Friday 21 December 2012

The Year That Was 2012!



If you talk to anyone about how quickly this year has gone, everyone says the same. 

It has flown!

It feels like only yesterday that we were celebrating the beginning of 2012, and now we're about to do it all over again for 2013! 

Another line forms under my eyes just thinking about it.



See?

The trench in my brow gets deeper too!

Ugh!


However fast it may have gone, this has been an incredible year for our family. So today, I am joining in with the wonderful Grace from With Some Grace, for our 2012 highlights.

Here we go!


January:

Unfortunately the year didn't start off that wonderful for us, as it was the one year anniversary of the death of my brother. 

It was a very sad time, especially for my sister in law. But I try not to dwell on it. I know he's watching over us, and would want us to be happy, so I try to concentrate on that, even though it's not easy at times.

Following the bad however, came the good! 

I started my blog!

I had no idea what I was doing, as I knew very little about what a blog even was when the thought entered my head to start one, but I'm so glad I did.

I have (virtually) met some of the most amazing, supportive people, who I never would have crossed paths with, had I not become a part of a wonderful blogging community, and I'm so grateful for every one of you! Thank you for always being there with such lovely comments, and for making me feel like I belong.

I only hope that I get to meet you all in real life one day. You can expect a huge hug, so don't say you haven't been warned!!


February:

February was HUGE!

Not only did my oldest start school, but my youngest started kinder!






Whoa!

Due to my eldest having autism, I have been terrified of him starting school for years. The thought of how cruel kids can be at times to children who are 'different,' and the disturbing visual images of bullying playing over and over in head, only added to my fear.

But I needn't have worried.

The school has been amazing, and we were blessed with the most wonderful teacher and aide (which the school and I fought tooth and nail to get)! The children have also been so incredibly accepting, and my son has made some lovely friends, whom I hope he will remain friends with for many years to come. He has come almost completely out of his shell, which is just a delight to see, and the rest of our family can't believe the difference in him that his first year of school has made.

Although my youngest is still incredibly shy a lot of the time, his year at kinder has done wonders for him too! He has made a very close little friend who is going to school with him next year, and we found out yesterday that they are in the same grade together. I have no doubt that the school will bring out the best in him as well, and I couldn't be more excited for him.


March:

In March, I started the Photo A Day Challenge, and I have done it every day since! Every day!! I haven't missed a single one! And now it's just a normal part of my every day. My family (as in my mother and my sister) wonder how I have such time to waste, but they just don't get it. How can it possibly be a waste of time when it has reignited my passion for photography?! I can't get enough of it. I'm studying everything I can find on the subject at the moment, and actually hoping to do a course or some workshops next year. I don't know where it's going to lead me, but I intend on finding out. This is the closest I've felt to passion in a long time (except for my family of course), and I'm going to make the most of it!

Bring it on!

March was also the month my big boy lost his first two teeth, our first foster dog Poppy went to her forever home, and our second foster dog Meesha arrived.


April:

April was the month my baby turned five! He had his first proper birthday party with children from kinder and had a ball. 




So grown up! 

*Sigh*


May:


On the first of May I dropped sugar from my everyday diet, and it was the best thing I've ever done. It helped me to lose those few kilos that I just hadn't been able to shift before, and I still enjoy the yummy stuff on special occasions, so I don't feel like I'm denying myself anything. I feel healthier, and with all the research that's coming to the fore of late, I am also lessening my chances of diabetes, heart disease and cancer! What's not to love about that?


June:


In June, my hubby went to Germany for work, and it was the furthest we've been apart since we started dating eleven years ago. 




I managed, as my mum came to stay to help out, but I hated him being so far away. Hopefully he won't need to go that far away again in a hurry!


July:

In July, my big boy turned seven! I couldn't believe that it was a whole seven years ago that I first held him in my arms. It felt like only a moment has passed.



Here he is, so proud of his new big bike!

And I'm so incredibly proud of him.


August:


August was the month that our second foster dog Meesha left us to go to her forever home, and soon after, our third foster dog Roxy arrived.


September:


September saw me start the 20 Day Clean and Organise Your Home Challenge with The Organised Housewife.




Unfortunately I didn't finish it due to other commitments, but all the cupboards that I cleaned out at the time are still clean and organised, and as soon as I have a few minutes, I intend to get started on it once again. I still have all the emails with the tasks attached, so maybe that could be a New Year's resolution for me!

It was also the month I had my wee little bit of a meltdown and needed a bit of a break, and my gorgeous hubby turned 41.


October: 


In October I started re-decorating my son's bedroom. Unfortunately the job is ongoing, but it won't be long until it is finished now. He will be getting some new things for his room for Christmas, and then we should be almost done. I can't wait to show you the finished product! In fact, I just can't wait until the project is finished, full stop!


November:


November is pretty much a blur for me. I ran my first bloggy exercise challenge, The November 30/30 Challenge, and I don't think I've ever written so much in my life! Well, maybe at school, but that was a long time ago! On top of that I was exercising myself everyday, something else I wasn't used to, so by the end of the month I was completely exhausted.

It was worth it though!


December:

This has been an incredibly busy and also emotional month for me. I turned 43, which is a birthday I've dreaded for years and is something I will post about in the New Year. I have also had one child finish Prep (today in fact), and another finish kinder. Awww, my boys are growing up so fast!

I've also been flat out Christmas shopping and getting everything prepared for a wonderful Christmas with my family, as is everyone this month!

Lastly, our third foster dog Roxy has gone to her forever home, and will get to spend Christmas with her new family. It makes me so happy.


So that's it!

My highlights for 2012.

I'm really looking forward to 2013, and making it an even better year than this one.


Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, and the very best for 2013 ♥



Image Source





          Tracey ♥











26 comments:

  1. Sounds like a satisfying year, even though it did start of sadly. Your boys sound like they are doing wonderfully well at school. Good luck with your photography - amazing that you did every day of the photo challenge!!!

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    Replies
    1. It was a pretty good year, thanks Cathy. Yes, the boys did amazingly, I'm so proud of them!
      I'm pretty proud of myself too, for the photo challenge, lol. There were some days when I just had to do a bit of a rush job, because I hadn't yet done it for the day and it was getting late, but most days I keep my eye out for a photo opportunity. I think next year I'm going to try and take more photos with my 'baby'(my Nikon), rather than on my phone just because it's easier!
      Merry Christmas, and thanks for stopping by :)
      xx

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  2. It's been an interesting exercise to put together a highlights reel. I like seeing what goes in...life is all these little moments.

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    1. It sure is Lydia. A whole heap of snapshots!
      Merry Christmas :)
      xx

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  3. Sounds like a busy year. Must have been so hard when your hubby went to Germany. Can't imagine how I would cope. Happy Christmas!

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    1. You know how it is Zanni, you do what you have to do. I would just prefer not to have to do it again in a hurry. I don't mind so much when he's just interstate, but having him so far away that time made it feel so much longer than it actually was.
      Merry Christmas to you too :)
      xx

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  4. I can totally relate about frown lines, mine are under my eyes, crows feet etc, but I suppose there has to be something to show for not getting a full night's sleep in probably 4.5 years! I can't imagine my husband going away for any longer than a day, that must have been tough. I look forward to reading more from you in 2013! Thanks for supporting and following me!
    Emily

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    1. Oh I'm hearing you! I don't remember the last full night sleep I had.
      Luckily hubby doesn't go away that often, but when he does it's normally for one to two weeks. Mum will often come down and stay to help me, but sometimes that makes it more stressful, lol.
      Same here Emily, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year :)
      xx

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  5. What a busy year! Blogging is an amazing journey. I look forward to watching you 2013 trip. Have a wonderful Christmas. Rachel xx

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    1. It is Rach, it is. Thanks for all your support and lovely comments. Looking forward to reading much more Redcliffe Style next year!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family, lovely :)
      xx

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  6. Hi Tracey, What a year of changes and new beginnings for you! Goodluck with the blog for 2013-are you going to Digital parents Conference?

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    1. Thank you Mummy Manifesto!
      Unfortunately I'm not, but I would have liked to be. It was just a bit beyond my reach this year. I am hoping to get to a bloggy conference at some point soon though.
      Merry Christmas :)
      xx

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  7. Sounds like you had a very productive year! So glad that your boy has settled into his school and is surrounded by wonderful teachers.
    I've really enjoyed getting to know you this year and missed you when you took your break. But we all gotta do what we gotta do and it's good to see you back refreshed.
    Have a fab Xmas, Tracey! xxx

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    1. Thank you Grace! I've loved getting to know you too. Looking forward to knowing you a lot more in the New Year!
      Have the best Christmas ever, lovely lady :)
      xx

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  8. It's been lovely to get to know you during the year. I've enjoyed your posts, especially the creative writing (maybe we should bring back Short Tale Tuesday?!). Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.
    XXX
    PS - love that you haven't missed a day of #FMSphotoaday. That is awesome.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Cath, it has just been a delight getting to know you too. Thanks for all your support.
      You know I was just thinking the other day, that I would love to write some more fiction when time allows. I miss Short Tale Tuesday! You're right, we might have to do something about that!
      Have a wonderfully happy and safe Christmas my dear :)
      xx

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  9. Sounds like a very busy year! Way to go quitting sugar - I've thought about it, read about it, see lots of others doing it...just haven't made that leap yet! Maybe if hubby has to go back to Germany you could go too next time!? Hope 2013 is everything you dream of.

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    1. It has been Aroha! Today is the first day of school holidays for us and I finally feel like I can breathe!
      Quitting sugar really was the best thing I could have done. I didn't think I could, as I used to have chocolate AND icecream almost every night, but I'm amazed with how easy I found it. As I said, I still have it, but only on the odd occasion, not everyday. So worth it.
      Maybe it could be a 2013 resolution for you???
      Have a wonderful Christmas :)
      xx

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  10. What a year that unfolded for you, I am really relieved for you that your son did so well fitting in at school. One of our close friends has a son with Aspergers and I know he has his ups and downs, and the beginning of the year is always difficult with the new faces.
    Has been great to get to know you this year, looking forward to the next!

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    1. Thank you Sophie, me too.
      I think the beginning of next year will be a bit difficult for my boy also, as none of his close friends are in his grade, but I think the school has done that to try and extend his social skills. He doesn't seem too concerned about it at the moment, so we'll see. Fingers crossed!
      Have a wonderful Christmas :)
      xx

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  11. Sounds like a great year! That's wonderful that Roxy has a new forever home. We fostered a little dog called Ian once. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and looking forward to 2013.
    xx
    Danya

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    1. Isn't it, Danya? I couldn't be happier. The people that she went to just adore their pets, so I have no doubt that she's being spoilt rotten!
      Did you decide not to continue fostering?
      Have a great Christmas....catch you in the New Year :)
      xx

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  12. Hi Tracey
    You've had a roller coaster of a year. So many highs and some broken heart moments.
    This is a great post and I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing.
    I finally did my year in review today too.
    Oh, and welcome to 43. I had my 43rd in October :)
    Cheers and Merry Christmas
    Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
    x x x

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  13. Hello and good to read your year n review, I am so enjoying them and haven't yet done one myself - oops... Anyway, go the school that is good for the son with ASD. My son who has ASD is 15 now but I will never forget the kindness of teachers and families in his early years at school. I think a good school is make or break for our kids, school essentially becomes their therapy. So glad he is enjoying it. Big year for you to have two boys in school uniforms! Take it easy and hope you have a great Christmas.

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  14. Hi Tracey, thanks for commenting on my blog. Isn't blogging the best! What an emotional year. I'm sorry about your brother, anniversaries are hard. So happy about your son with ASD doing well at school, my nephew has had lots of difficulty at school so if you can win there it will make life so much smoother xx

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  15. Hi Tracey, you are so right, it never can be a waste of time if you follow your passion and what you love. I wish you all the best with your photography and best wishes for 2013!

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