Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Let's catch up shall we?


First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am so grateful for all the miracles that took place in 2011 and look forward to an even better 2012. It's a tall order but who knows? 2011 saw our family reunited, moving into our first home, paying off a lot of debt, marveling in Noah's incredibly sweet soul, meeting my sister for the first time in 25 years, watching our parents hold her and their other grand kiddos (a sight I still am processing). I guess pictures really are worth a thousand words so rather than babble on and on, let me share some of the most wonderful moments of the past year.
This home signifies so much more than "having a house". It symbolizes a fresh start, a new chapter....well heck...a whole new book for us.


Goofing around with my sister........long time coming.

Squishing my nephew Zachy
Squishing my nephew Brennen
My amazing nephew Gunnar


Visiting the most amazing friend! Love you Dixie!

Fun family outings like this trip to Forks.

Taking Noah to his first fair
Maris Farms pumpkin patch complete with hayride. Yea, we're dorks.
Awww, our little ham :)
Halloween!

And Christmas joy was had by all!
Especially Jodie! Haha!

So here's an update on we three Wise's....
Aaron has been working like crazy as usual. He has received a bunch of bravo zulus (awards of merit) at work. He also went out for the Seattle Fire Department. After numerous call backs and interviews, they informed him that he was in the top 20% but due to the mayor making cuts, they are unable to hire him at this time but will keep him informed of any changes. That would be so incredible for our family and so we are crossing all fingers and toes!! The time we get together is rare so we try to make the most of it. He looooves his video game down time, his guitar down time but mostly his family down time. He is getting back into working out and getting his mind and body healthy. I am so proud of him, the progress made in our marriage and the amazing father he is to our Noah.

I have had a crazy year! Since reconnecting with my sister, I have been so full of joy, confusion, hurt, excitement, you name it! It was so incredibly overwhelming to SEE her and POOF, I had 3 nephews, a brother in law and a sister I had long since buried, always wondered about and never forgotten. I still feel kind of "out of body" about it sometimes. I am very happy that my parents have reconnected with her as well and are loving her the way she has always deserved. I have forgiven my parents but struggle with trusting anything that they tell me. There is so much to sort out in my mind and I only pray that everything coming from them is genuine and will be healthy for everyone involved. I was on Zoloft for about 6 months and it put a hefty 40lbs on me so I am getting that off as fast as I can. I am very grateful that Zoloft helped me get back to "me" but wow, I had to ween off of it because the weight gain was out of control! I still struggle from time to time but I just start counting all the blessings in my life and it helps bring me out of the funk. I still work evenings at The Home Depot. I have paid off about 60% of my debt this year and plan to be debt free by Christmas. I plan to start a book club with some gals from the ward and hopefully work on my children's books! I am also happy to say that Aaron & I are thinking of having another baby this year!

Noah is growing so fast and I am so proud of the little man he is. He is potty trained and feeling like such a big boy! He makes friends instantly and has the sweetest heart! When he hears a child cry, he offers a hug. When I am sick, he brings me water and a blanket. When he wakes up he has to say good morning to the dogs and give them a hug. When he sees a homeless man, he grabs our groceries and gives him some bananas. When I tell him a friend at work had to say goodbye to her kitty after 17 years, he suggests getting her flowers to cheer her up. That is Noah. Now, is he a normal 3 year old and drives me nuts with his tantrums and the constant negotiating that occurs with every single decision? Of course but ya know, gotta focus on the positive right? Haha!

Jodie & Ginger are unfortunately starting to show their age a bit. They are both 12. Ginger has always been fat and grumpy haha so nothing has changed there. Jodie has a lump on her neck that we are unsure about and waiting for the word from the vet. She has slowed down a bit and her eyesight is not as great but both pups are surrounded with love all day long and are spoiled rotten with plenty of squirrels to chase in the backyard!

Now bring it on 2012!! Many blessings to all of you and thank you for being a part of my life!

4 comments:

Rachel said...

Sounds like 2011 was good to you, Jen! I just can't believe you left out the day in June when you saw some old friends from Sherman Oaks. Just kidding. I know that's not quite as newsworthy as reuniting with your sister and husband. Btw, I love your house! It's so pretty! Keep blogging! I love to read what you have to say. Miss you!

Anonymous said...

I love you, I love you, I love you! Yes to the book club! And I savored every word of your update! It makes me feel close to you! Hugs!

Joe and Jill said...

I love the update! 2011 was a huge year for your family, holy cow! May 2012 be calm and full of love and happiness!

Jen said...

Believe it or not Rachel I was searching for a picture from that day and did not have one :( boooo! Did anyone take a picture that day?