Another Year...

With just a few hours left of 2012 I sit here and reflect on year that was filled w/ the highest of HIGHS and the lowest of LOWS...

Molly celebrated her 5th Gotcha Day
Caleb turned 8
teeth were lost
baseball games were played
ballet recitals were performed
we were able to meet Lori an adoption friend and her family that were visiting from Missouri
we took the kids to Fenway for the 1st time
Darren & I celebrated our 10th anniversary
road trips were taken to North Conway and Baltimore
preschool ended and Kindergarten started
Molly turned 6
Caleb moved to the castle section of the Wyman for 3rd grade
Molly showed increased confidence and independence
Caleb earned his Black Belt
Darren was able to breath a sigh of relief after a stressful situation at work was resolved and went in the banks favor

These were some of our HIGHS this past year however we experienced the lowest of LOWS when my Dad was diagnosed earlier this year w/ Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma after a courageous battle and trying several chemo treatments his body couldn't take anymore and on Saturday evening September 29th we said good bye...it is hard to imagine that we started 2012 with him but as we prepare to start a New Year he is not here with us.

I want to take this time to THANK everyone who has helped our family this past year...to the girls, to our friends near and far, to friends I have met in person to those I have not, to my adoption friends, to our neighbors, to our church family THANK YOU for the cards, messages, texts, emails,phone calls, donations, for the food, help w/ the kids but most of all your LOVE & SUPPORT. It means more thank you know!

To my Mom, Sue, Jon, Darren, Caleb, Molly, Madelyn & Jillian..I couldn't have made it through this year w/ out you. I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVE YOU all . You have shown amazing strength and I am glad to be a part of SEVSAWMAC. We made it through and will continue to do so!

Dad, I am glad to be your daughter and I am grateful for the 35 years I had w/ you. Thank You for the examples you set, for giving me your sense of humor and stubborn attitude but most of all thank you for the love you had for us. I miss you everyday...

So as 2012 comes to a close I am THANKFUL for all the GIFTS in my life BIG and SMALL...