Hey 2013 ... Is that you? Already??

So here it is, ready or not... another year!

Not sure where the last one went but I am ready (err... sort of...) to meet this one head on and make it fantastic! As I greet 2013 I realize I have been a mom for nine years. A wife for 13!

And we have been in Memphis now for 7 years!!! That's the longest we've been anywhere! Joel has now been a student for a full year and has just one more year to go. And in this year, he made a move over to another TV station with his good old bud Nick.
These crazy boys have shown us so much about life this year. We all greeted 4th grade with gusto... or as much gusto as 9 year olds who'd rather be playing video games can muster.

They've taken on a new past-time, gymnastics which has allowed them to build strength and flexibility ...

and help Porter manage those gangly long legs :-) While not big on sports, they've shown themselves to be quite the artists and very adept with computers. Porter is also busy with choir and violin. And Mr. Max... well we've learned a lot more about his Auditory Processing Disorder and how to manage it and we are FINALLY (hopefully)

getting a handle on this crazy cough that plagues him at least twice a year for a few weeks at a time.
 More than anything they've taught us that time is short and we must take advantage of each moment we have together. Because, before you know it, they've grown, they've changed and that moment you meant to cherish is gone.

As for me...  I've firmly planted myself into a new career path that I've been chasing down for a few years now. And I LOVE it! I've been fortunate enough to take everything I learned as a reporter, producer, teacher, marketing manager and PR specialist ... roll it all into this awesome Senior Account Executive position in an amazing firm where I get to represent clients I truly respect and for a boss I can also call a friend. I love my co-workers and embrace every challenge thrown my way. (Often with shaky knees ... but I face them all the same :-)

We made great memories in 2012.

Silly bedtime with Grandpa Lou

Fair Fun with Friends - new and old :-)

We FINALLY got to see DARCY!

 Fun in the Sun with the Rosenbergs - Rockport, TX

Giving Thanks with Lolly

Christmas with Nini

In this year, we've grown. We've fallen. But we picked ourselves back up. And as I look ahead and attempt to join the masses promising to lose weight, give up chocolate, or resolve to exercise ... at all... I realize I am no good with New Year's resolutions. Instead I simply pledge to do better! I will work at being more patient, making more time for these funny, fascinating, growing boys. I will find more ways to spend time with my BFF - that guy I married. And, I will learn more so that I can serve my clients better every day. Oh, and... I WILL NOT START A CRAFT OR A PROJECT THAT I CANNOT FINISH!!! I have to say that one really loud because it's my greatest weakness, hence the all caps. And most of all, I will just try to relish life a bit more. I allow myself to get so bogged down with the "little things" in life that I tend to let the smiles and giggles that help paint this picture pass me by.       
 
 As a nation we experienced such highs and such deep, tragic lows in 2012. I hope and pray for a more peaceful 2013. Blessings to all of you as you enter another year. And to 2013 - I say... Bring it on!