Can you all believe that 2013 is over? I can’t say that I am sorry to see it go. It has not been an easy year, but one thing I have learned is that God works through all of our struggles, so I don’t regret any of it!
I have been looking back through some pictures that I took this year, and thought I would share some of the highlights with you.
This was taken at the beginning of February, right after Maddie’s 2nd birthday. Now I am preparing for her 3rd birthday party, and can’t believe how she has grown and changed! She won’t wear the cute onesie outfits that I so loved anymore, but her bangs are still in her eyes!
This photo is from March, and these pajamas are now too small for the Chachinator. His batman costume, however, is not! He still loves everything Batman, and has added several other costumes to his collection.
We spent a lot of time this spring and summer playing outside. The kids loved blowing dandelion seeds everywhere, and would run to them anytime they saw one, no matter where we were.
Charlie turned 4 this year!
We had a big garden this year and loved working out there with the kids. Charlie and I walked out to the garden spot today and talked about looking forward to our next garden!
Charlie and Maddie have gotten along pretty well this year. I am glad they are so close in age….
…but they certainly have their moments.
Pee Wee is still with us, and after being blind for a few weeks, can see! We love our Wee Head!
We have gained some new additions to our family this year. Gaga Kitty, Bat Kitty, and Baby Kitty (who is show as a kitten in this picture) have grown into big, beautiful cats. They are wonderful mice-catchers and are much-loved additions to our family.
Charlie feeding Baby Kitty in July. Baby Kitty is big and fluffy now, and Charlie and Maddie love him so much.
Charlie and Maddie took swimming lessons this summer and did great! Charlie is a great swimmer…
…while Maddie does what Maddie does!
We were lucky enough to spend a little time at the beach this summer!
VBS at Bonlee Baptist in August was GREAT! So much fun. I am still not recovered, though!
Emma has continued to grow into a beautiful almost-2 year old. She is precious and we love her.
We celebrated Jason’s 37th birthday at Myrtle Beach. He is such a wonderful man!
Charlie entered into a lego airplane contest into September. He actually asked me TODAY if he won, and I had to tell him no. I wish I could tell him he wins everything for his whole life, but that wouldn’t be good for him, I guess. 🙁
We got to hang out a lot with Jill and Addison this year, including a great day dressing up as pirates to get free doughnuts! It has been a joy to get to know Addison this year and see Jill become a mother!
The kids and I traveled to Mt. Airy quite a bit this year to visit with our family there. This pic is from the Doby reunion in October. Charlie and Maddie love their cousins in Mt. Airy and even have a new cousin-Samuel!
Jason has been doing a LOT of hunting this fall. This pic was taken by his deer cam. Hahahahaha!
We had a great time at the state fair in October. Charlie and Maddie are getting to the perfect ages to do lots of fun stuff!
Batman and a princess for Halloween. One of the highlights of our Halloween this year was Trunk-or-treat at our church when about 150 people from our community showed up to join us! WOW! It has been so great to see God working this year.
Charlie, Maddie, and Noah riding on an elephant at the Shriner’s circus in November!
We wrapped up the year with a great Christmas! This is at the Doby Christmas Tree Farm, where we get our tree every year.
This has been quite a year, full of ups and downs. My nephew Sam has spent the year fighting cancer, and is starting out 2014 a hero. We lost my grandma the day after Christmas, but I am finding great comfort when I imagine her in Heaven and all of the wonderful things she must be doing. A lot has happened this year.
I have hope for the coming year. God is with me and everything will be used for His good! I have a wonderful husband, healthy children, and a close, supportive, loving family. I have great friends and a close group of praying women who support me.
Here is a wonderful prayer that I found here. (Author not known) I pray it for all of you.
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A Prayer for the New Year What shall I ask for the coming year Lord, I would ask for a holy year Lord, I would ask for a trustful year Lord, I would ask for a year of love Lord, I would ask for a year of prayer Lord, I would ask for the dying world Lord, I would ask for a year of joy Lord, I ask for a year of hope |
You are such a good writer. I always enjoy reading your reflections.
Thank you Stacie! I really appreciate that.
Happy New Year, my precious daughter! 2013 has been a bleak year at times, but you and your family always give me hope, as all my children do, that the future is bright. Thank you for this look back on the year. I love you.
Love you, Mama! Happy New Year!