I think that every holiday season for most military families are bittersweet. You teeter on the edge of wanting to "be in the moment," however, knowing that next year's holiday could be very different. Last New Year's Eve we were missing a family member, and most likely next year we will be again. I personally struggle with not looking at a scene like my spouse on the couch with our two littles curled up beside him, knowing that 2011 they missed him and in 2013 they will miss him again. There is a bumper sticker that I roll my eyes at every time I see it that says, "live every day like he deploys tomorrow." I get it, live in the moment. Don't have regrets. Leave everything on the table. But geez, the day before a deployment royally stinks! I would prefer to live like he will deploy in 2 months ;)
In January, we were still traveling back from the "Mommy's lost her mind, trip of the East Coast!"
We welcomed our missing family member in February! A moment that I am so thankful that my friend Jen was able to capture for us on camera. Our youngest will not remember this deployment at all, but for sure his return is when she worked the magic of being a "Daddy's Girl" on his heart.
In March, I ran my first half marathon. A feat that I would not have been able to do without the support of some wonderful friends. I 100% fell in love with running races. I have enjoyed running, but I sure do love running the race. I love meeting new people and spending a 2.5 hours or less talking to my new "best" friends (and in case you are wondering, some people do keep the headphones in and pretend they do not see me)!
In April, we took an awesome family vacation. We spent a week in Myrtle Beach with the place to ourselves. It was a wonderful time to reconnect and make memories.
In May, we lost a baby and the feeling of hopelessness was nearly overwhelming. My husband is a rock. Our truth rests in the knowledge that we are not hopeless and know that the Lord has a plan.
In June, July, and August the kids and I went to the beach every single week. The fresh air, the sand and sun, well....we learned why we loved living here in North Carolina! In July, we had been back for 1 year already. Our youngest turned 2 and with that came a personality like no other! I learned that purple is her favorite color and really, in her eyes there is not other color out there. She also started taking gymnastics, and well.......that child has no fear and she does look incredibly cute in her leotard. In August, we had the chance to take a mini vacation to Europe since my husband would be there for work already. It was heavenly!
In September, both kids started school. My little introverted guy, could do without it and my little extrovert girl, well, she would go every day if she could!
In October, I found myself doing all kinds of charity work. I became involved with the Dress A Girl Organization. They are AWESOME. Look for a post on DAG soon.
In November, I got to host Thanksgiving. That was fun. There is nothing that makes you feel more like an adult then making that meal and the kids got to be entertained by their older cousins! Yes, I could have these guys at my house at least once a week :)
This brings me to December. This month has been interesting. I have gotten to watch some friends welcome home spouses. Every homecoming is special, no matter whose it is. They will always bring tears to your eyes and make you appreciate what you have. This was the first Christmas that we didn't travel, but we were still able to spend it with family from Alabama, Tennessee and Australia.
Although our year's end was very different then what we had planned the first few months, I am able to see God's good works through it all. His peace that passes understanding is what we came to rely on through it all.
Oh, 2012 you taught us so many things. I am interested in seeing what 2013 will teach us. As we embark on this new year, keep us in your prayers. I have a feeling it's going to be an Adventurous and Chaotic Ride!
