January rang in and with it I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life- to lay to rest my beloved Sheldon- I miss you everyday buddy. Knowing he is frolicking with a clean coat of beautiful grey hair and sitting in my grandma's lap everyday helps ease the pain.
February brought the return of unemployment to our family- just as we were getting back to a comfortable spot- This was briefly overlooked as I embraced the news of a positive pregnancy test. My hear filled with joy anticipating another little baby to have and to hold. And we had a brief visit from my mom in the midst of her travels to Arizona and California for a birthday celebration.
March broke my heart as I lost my pregnancy and never got to hold someone I already loved.
April We made the most of things, we were able to go to Chicago for three days and visit the American Girl Doll store, eat at the Rainforest Cafe and Hard Rock. Our stay at the Omni hotel was a much needed distraction and memories were created.
It was also a time of healing and praying- I asked God everyday to help me be a better mother, a better wife, a better person. He spoke to me and I heard Deuteronomy 31:6:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake."
I also encouraged myself by looking at most every trial and tribulation with the perspective of - "when I am standing there at judgement day, is this going to matter?"
May we celebrated with my birthday, mother's day, Abigayle's birthday and a memorial day parade- May was by far one of the best month's of the year.
June filled us with the hope of a warm lazy fun summer- with much time spent in the pool!
July started with a bang- fireworks that almost blew up our house and ended with a case of chicken pox for poor little AnnaBella. In between we were visited by a wise old owl-who hung out the whole afternoon with us by the pool watching our every move.
August we celebrated AnnaBella turning 2, a visit from Marci and another positive pregnancy test- I was so excited to find out again that I would be holding another baby!! The kids and I spent a fun 4 days at Crystal Mountain. Amelia started 3rd grade and Abigayle skipped ahead a grade to 7th!
September we started with a labor day parade, soccer in the sand and Amelia turing 8! I also found out that I had another miscarriage and my heart broke again- This time I truly had a life changing ah-ha moment. You learn who you can turn to in times of emotional need and again I focused on God and how he would carry me through my pain. I found that when you don't expect anything from other people you are completely awed when they give of themselves.
October was trying- even in all of it's fall glory - I mustered a happy face as I endured a D&C. We missed a field trip at school and Abigayle learned that life isn't always the way you want it to be. Many basketball games were played, and a terrible case of croup was bestowed upon AnnaBella.
November turned my husband a year older and I was gifted with an aching ulcer.
And now December- oh how I love you December for bringing the birthday of my Jesus and reminding me that I have eternal life- as I look forward to shedding this year and getting another year closer to my eternal life I thank God for the memories, heartache and joy of that past year as they have changed me forever.
Welcome 2014. . . .I can't wait to see what you have in store for us!
