Top 10 of 12

(During my blogging hiatus, I did some writing but just failed to publish anything…this would be one of those posts.)

I did this for 2010 and found that it was easy to reflect and be excited about the year gone by.  Last year around this time, I was not in the best place.  I had just welcomed my beautiful boy into the world in 2011 but I struggled to find an abundance of positive to write about.  In the ebb and flow of life, it was definitely an ebb year.

However, as we wrap up 2012, I find myself in better place and feeling very positive about the last 12 months.  So here it is, our top 10 memories of 2012 (in no particular order)!

1. Marriage- This is the thing I am most proud of in the year of 2012. Justin, we have come so far together and I want to thank you for growing with me and accepting the person I am today.  I love you. 

2. Nicole - My BFF of 25 years played a big role in my life this year.  Early in the summer she announced she is expecting her first child (YAY!).  In October, she a made a quick trip to Denver to surprise me for my birthday. And in December I went back to IL to be a co-host at her baby shower…a great honor.  My bestie is a beautiful person, inside and out, and I am thankful for all the years of friendship.

3. Kearney St- If you had told me a year ago we would be closing out 2012 in a new home I would have laughed.  But we did it and it feels great to be back in the city. I finally feel…at home.

4. Frequent Flier Miles- This was the year of travel!  Too bad you can't acquire frequent flier miles for a lap child because Jack flew 7 times this year (4 Illinois, 2 Florida, 1 Oregon)!  I'm sure next year when we have to start paying for his seat that number will be scaled way back.

5. Cruise/Diving- In March, we went on a cruise with my Mom and Gram.  While in Bonaire, J and I went scuba diving.  I was very timid to take this adventure but in the end I LOVED it and can't wait until we are able to go again.

6. Florida- We took our annual trip to Florida in October and my Dad was nice enough to join us for part of the trip.  I will always cherish the memory of watching my Dad and Jack play on the shore.

7. Moscow Mule (yum!)

8. Montessori School- Jack started "school" in August and I think it was the best thing we could have done for him.  He has found a place where he can start to learn to be himself, independant of me.  He is making friends (literally if you ask him about his friends at school he will say "Jude" and "Jack"!).  He is also doing great on potty training and cleaning up after himself.

9. Christmas Eve Dinner- Through the years, we have hosted several holiday meals but I have never been much help in the kitchen, the responsibility usually lands on J.  But not this year!  The Kamis family brought over a delicious and juicy turkey and the rest was up to me and in my opinion I nailed it.  But the most memorable part was having my Gram as my sous chef.  She was by my side through the whole thing and I think she even learned a few things ;) PS It was A LOT of work!

10. Being better at being me- I know it is fleeting.  I will constantly need to adjust to the changes in my life but for a short while it felt great having confidence in my self as a mother, wife and woman.

Lindsey