A look back at 2012

The end of a year/ the beginning of a new one tends to bring a time of reflection. It has been a rather busy year around here in some respects and not in others. I have learned a ton and realized just how much I still have to learn.

Some highlights -

• Started the year with placement #3 and am ending with placement #6. Three babies and a toddler in the course of a year. No wonder I am so tired.

• Spent most of the year unemployed and taking care of placements 4-6. My time with placement 4 will always be something I truly treasure. I still miss that little girl and ache for her at times. Thankful that I can call her momma my friend and get updates on her regularly! But oh how I just want to wrap her in a big, huge hug. 

• Spent all of the spring hearing from the Lord about trials and suffering in BSF. Our teaching leader told us that there would be twins in this Christian life - Suffering and Comfort. Saw some of that come to fruition in my life. Realized how much I have grown in this area as I never felt the need to ask why. Just embraced it as something the Lord needed to see me through and walked. That doesn't mean it was easier, but just encouraging to know that I am taking baby steps forward.

• Started studying Genesis this fall. After a year of studying it in college, two years in Sunday School at GCC and now in BSF, I will be ready for a Genesis break after this. But I have learned a lot about where we as a people have come from and how intentional the Lord has been throughout history.

• Colorado Trip - Family + #4. Traveling with a 4 month old is not for the faint of heart. Traveling with a 4 month old with an ear infection - even worse.

• Both of my siblings got engaged! 2013 will be the year of the wedding in my family. That we are all over 30 and not married made this years holidays an adventure.  As in Christmas hasn't really happened yet. That will be this weekend.

• Spent my first Thanksgiving away from family due to #5 having a hospital stay. Tiny baby in the hospital is no fun. But she came home on Thanksgiving day and we had a very low key day full of snuggles.

I know there are more things, but these are the ones that come to mind. I spent the majority of this year alone. And for an introvert, that isn't a huge deal, but I realized recently how much of a recluse I have become. Hopefully in 2013 some of that will change as I work to redevelop relationships that I have let slide during an emotionally exhausting 2012. I'm going to spend some time this week thinking about what my focus for 2013 will be. A word. A theme. Some goals. Once those thoughts are more settled in my head and heart I hope to post them here.

Four sweet kiddos that will be in my heart forever. I wish I could show you their faces - but just know, they were/are all beautiful and precious!

Placement #3

Placement #4

Placement #5

Placement #6

Dad, Jen and I in Colorado