On the eve of 2012, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the year that just flew by. Wow - where did it go? It seems like only yesterday I was pushing through the nausea of pregnancy to stuff my face with Christmas treats. Now a year later, I've been blessed with a beautiful baby boy who is reaching out for any Christmas treat that my 2.5 year old daughter hasn't already snatched from my hand. So much has happened this year and I can honestly say that each year seems to get better and better - 2011 was no different.
In 2011, our family welcomed a big, beautiful baby boy. Kellan Hayes Grimes was born on July 5 (also Brooklee's birthday). He was 8 lbs 15 oz and 22 inches long. He's definitely been a more hands on baby than Brooklee was, but we've finally reached the age of which he's sitting up, wanting to crawl and can spend short periods of time playing on his own. He's been such a blessing in our life and Stephean, Brooklee and I are so very thankful for him.
I quit my job at America's Junior Miss/Distinguished Young Women and became a stay-at-home mother in January. I can't believe that it has been a year ago, and though I miss my job, being home with my babies has helped me to realize the important things in life. I've been able to invest more time in my husband and children, do a better job at keeping our house clean, food on the table and money in the bank, and I feel like I am a much calmer and content person. Its amazing the way priorities and perspectives change for the better when work doesn't consume your every thought!
This year certainly had its struggles. We've worked hard to repair a strained relationship, exhausted our brains trying to sell a house in a terrible market, and had our share of financial woes. But regardless of the hardships we've faced, God has been faithful to not only bring us through them, but to strengthen us in them. Oh how little we deserve his mercy!
In 2011,one of my sisters delivered a handsome baby boy only a few weeks before her first son turned two years old. My youngest sister fell in love, had her heart broken, and ended the year as a strong, beautiful and mature single woman who knows more about what she wants and deserves in a relationship than most married women even know. My mom and dad have enjoyed the addition of two new grandchildren, changes in their jobs and a renewed outlook on life as they've seemed to enjoy more time together than I've ever seen them before.
We took a trip with my in-laws to Utah where Brooklee got to see "real snow" and fly on an airplane for the first time. Pinterest has changed the way I cook, decorate, parent, and pretty much anything else. I've finally had the time to create photo books of Brooklee's first two Christmases, get rid of junk we've been hoarding since we got married, and create a home management notebook with family goals, budgets and meal options - or at least the shell for it.
Above all, with each year I am learning more about living in the moment instead of living for the future. While a balance of both is certainly preferred, I have always tended to spend so much time planning for and anticipating the future that I forget to enjoy the moments. Enjoying time with my children and a compilation of messages from God have helped me to slow down and bask in the time we have now - when the children are still little, we are still young, and we still have time to spare.
In 2012, I pray that God will continue to bless and mold our little family to fulfill His purpose for us. I pray that He will strengthen our marriage, help us to be better parents and teach us how to take care of ourselves better (as we vow to begin eating better and exercising). I pray that He will bless our children as they continue to blossom and grow into amazing little individuals. Above all, I pray that we can continue to set our priorities in order by focusing first on God, second on family and third on others.
Goodbye to 2011! We welcome 2012 with open arms!
