Sunday, January 1, 2012

RECAP 2011
While Brad & I were engaged and going to our marriage classes with Father Jim, he repeatedly told us that it is all about making memories...not how much money you have, not what possesions you own, but making memories! Whether it be going out to eat, or to church, or a small vacation, the memories will always be what you remember, and what matters! For a man who has never been married, he seems to have all the answers! Brad & I really did enjoy our sessions with him. We said it was like counseling before you actually need it:)
Father also told us that our first year of marriage would be the hardest. At the time, we didn't quite know what he meant. I mean, we were newly weds, having the time of our lives, all happy and in love, not many cares in the world...and then it hit us....when he said it would be the hardest year, he didn't necessarily mean that we would have a huge fight, or have a falling out, or kick one out because the toilet seat was left up, or the toothpaste wasn't rinsed out of the sink...he was trying to tell us to be prepared to face challenges together, as times will get hard. Unfortunately, he was right...it did turn out to be the hardest year...
In our first year of marriage, we lost Brad's Grandpa Korth in a horrible farm accident. On New Year's Eve we lost Brad's other Grandpa Busselman. The following March our niece, Charli was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer...(which I want to add, that she is doing GREAT now!!!!!!) I know that everyone has to deal with hard things in life, I don't want to sound like a downer, or to make it look like I am wanting sympathy, I am just simply saying that Father was correct...the first year of marriage had many ups and downs for us....but, together, we made it through. We always reflect back on the memories we had with both Grandpa's...and it keeps us smiling. The times when Braxton makes silly jokes and doesn't even realize it, that's when he reminds us of Grandpa Art, and when he is stubborn, yet makes us turn our heads and laugh because it's just too funny, that's Grandpa Glenn shining through. I wish Braxton could have met them, but the stories and memories we will share with him over the years, he will feel like he knew them!
Over 2011, we have made many memories with family and friends! The things that stand out to me right now are:
~Our first trip to Las Vegas (while Braxton got to spend days with all his Grandma's & Grandpa's) and the memories he made there are priceless!!!
~Braxton & Brad & Grandpa John's first ice fishing trip to the puddle
~family trip to Colorado
~many many many hours spent in the yard working on our retaining wall
~Brad turned 3-0!
~Braxton turns 2!
~Lots of camping trips and fishing
~Sibling trip to Lake McConaughy
~Braxton learns his ABC's
~Braxton's first deer hunting trip with daddy
~the Elf, Santa arrives!
...and the most important highlight of 2011, Braxton becomes potty-trained!!!!!!!!
There were many more memories made, too:)
It is hard to believe that we have had our little miracle for almost 3 years now!!! Where in the world does the time go?!?!?!? He has brought more joy to our lives, more smiles than I could have ever imagined, and more laughter than one would ever know!!! And let me add, he has tried our patience waayyy more than we would've ever thought possible!! BUT, we LOVE every second with him!!! Thank you Braxton for the best years of our lives, and we cannot wait to see what memories he brings in the years to come!!!!
I had to share this picture again...I will never forget the day he went on the potty!!! Happy happy joy joy for us all:)
Happy New Year to you all....and Make the Best out of every second of 2012!!!

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