Since Steve's been on vacation for the first time in 15 years (without anything to do), we've had time to just sit, do nothing, and take a look at everything we have accomplished.
5 years ago if someone were to tell me I'd be married with 4 kids living in a nice house with a nice vehicle and being happy beyond my wildest dreams, I would've told them they were nuts!
But here we are 5 years later, married with 4 kids, hubby's in school for something he's going to be great at, me finally figuring out what I want to do in school, we live in a nice house (huge improvement from the rat/mice infested leaky apartment we lived at before), with a nice reliable vehicle (I'm still not used to the feeling of a good vehicle that doesn't shake, turn off randomly, over heat, ect.)
We've bought everything we've wanted and we have no debt it's a nice change from where we started, and it's nice to just sit back and enjoy where we are in time.
you know before we start on the path again to make things even better, we're rockstars inside we need to have big dreams like living in our own version of graceland having jobs that we love, and the kids being happy and growing up to be great caring responsible human beings.
It's exciting looking ahead at what we can accomplish and I can't wait.
This year hasn't been as exciting as the year we got married, gave birth to our daughter, moved into a house, got the van, went to see KISS in Oshawa, got one of the hubby's dream basses and all that.
But we've done some major changes, Steve applied to college got accepted and quit his job to make a better living for us, we went from not having two pennies to rub together to being comfy, getting the good reliable vehicle, having our fourth child (third son) going to see Butch Walker, me figuring out what to apply for in College, My eldest started school, and a bunch more that it's hard to remember at midnight.
Steve got on the presidents list for his marks in college, which takes a huge chunk off the student loan.
And the only thing I have to complain about him is that he puts dishes on top of the cupboard where I can't get them.
So I forgot to take pictures today because I spent all day putting the tree and decorations away and cleaning
so here's a round-up of my favourite memories of 2011.
The random family day in January where the boys covered themselves in stickers, we made cookies and decorated them, and played in the snow. Kylie was terrified of the snow, hopefully she won't be this year when the snow finally decides to make it's appearance.
Finding out we were expecting #4 at the end of January.
another random day where I was able to get a picture of all 3 of them playing together and not fighting :)
Christian's 4th birthday, my writing sucks, but I think Buzz turned out pretty sweet
the times when all the kids start piling up on daddy.
the Diego Jeep we found for $20 on Kijiji that has brought endless amount of fun and the times the boys decided to run it into our vehicles. and oh the memories the Montana brings, I think it's quicker to point out the spots on HWY 58 where the van didn't break down.
we didn't have the sunfire for long, but it I still consider it my first vehicle, and she did the job she was supposed to do. surprisingly.
My friend Michelle coming down and taking pictures of my family, she is one of the most amazing people you can ever meet and have as a friend, she see's the positive in absolutely everything. I am extremely lucky to have her in my life and I wouldn't trade her for the world. I miss living close to her (one of the disadvantages of moving to the Niagara Region)
The first picture of all 4 of the munchkins,
The black rose the hubby brought me for our 2 year wedding anniversary
and the final steps of the back yard reno I forgot to post
it's nice to not fall into holes anymore :)
39 weeks pregnant, the longest pregnancy ever, sucked being put on bed rest at 29 weeks.
my labour with Gavin is up there in my favourite memories, it's one of those labours that fixes and heals all the wounds from the traumatizing birth I had, and the births that didn't go as planned, his birth was just prefect, calming, healing, relaxing, and on my terms.
I could go on, but I'm sure you don't want 4 birth stories on what's already going to be a long post. I'll take the time eventually to write them all down to share, but right now there's still some memories I would rather forget.
Going to see Butch Walker in Toronto. He is amazing! just amazing, they are amazing on their album and even more so live! He's one of the rare pure talent out there that boggles my mind why he isn't being played on the radio ect and people like Katey Perry (did I spell her name right) who sounds horrible live is all over the place.
Christian's first day of school :) my lil man is growing up too fast, he loves school! he just absolutely loves it, he has a great teacher, EA's and his therapist team who are just amazing!
Presley turned 3 and we did something different, we decided instead of a party he would chose what to do all day. cereal and mac and cheese where his choices.
I love this picture of 3 out of 4 of my boys :) ignore the mess in the background, this was taken when Gavin was 2 days old and I had no interest in cleaning anything at all.
my birthday gift from my sister. I love love love love love Orchids. did I say love enough?
it sucks that since they were cut they didn't last that long but they were beautiful when they did.
and one of my gifts from the hubby! I told him to get me an orchid plant for our anniversary but he got me the rose instead, so for my birthday he got me this and my new laptop :)
oh and another picture of Christian's first day of school while we were waiting for the bus :)
So there you go, some of my favourite parts of 2011. and here's hoping 2012 will bring more progress and happiness to everyone
