herself! I just love it! Her infancy is over and toddlerhood awaits. I'm so glad she still lets me rock her every night for at least 5 minutes. I'll cherish that feeling for a lifetime! I've never rocked any of my children as often as I do her! I really believe it does more for me than it does her!
I constantly call Cade "Shane" because it really seems in my heart that Shane should still be little! It was almost unreal to watch the young man who is so grown (6ft 2in, 20 lbs) play football on Friday nights and drive away in a car during the days! Surely that wasn't us standing on the football field with him for senior night!! I still feel like at most, he should be in 7th grade!;) It was wonderful and sometimes painful to watch him through the joys and difficult times of the teen life this past year! His first prom, first serious girlfriend, first heartbreak. he's come a long way in his maturity. He has really worked hard in school, learned a lot of discipline, and hopefully felt a lot of love! He has had a great few last weeks of the year! He's dating a wonderful young lady, Kayla, and even got his first car (a garnet, or crimson,:)2004 Land Rover Discovery) just 2 days ago. Such a fun time for him! I'm so proud and ask God to guide his steps and watch over his heart daily!
Darby is offically a senior at BAMA! My goodness! It really can't be! She's about to be 21 next month! Amazing when I reflect on having her when I was 19. Her world got so much bigger this year! She studied abroad and I still can't believe I survived my baby living in South America for 4 months! Then traveling everywhere in between classes! She will be graduating at this time next year..then on to a new season of life for her! We're so thankful she has Jared, such a godly, amazing young man in her life! Once, over this past year, the house was quiet and Annabelle and I were painting when she asked me something and I answered her by starting my sentence with "Darby,..." I had to stop and just cry for a minute at how it took me back!!
Jamie and I stay so busy, I imagine time will continue to feel as if it's being stolen from us! I don't like to get bogged down with the resolution thing, but I really just want to take time to be still.. and to keep eating up every moment possible with those I love! Life is a gift and unfortunately I've seen in robbed from those way too young this year. Turning 40 on Christmas was surprising..since I'm only 32! ha ha! I'm reminded of a sign that hangs in Jamie's mom's house. It states: Don't regret growing older, for it's a priviledge denied to many! Think I'll savor that and smile!
Love to all and a very Happy New Year!
