For the last 3 years I have traditionally done a "Year in Review" post, looking at all of the things that have happened during the year etc. I love reminiscing and I love being reminded of the good stuff that has happened each year.
To be totally honest, I didn't really want to do a year in review post for 2012... this year has been difficult and to put it frankly, one of my hardest years ever. I won't go into details, but I've cried a lot, and my heart has ached and ached.
But you know what, I've decided that looking back is probably the best thing I can do, to help me change my perspective and find the good stuff that has happened in 2012. This is probably the most important year for me to review my year and dig through the stink stuff and find the gold and diamonds... cause we all know that pressure makes diamonds.
So here we go, digging for the diamonds in 2012...
January
We thoroughly enjoyed our summer holidays (as usual) which included a trip to Auckland, beach trips etc and a softie giveaway (might be time for another one of those soon!). January ended with all of our children finally being at school - woohoo! It also ended with me being back working full time! Talk about shock to the system (not that being a fulltime mum isn't hard work - but you know what I mean).
Makings included my Crochet Rainbow Cake, Easy Peasy Creamy Dessert, Ginger & Apricot Slice, Crochet Moustache and Brown Sugar Biscuits.
February
This month included a tonne of important celebrations, including my baby turning 5 (which also prompted me to write an Ode to my Cake Carrying husband). Makings included Icecream Cake with Butterscotch Sauce, a Crochet Hamburger and Belgian Biscuits.
March
This month I celebrated my 1000th post! Woah - that's a lot of blogging for a shy-ish person like me! I bared my heart a bit with this post. Makings included an Amigurumi Mushroom, Mini Crochet Mushrooms, Crochet cupcakes, Blondies and a Crochet Pixie Hat.
April
In April I shared my daughter's version of our National Anthem (c.u.t.e), Symon and I celebrated our 16 year wedding anniversary with a delicious meal out together, I found this cute Flashback photo of us, and was sent this precious lawnmower love note. We had the most lovely family holiday away. Makings included a Softie Bunny, a Microwave Chocolate Pudding, and an orange beanie.
May
I revealed to you all that in fact our family is rather crazy, we celebrated our oldest daughter's birthday, and I finished my Retro Granny Square blanket!!!! Then sadly, we lost a most precious friend and pastor. Devastating. Makings included Butterballs, Cranberry, Walnut & Chocolate Chip Biscuits and Cheese Damper.
June
This month was a mega birthday month! Firstly, my firstborn became a teenager! Exciting and scary! Then Symon celebrated his birthday - in a not so exciting way - poor guy! Finally, celebrated my precious Nana's 80th - I have watched those videos over and over again! Makings included some Orange Crochet Coasters and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread.
July
Mega news of the month - Symon grew a beard (ahem), I reminded myself that God makes beautiful things out of the dark moments, we did a bit of road tripping. Makings included crochet phone covers, a crochet beanie, Sticky Date Pudding and a lot of working on Symon's granny square blanket!
August
August started off with an early Christmas wishlist, and me joining Instagram (oh yes people, I'm a bit of a late one!), my kids made me proud at the annual school Cross Country. Makings included Lime Syrup Cupcakes, and my Quick Quiche recipe.
September
The middle months of this year were CRAZY, and here I did a bit of chatting about my family, as well as introducing my 3 ducks to the home. Makings included French Butter Cake and Mustard Crochet Coasters.
October
October started off with a bit of Lamb sitting, and Symon & I having a much needed holiday away by ourselves. I finished Symon's Black Edged Granny Square Blanket and we celebrated our youngest son's birthday. I also shared my wisdom after catching my oven on fire. Makings included Duck Egg Blue Crochet Coasters, Salted Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Biscuits, the Tardis Cake and of course, Symon's blanket!
November
I had the most awesome time with some girls from church at Sistas 2012, shared about my struggle with fear and learning to do it afraid! We had tonnes of fun at our friend's dress up 21st birthday and I was spoiled on my birthday. Makings included Twinkie Chan's Lollipop Brooch.
December
We started off December with our usual "Eggnog under the Christmas Tree" tradition, I shared some tips for a Simpler Christmas, I started documenting Symon's naps on Instagram under #husbandnaps and caught up with special friends. Boo painted her nails on Christmas Eve (ahem - she may have had a little bit of help), and we had a fabulous Christmas with our family! Makings included some Cupcake Brooches, Christmas goodies - my favourites and Iced Tea.
So there you have it - that was so worth it! Indeed there was a tonne of light and laughter shining through a year that at times was rather dark.
It's amazing what a change in perspective will do.
I am looking forward to 2013, not with the glossy expectation that everything will be smooth sailing and one big bed of comfy roses, but with the knowledge that even in the difficult times, my God was and is faithful to hold me close, and we made it through... and we can do it again with whatever the future holds.
Happy New Year to you all - see you in 2013!
