Reflections......

2012 was a bittersweet year for us.  We had lots of highs, and some lows.  Just a few reflections on our year.

• We became grandparents to the most precious little girl ever!  God blessed us tremendously when he sent that little bundle to us.  We wondered when we found out that Morgan was pregnant why God put us in that position.  Well, it didn't take long for us to find out.  God used it to get our attention and get our focus as a family back on Him.  Because of that, our marriage is stronger than it has ever been, Kevin and the girls are closer than they have ever been, we do more as a family and we are more involved in Church. We are praying together as a family now. We are more solid and stronger as a unit.  So, we know now why God gave us that trial.  Morgan still needs to make better decisions with her life, but that will come in time, I hope.  For now, we are just thankful for where we have been, and where we are now.  And, we are very, very grateful to those that prayed for us, cried with us, laughed with us, hugged us, or just let us scream.  We remember every one of you, and each action and it is because of you guys, and the Grace of God, that we survived.  So, thank you!
• Kaitlyn graduated from elementary school and began middle school. It's so hard to believe that she is 12 years old already!
• I started college....again. Pursuing my degree in Psychology.  I would like to be an HR Partner at the university, but that may change. :)  I have lots of semesters left to make a definite decision.  I do know for a fact, though, that I want a degree in Psychology.  We will just have to see where that leads me.
• We broke away from Graceway and started our own church, Faith First Ministry. Our first service with Faith First was on Sunday, September 23. This was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make, and again, we questioned why we were put in that situation.  But, as we continue along, we see the blessings of being faithful and standing for what we believe God is asking us to do.  We have people coming to our church that have NEVER attended church.  We have about 50 regular members, and it is awesome to see the work being done.  We are in a position to help so many that need it.  God keeps sending them, and we keep helping them!  It has been amazing!  I can't wait to see what happens in 2013 with this church.
• My brother, Keith, was called into the ministry and became a preacher.
• I was diagnosed with asthma. Finally.  I have been battling issues with my breathing for a long time.  I finally found a doctor that could figure out what was wrong, and is treating me for it.  I am extremely grateful that he listened to me, and didn't think I was crazy.
• We gave our dog away. Yes, you read that right.  We got rid of our dog.  I have cried a lot over this.  She is 9 years old and does not do well around young children. With Keith's kids being at the house so much, and with Elaina, we didn't need a dog that didn't do well around young children. So, we gave her to Kevin's cousin, Tommy, and his wife, Angela.  They don't have small children, and Angela wanted a lap dog.  Well, she got one. :)  Sassy seems to be doing well with her.  I miss her like crazy, and still look for her when I go home.  But, I will still get to see her and she is in a really good home now, so it works out.
• We lost our freezer, and about $500 worth of food.
• My sister-in-law, Mary, started dating a wonderful man, and is smiling again.  It's nice to see that after so many years of not smiling.  Keith has been gone 3 years now.  Tommy is a very nice guy and treats her and the girls great.  Couldn't ask for more.
• My grandmother turned 79 years old!! Yep, my sassy, speak-her-mind, bat-her-eyes grandmother is now 79.  But, she still acts 29. :)
• I got a tattoo.  In memory of my grandfather and in honor of my grandmother. 
• The LAST Twilight movie premiered! I am absolutely heartbroken over this. 
• And, last but not least, Kaitlyn went to her first Mardi Gras parade. We have friends that live in Mobile and we went there.  The last time we went to a parade, I had just found out I was pregnant with her.  So, technically, it was her second parade. :)  We had a blast and cannot wait to go back this year!

All in all, we had a very eventful year!!   Happy New Year, everyone!