2012

There is so much to be grateful for in 2012.  When I look at back at this year in the future, I hope I am remembering the days and experiences that I've represented with my 12 favorite photos.

Our little lady turned one all the way back on February 1.  Her golden birthday.  

Then her big brother turned three about a month later.  He continues to be a major ham in front of the camera...not that I'm complaining in the least. And it was his big year to start nursery school. 

We repeatedly took advantage of the warmer days that involved sun.  

Because in the fall, winter and spring months here in Scotland they can be few and far between.

  This photo is of J#4 tentatively taking steps outside in March...by the end of the year she was running and taking the slide on her own. 

I think my absolute favorite part of 2012 was watching these two develop a sister/brother relationship.  Their random hugs and cuddles are probably the best thing I've seen in my life.  This was the first one where they got together on their own; I was lucky enough to capture it. 

Then came visitors and travel.  

First up, one of my best friends and her husband came for a stay. 

Then came my Mom...

Who also joined us up in Inverness and at Loch Ness (where this picture was taken)

In July we had the opportunity to take a cruise and visit Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Russia.  Amazing.  Too many photos to choose from.  So... 

The kiddos had to share a bed.  'Nuff said.  

Then just a few weeks later, my brother and his family came to Scotland to see us. 

We all got to make some priceless memories during their visit. 

September was a month for hiking and continued to verify that in fact, 

Scotland does have some beautiful terrains. 

And then we ended out the year with a trip back to Minnesota for Thanksgiving... 

where J#4 got her first manicure.  

And last, a trip to Rome for Christmas. 

Huh.  I'm grateful to have the chance to look back at this year this way.  When you are in the 'thick of it' --with sick kids, a dirty house or cloudy skys--its hard to remember all the highlights, but there have been quite a few.  

I hope you all have a happy new year's eve.  Ours will be quiet, but enjoyable.  

And tomorrow?  My plans and thoughts on 2013.  Here's to making it the best year yet!

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Linking up with Leslie today for a December session of Thanks-living. 

being thankful = cheap therapy

I spent some time this morning adding gifts to my list of 1000.  In about 20 minutes, I was able to add about 85 items.

I am so, so lucky.  So blessed.

When I wake up on the 'wrong side of the bed' its time to sit down and remember why my attitude needs to change.

Source: kerryskronicles.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

It's my form of therapy.

Writing always has been a kind of therapy for me, but to bring myself to a place where I can choose joy? I need to write what I'm thankful for.

• a chance to get away this weekend, to a hotel that we know we will like
• a quickly spiraling downward countdown to visit family and friends
• happy memories of our time in the Netherlands, and J#4's first year
• the knowledge that I have the freedom {and power} to make choices
• & know that I have strength from God to guide me with those

In November, I'm taking this gratefulness show on the road to Instagram.  Taking photos of and tagging an item each day that I'm grateful for with #thankfulliving.

And maybe I'll even do a link-up, so we can all find each other.

Who's with me?

Let's rock the grateful socks off November.

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Being Brave: Progress Made

On January 2, instead of making a new year's resolution I was sure not to keep, I decided on having "one word" for the year.  My word is BRAVE.   


I had no idea at the beginning of the year where that was going to bring me or how it was going to change my life. And to be perfectly honest, up until this past Saturday, I wasn't feeling very brave.  That is a day that I am so thankful for, and has changed my mood, my faith and my attitude.   {For the better, of course.}

So, with a renewed spirit, I wanted to check in and touch base on a few of the ways that I had planned to be brave in 2012.  Today I'll reflect on where I've made progress.  And a part two will come soon on...well, things I haven't.


#4 was to live a purpose driven life.  During Lent {and as my "good habit" in this session of Game On...but more on that to come} I have started reading the book, "The Purpose Driven Life" and it was the nudge that I needed for Saturday to happen.   So check, and check.  I get excited to read the next chapter of this book every day.

#5 was to meet new people.  Sort of an obvious move, since we are living in a new country, right?  Well, this was the first week that I really did it.  Evidently it took me a while to build up the courage.  But with a playgroup today, another coming up on Monday and a girls night tomorrow night?  I will have officially met quite a few Scots {and hopefully friends}.

And I must say {even as much as I told myself I didn't need it} it DOES feel good to get to know some more people.  J#3 & J#4 are fun kids, but they just aren't such great conversationalists, you know?

#9 was all about losing weight and getting healthy.  If you are a regular here, you know I am all over this one.  If you are newer, well then read here for my latest update.  And the next time I mention we have a new session of Game On starting?  You better join us.  It seriously is life changing.

#10 was to discover Scotland {and England and Ireland}.  A plan has been set in place.  Check out my bucket list for a rundown of some of the places we are going to see.  And our plan is to head out and "discover" at least two weekends every month.

So out of the 10 ways I was going to be brave, I wrote about four here.  Which means...I have some work to do.

But unlike a week ago?  I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for a renewed faith and spirit that have given me an attitude of "can do" instead of "maybe later".

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Linking up with a punk, a pumpkin and a peanut and The Fontenot Four for Thankful Thursday. 


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"Here Comes the Sun"

That could be my new theme song. 

Springtime is approaching.  I can feel it.  I can almost smell it.  We've had a few days where the sun has been shining big and bright (well today, it just started in the afternoon, but still...).

And we got out and enjoyed it. When it is nearly 50* in February and you have a park a block from your house? There shouldn't be any excuses.  

Sun is good for us. Obviously.  

And living in Scotland, where they evidently suggest everyone {not just infants} take Vitamin D supplements?  It is a commodity. 

Around these parts, we are all taking new steps... 

Tentative steps.  A little girl taking her first steps outside, changing terrains, holding herself up and moving on.

And the big girl {me}.    Coming to the realization that my life is my job right now.  And jobs?  I take those seriously.  So even though I don't love being responsible for all of our housecleaning, all of our cooking and all of our planning...I'm going to love it.

Because it means I get to watch those tentative steps.  I get to make life easier for my husband, my #1.

I get to see this sister with her brother on a see-saw for the first time.  If I love ALL of it, I get to love life.

 Right here.  And now.  How can I not be grateful for that?

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