If It Was Not For 2012…

We would not have sold our home only to buy another one TWO months later. That we absolutely LOVE!!!

I would not have thrown a surprise 16th birthday party for my oldest child.

I would not have tried to help mold the minds of young people in an educational setting by subbing at my children’s charter school.

We would not have become parents to yet another teenager.

I would not have attempted to spiritually direct young women on the path of righteousness as the Young Women’s president.

I would not have found myself enrolled in a class to learn to draw blood.  Now I have another certificate of completion with my name on it. 

Because of 2012, we had to help navigate our oldest in her first car wreck.

If it were not for 2012, I would not have gotten to hear J. strum beautiful songs on her guitar after hours of instruction from a wonderful teacher and rare practice on the student’s part.

I would not have gotten to watch M. sing O Holy Night at her voice lesson recital and hold her award from festival. 

I would not have heard C. play at her first piano recital and perform in her second dance recital.

If it was not 2012, we would not have become proud owners of a purebred German Shepherd that we rescued who attached herself strongly to J.  Thus making it so J. had to make a hard decision to give away her dog Kavak of 3 years.

2012 found us delivering our first litter of puppies from our Riley whom we rescued so that our son could experience newborn puppies for the first time and renew the fun that our girls have had in the past.  We sold them all but one.

If it was not for 2012, I would not have sent my son off to school all day  and found myself with extra hours during the day that I have completely filled now, but before September could not figure how I would be able to do that.

Because of 2012, our children all got to participate in 4-H and earning lots of ribbons. 

If it was not for 2012, T would not have found himself flying his flag upside down in his front yard. 

Because of 2012, T has become more mechanically inclined, more resourceful, and more watchful.

If it was not for 2012, we would not have had to be confused about when the end of the world was. 

I would not have had the opportunity of celebrating a once in a millennium birthday in December.

So here’s to the end of 2012 and hoping that 2013 finds us wiser, healthier, and happier.