2012
I have been wanting to sit down and sum up the last year for some time. Every time I sit down to do it something just gets in the way. So much has happened in our lives that it sometimes seems unbelievable. The ups and downs were a bit stark this year, that it's harder to write about. But here goes.
A year ago at this time we were in the chaos of a home purchase. With great JOY we spent the past year in a wonderful home. I sometimes can't believe that we own a home. Not just any home, but a home in one of what we think is the most beautiful places in the world. I know it's debatable but we love Santa Barbara!!! We spent much of January cleaning....or attempting to clean the house. Okay maybe de-greasing. Then February we tried to rest and get ready for the baby. As much as you can get ready for a baby. In March (2 weeks earlier then we expected) sweet Abby came.
April was filled with sleepless nights and a bit more craziness. The most fun being when baby Madilyn decided to come into this world a bit early while Jen & Shaun were up here visiting. It was so great to have a three year old, a three week old, and a three day old all in our house! Although crazy it was amazing. I remember being so tired but not wanting to sleep because there was so much excitement!
May came with a wave of grief that still seems fresh, making it hard to write about. In May our friend Alex passed away at the age of 31. There is so much more I can say about this, but none of it seems sufficient. Alex was about to be a new daddy and Matt looked forward to walking alongside his friend in fatherhood and life.
I'm not sure what happened in June, except that another year of school ended. This year we were very ready for summer. In July we had two wonderful trips. The first was caping in Yosemite. We went camping in Yosemite with a 4 month old. She did GREAT!!! Yosemite was an amazing time with some of my friends from college. Then we headed up to Bucks Lake! I had much less time to read while at Bucks this year. Normally I read about 4 books for some reason this year I only got through 2.
In August I started back teaching at UCSB. I have to say I really LOVED it. I love my job! (I work teaching future teachers.) For me it is just the right amount of time with and away from Abby. September was the start to a new school year for Matt. Also a remodel project on the home front. I also started working with a small group of 7th graders from our church. In November Matt and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary! I attempted a half marathon. I say attempted in that about mile 8 my knee started to hurt so there was a lot more walking then I was hoping for. I did finish, but it was really painful. In November we also hosted Thanksgiving Dinner! December is where we are now. Overall Matt and I go to sleep each night thankful. We look forward to another year to come.
