Man, what a year 2012 turned out to be. I've told Joey the past year has been a very strange one for me mentally and emotionally. When I think back to this time last year, and the fact that we had no more plans for future children, I am amazed that I'm sitting here with an almost 4 month old in front of me. Because of that, it's made the last year feel very surreal. The beginning of 2012 began in shock (and lots and lots of sickness) that lasted well into March. The mid part of the year was spent in preparation. And the end of the year was spent loving on a precious new addition. It has, in a lot of ways, felt like "The Year of Addie Grey" around here, but I certainly can't forget the first two to call me mommmy.
Tripp had a wonderful year this year. He has grown by leaps and bounds in maturity. In fact, I've seen a lot of that growth just over the last few months. He is our child that normally cries at the drop of a hat, and heaven forbid if he scrapes his knee. You would think he was on his death bed. Luckily, we are starting to see some of that disappear and he's beginning to try to push through 'pain' a little better. His intelligence continues to astound me, and he is flourishing in school. He still has many, many friends. However, we are also starting to begin the phase of friends not being so nice. Unfortunately for Tripp, some of his biggest strengths may in some ways be his biggest weaknesses as well. Because he has such a tender heart and is so sensitive, he has been the brunt of some 'meanness' from others because he won't defend himself. And while the momma bear in me wants to come jumping out, I've also told myself that in some ways he has to learn on his own. But, man, it's tough. Him wearing his heart on his sleeve reminds me so much of myself. I've been known to let people walk all over me when I was younger, and I definitely don't want that for my boy. (Oh, and also something to note. He will no longer give kisses. Period. He will let you kiss him, but he flat out refuses to kiss you. Anywhere. Cheek. Lips. Forehead. Anywhere. He won't kiss anyone. :-( Makes this momma sad, but we've kind of turned it into the family joke. I'm determined to get him to give the baby a kiss before it's all said and done.)
And my first born daughter has by all means made herself known this year. God love her. Aren't kids supposed to get easier as they get older? I'm thinking my Mak-Mak is giving me daily glimpses into her teenage years. And I'm not sure we are going to survive. Don't get me wrong. Like her brother, she has one of the biggest hearts of anybody I've ever seen. She gives love freely and often. She loves to hug, snuggle and kiss. However, she also gives new meaning to the word stubborn. And strong-willed. She will go head-to-head with you and not back down. She will look you dead in your face and do exactly what you just told her NOT to do. She has spent the last few months trying to reestablish her place in the family as she has felt a little threatened by a new girl in town. A praise is that she is also doing extremely well in school and all of her teachers love her. She is a natural born leader and loves to be the one to help others when needed. I know that her strong-willed personality is going to serve her well as she grows, but for now, we are trying to learn how to mold her and shape her into little girl that knows how to follow rules without questioning all authority.
Joey and I feel like we are just two ships passing in the night these days. In some ways, this has been one of the hardest years of our marriage. Not because we are suffering from any kind of discord between us, it's just been hard trying to juggle life. He amazes me though in the fact that he is constantly willing to pick up any slack on my part, and he does it without complaining. Also, while things at home have been hard this year, his business has done outstanding. He has had his best year yet and God has honored his hard work. I am proud of him. I've said it before, and I'll say it agin, knowing he walks this life with me is one of the only things that keeps me sane some days.
I have set some lofty goals for myself going into 2013. I don't want to call them 'resolutions' because then I never stick with them. However, my goals are:
1. Make some serious lifestyle changes in the area of health and fitness. I'm done having children and it's time to get my body back into shape. Not only that, I just want to be in the best health possible for my family.
2. Memorize 24 verses in the year 2013. I've never done well, or taken the time, to attempt to memorize verses. I'm taking part in Beth Moore's memory verse challenge for the year. I've already picked out my first verse as the challenge begins tomorrow.
3. Be intentional in my thanksgiving and prayer life. I've felt convicted for a long time to be more intentional. I've already got an idea in place in how to be more intentional with my thanksgiving. I'm thinking on ways to be more intentional in my prayer life.
Here's to seeing what 2013 holds in store. I would have never believed you if you had told me ahead of time about 2012, so I'm not going to make any guesses. But, I'll promise it won't include any more Lancaster babies! This family is complete!
