Goodbye 2012

Well, goodbye 2012 - with some exceptions, you will not be missed.

Something I could have done without: the brain tumor...but we have seen some amazing things as a result of it - wonderful support from family and friends and even immense generosity from strangers that we'll never know.  But if I could take away some of the pain and struggles that we've had to put Holland through, I would in a second.  We've all learned and grown from this, but there were times that things got pretty hard and my heart ached for her.

A highlight from the year: Dallin's birth!  We love this little guy so much and we're so blessed to have him be a part of our family.  He's not a great sleeper - if he were, he would honestly be the best baby EVER.  Seriously.  He's so happy and smiley and has eased tension and lightened moods (even getting Dr. Brockmeyer, the neurosurgeon, to smile) when we have faced some difficult times.

Don't get me wrong, we've had other highlights from the year too - going to Shoshone Falls, Holland's birthday party w/ the clown, visiting family, etc., but most of the summer was overshadowed by time spent in the hospital, so it kind of feels like we didn't have a summer.  But one thing is for sure - this year has been permanently etched in our minds and is one we'll never forget.  I have a greater appreciation for family and the gospel and how short this life really can be since there were multiple times this year that Holland could have died, but instead she is alive and hasn't lost any physical abilities.  And although we'll be starting the new year off with chemotherapy, I'm hopeful that 2013 can still be filled with lots of good memories.  Here's hoping for a great year ~ Happy New Year!