See ya, 2012.

In no particular order, the events that shaped us over 2012:

1. FOUR HOURS OFF THE PATCH!
I said no particular order & I meant that, but this is near the top spot for sure.

Nothing will ever be as great as hearing Dr. Cogen say, " I am going to give you 4 hours off." Unless it was hearing him say, "You HAVE to leave it off 4 hours" six months later.

Seriously, that 4 hours lifted a huge load off of our shoulders, restored our sanity, provided the faith/hope/inspiration/motivation to keep on patching and realize it truly is working.

I can cry just thinking about it.

2. JACK'S CLEAN SCAN!
We entered 2012 with some serious concerns with our JPa because he was still battling lymphoma, but he has since had a stem cell transplant, lots of appointments and, most importantly, POSITIVE news from his latest scans. Such relief! But, not complete surprise, because we knew he was going to win!

3. MY NEW JOB
6 months in, and I am  patting myself on the back for surviving one of the biggest shocks of my life. Seriously, I put switching jobs/careers/schools in the same category as adjusting to a new baby. I was borderline crazy for awhile & need to thank everyone who helped me through it. I miss teaching every single day (had a dream about a Civil War graphic organizer the other day...) and my FHS friends/kids/cheerleaders/etc., but I am really enjoying my life as a Powell panther & figuring out what my new role in education looks like.

4. BRANDON'S NEW JOB
Because my husband is awesome (awesome=hard core/motivated/intelligent/strong/hard working) he is now doing new work that he loves. And, we have most weekends together, which has not happened in the 6 years that we have been married, so that is still shocking to me!

I am so proud to be married to someone who does a job that is cool enough for his kid to dress up like him on Halloween! Because, if there is "cool job" criteria, I think that is it.

5. THE DARN WASHING MACHINE
The leaking washing machine caused some major inconveniences & I did not think the reconstruction of our house was ever going to end. But...it did, of course, and now we have new floors and yet another addition to our constantly changing perspective of day to day life.

6. PREGNANCIES
Because 2 new jobs and a complete re-flooring of our house wasn't enough, I decided to shake up the calm & get pregnant. You know, never want to have a calm moment around here. Seriously, once the initial shock wore off, we were, of course, THRILLED! I literally cannot believe that I am lucky enough to be the Bobble to 2 boys. I find myself sort of stalking random people I see in public with 2 boys. Watching, learning, trying to hide my excitement.

Also, I am getting a new niece in Feb, which is just as life changing. Remember, Nicole's kids are genetically mine, so it is a nice set up for me!

And, as if it couldn't get any better, Lucy, my very own goddaughter, will be here in Feb, too!!

7. EUROPE TRAVELS
I went to Europe with my sister for 2 weeks! You would think this would have only affected the 12 days or whatever we were gone, but no. We are planners (x2) with hoarding instincts coupled with a bit of OCD, so this literally consumed our lives for the 6 months prior to our departure. So many conversations/texts included, "I was thinking____ for Europe." It was awesome to spend so much time with Nicole without being distracted by anything, except for gondolas, red wine and the ALPS!

8. CRUISING
I include the cruise in my top events because it was really a lot of fun and we made some great memories. I am definitely open to another cruise when our children start sleeping at least 8 hours at night.Great memories were made!

9. CONSTANTS
As I type all of this and am reminded of the stress/fun/excitement/etc., I am reminded that the reason all of ti happened was due to the constants in my life. My hard working husband who provides for us, awesome family/friends to plan trips, Dr. Cogen, and, most of all, my mom who puts up with my mega grumpiness during the stressful times and offer mega excitement (and kid watching for 12 days) during the exciting times.

I cannot believe so much has happened in 2012 and am looking forward to the possibly shorter? 2013 list!