Goodbye 2012

As I sit here and reflect on 2012, my heart feels heavy.  Without a doubt, the highlight of this year was Kaden's birth on August 6th.  He has completed our family.  I am so blessed.  And, I am blessed to have a kind-hearted four year old precious girl.  Both Kaden and Kathryn are true gifts from God and I could not imagine my life without them.  There were several other highlights from the year to include a fun trip to Disney World with Kathryn, Mimi, and Papa as well as a trip to Virginia for a friend's wedding.  However, my heart is heavy because there were some events that occurred this year that I would like to completely erase from my memory.  I know I shouldn't, but sometimes I question God and His plan for me and my life.  I question why things happen.  Again, I know I shouldn't do this.  I know that His plan is far greater than anything I can imagine, but at times I struggle when challenges occur.  I do feel that in the last few months that my relationship with God has become closer and more intimate.  I purposefully pray every day.  And, maybe that is why things happened.  Maybe God knew I needed to walk closer with Him and pray more/harder.  If that was His plan, it worked!  I am trying very hard to move forward.  In 2013 I am going to work on being forgiving.  "Forgiveness does not make the other person right; it sets you free."  This is a quote from a book I am currently reading, and I plan to remind myself of this everyday.  Watch out 2013, I am ready for you!

Merry Christmas 2012!

Today was quite a day!  Kathryn was up at her usual time of 7:30.  When she came downstairs, she was so excited to see that Santa had stopped by.  Mimi and Papa joined in on the Christmas morning fun too.  Kathryn had fun playing with all the things Santa brought, and she enjoyed opening Kaden's things too.  She was most excited about her twin baby dolls.  That was one of the main things she wanted, and Santa did not disappoint.  After opening gifts, we all had breakfast together.  The rest of the morning was spent playing and relaxing.  Kaden was feeling a little under the weather (he has an upper respiratory infection), so he was not his usual happy self.  That afternoon, Momma Pam and Momma Hope came over.  We spent time playing and relaxing.  We ended the evening by having dinner together.  I fixed a more traditional meal (turkey, etc.).  Minus the fact that Kaden was not feeling well and therefore fussy, we had a great Christmas.  Daddy and I were pretty exhausted by the end of the night.  We had 3 fun filled festive days in a row.  I didn't take as many pictures as usual, but below are a few from Christmas Day.  I think we are all ready for some normalcy in life!

To Kathryn from Santa

Kaden's 1st Christmas

To Kaden from Santa

Checking out the goodies from Santa

Excited about her Super Hero Costume

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Christmas Eve was a good mix of time at home and time at Mimi and Papa's.  This morning, Kyle went to work. The kids and I stayed home and made some snacks/appetizers to have for the day.  We also spent time watching Christmas shows and playing.  Late afternoon, we went to Mimi and Papa's.  There we opened gifts.  Kathryn and Kaden racked up!  They got a Wii U from Uncle Michael and Uncle Jay, and they got tons of clothes and other goodies from Mimi and Papa.  Kathryn loved opening gifts this year, and she was able to find her name on the gift tags.  Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Joe joined us this Christmas Eve too.  After gifts, Kyle and I went to church.  This is my favorite Christmas tradition.  After church, we went back to Mimi and Papa's for a delicious steak dinner.  Next, we headed home and ended the night preparing for Santa.  I LOVE having a four year.  It makes Christmas so magical and fun!

Kaden watching Kathryn open presents

Opening gifts at Mimi and Papa's

Uncle Jay

Daddy and Papa

Uncle Joe and Aunt Charlotte

Writing Santa a letter

Working hard on her letter

Setting out the reindeer food

Our front door this holiday season...love my Santa

Treats and letters for Santa (one from Kathryn and one from Kaden)

Buddy's last spot for the year...Kathryn cried when telling him goodbye...it broke my heart!

Christmas at Momma Pam's

After Camden, we headed to Hopkinsville.  There we celebrated Christmas with Momma Pam, Momma Hope, Jeff, Aimee, and Maxx.  We had a blast!  Kathryn LOVES playing with her cousin Maxx.  We all received tons of goodies, and we ate a delicious Italian meal.

Opening gifts with Daddy

Modeling her Winx dress up outfit

Kathryn and Maxx

Me and Kathryn

Momma Hope

Pretty sure this is our only family photo from Christmas this year

Momma Pam opening gifts

So stylish!

Kaden's first Christmas

Maxx and Jeff

Momma Pam with Maxx, Kaden, and Kathryn

Momma Pam and Momma Hope

Christmas in Camden

Today we went to Camden to visit with family and celebrate Christmas.  As always, we had a great visit.  Kathryn always loves being there and playing outside.  Kaden pretty much slept a majority of the time.  It was good seeing Grandmother, Aunt Sandy, Jonathan, and Greg.  Let the Christmas family celebrations begin! 

Thought this was funny...feel asleep holding his owl

Sleepy!

Kathryn received a baby doll...she was super excited!

Kaden with Great Grandmother

Kaden with Aunt Sandy

Kathryn and Kaden with Aunt Sandy