2012 in Review

It's hard to believe that the end of another year is here. Time flies by way to quickly, no matter how busy things were or even the times when I tried so desperately to hold onto every single moment. Those very moments fly by us and are replaced with memories and photographs.

As I write this my thoughts are especially filled with emotion. Truth be told that we never know when this precious little life will be over. Thankfully I have everyone around me that means the most. Some of you do not and for that I can not even begin to comprehend. Christmas can be such a hard time for those that have lost loved ones, and so when I'm sitting around soaking up all the happiness, I can't help but feel a little guilty.
I truthfully live in a very safe and happy bubble. Even through the tough times, my bubble is still in place. My troubles barely scratching the surface of things that other people have to deal with. For that I am grateful and also sad as I wish I could break off pieces to hand out...

Time is so short...

So as we say goodbye to another year and start to welcome in the new, I thought it might be nice to take a look back on 2012...

The beginning of the year started with major changes, both in our home and in our lives...a kitchen reno was planned and supposed to be completed within a few weeks...the reno actually lasted a few months though once we found out the the roof in the adjacent sun room was rotten...looking back at the photos, it makes me sick to my stomach...but I am very happy with the outcome :)

Some other note worthy events this year...

Westyn mastered the stairs {who by the way was very bald early on! Too cute!}
we made some teething biscuits{my most popular post of 2012!}
Westyn celebrated his first birthday!
My Kitchen Reveal
DIY Chicken Wire Lamp
meeting my new neice
DIY Bird Mobile
discovering dirt and nailpolish

As we headed into 2012, I had a huge turning point in my life. Decisions had to made, life was probably going to change and I had no idea what I wanted to do! I really didn't know the answer to the 'what do you do?' question and had no idea what was in store for myself professionally. Looking back, I truly believe that 2012 was about finding myself, or at least building a solid foundation to build on. Inside and out. I struggled with the meaning of TIME.  I struggled with finding my place. I struggled with learning to balance professional obligations with family time. Actually, if I look back at what I just wrote it looks like 2012 was about struggling for me, lol! Through it all though, things worked themselves out. I opened my own business. I made myself more of a hands on mom. I learnt over and over again that I need to relax and enjoy life. I have no idea why I needed reminding, but it seemed like it happened a lot! I learnt how to fit my blogging into my life, instead of fitting my life into blogging. Again such an easy concept, but difficult to do. I learnt more about myself, what I liked, where I saw myself in a few years and what my goals were. I think I built a pretty good foundation for myself this year. Although not complete, I am looking forward to what the next few years bring as I build walls and carve out ME.

Some more goodies...

Gray celebrated his 3rd birthday
Mike and I celebrate 9 years of marriage!
I opened my handmade business
we had family pictures taken at the beach
my turquoise painted pumpkins
I attended my first craft show
we made homemade peppermint patties
our christmas

Life in itself is the journey. I'VE always been there, I just wasn't aware of who I was.

Thank you for all of your support this year! You guys have been so great, your comments and suggestions...I love them all! I am hoping to be a bit more consistent in my writing in 2013 and I hope that you'll join me! Check back later on this week for my resolution list of things I'd like to accomplish in 2013 and also for some changes coming to the blog!

Happy New Year!

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Welcome 2011

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I have never been one to make a New Years resolution, I've always just seen the new year as a chance to make things better then they were the previous year. The New Year gives me a positive vibe, a 'I can do it all' attitude. It's a cleanse of the past and a promise of a bright and cheery future! While this attitude may not last all year, for the time being, I am embracing it!

The making of a list, a spring cleaning, new lease on life type of list is what I usually start the New Year with. This one list usually multiplies into three or four lists and the longer the lists get, the less I see of Mike, because he's hiding in the dark abyss of the man den in the basement! My list this year is probably a bit overboard-blame the hormones! And approximately half of this list will never get done on time; my timeline at the moment is broken down into months, with the due date for all projects being April, which is also when our little pea pod will be making his entrance into the world! I dream big, so we'll see what happens...

Aside from my list, my 2011 attitude is just to be the best I can be. A great mom, a great wife, a great employee, a great friend, a great person...even though I am already, :) there is always room for improvement. This will be my year for learning, accepting challenges and facing them head on, for letting go and focusing on the little things that make me happy!

Bring it on 2011, I'm ready!
i

New found creativity

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I am not sure what happened between Christmas and New Years, but I was inspired to start creating some new cards...maybe it had something to do with the New Year approaching and the new beginnings associated with it, who knows?

My Etsy shop doesn't officially open until January 3rd, but here is a sneak peak...

Wishing all my blogger friends a very happy 2011!

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