"Don't Forget His Love"

(by Ellie Holcomb) Don't Forget His Love (Psalm 108) - Magnolia



I seriously can't believe that 2013 is already over! I feel like it was a bit of a whirlwind. Sitting here thinking about the past year for this post, I struggle to even remember what happened before April 17th: the day Bailey went to be with Jesus. It was a tragically sad, pivotal day for my church family and my community. It will forever be one of those marked moments in the history of my life. And if I feel that way, then it only scratches the surface of how Gary, Desiree, Cody, and the rest of Bailey's family feels. I don't mean to start this post all gloomy, but I can't talk about 2013 without talking about Bailey.

But the good and beautiful truth is that God is still God. And He is the same today as He was before Bailey's accident. And He is good despite any and all bad. He is faithful, and He has proven Himself over and over again. He comforts, strengthens, provides, and prevails. He knows. He is near. And He loves completely and intensely. I don't ever want to forget that.

And on that note, I will recap the year 2013...

My sweet boy turned 12 in January & has officially grown taller than his mom. I don't think I'll ever forget the first time he came to kiss me goodbye, and I had to look up. My heart still does a sad little somersault at the thought of my baby boy growing up, but I am absolutely in love with the man he is becoming. He moved up to the youth group this summer, and he has enjoyed being a part of all the activities that his sister & I have been enjoying for years! He started running this year & had a great first cross country season, even medaling at district: 5th place 7th grade boy & 10th or 11th overall!


The winter/spring held a few exciting events...Elly & I went to a Jenny & Tyler House Show, Christopher & I went to a CURE OM conference, the kids & I went on the students' Spring Break mission trip, baby girl & I participated in a color run, and I ran a 5K for my amazing cousin Kirby!


Our summer was super busy! I explained this before, but we only had two out of eleven weeks at home with just our family. I'm not complaining at all, but it really was full! The kids both went to church camp, on a road trip with the students, helped with VBS, & the three of us participated in our local mission trip. We had a couple of houseguests, too...the kids' Uncle Alex and our little British friend Sarah:


Christopher had scans in July, and they were clear! I was incredibly unhappy with the medical oncologist's recommendation to wait a year until his next scan, though. Chris continues to see the ocular oncologist every three months, though I really thought these visits would only be every six months (or even farther apart) by now. Due to my research and the ocular oncologist/expert's recommendation for more frequent scans, we pressed for them at six months and our new insurance company is approving them! The medical oncologist doesn't seem to have a problem with that, though I'm honestly not sure if he's aware that they're happening. I guess we'll see what he has to say in a few weeks!

In addition to the crazy, fun, busy summer schedule, I moved to a new position at work. I still worked basically the same amount of time, but I had added responsibilities. It all worked out, but it was an adjustment! And when school started, the adjusting continued as I began working two more days a week. Again, it has all worked out, but it was a bit more of an adjustment than I had anticipated. I love working at the church, though, & I especially love the people I work with!

My baby girl started high school, which is still hard to believe! She turned 15 in October, which is also hard to believe. This may sound crazy, but I am really enjoying my teenager! She is a sweet girl who I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. The one time I thought she was copping an attitude with me, it turns out I had misheard her {never! <~ that was said in sarcastic font!} Anyways, she is very involved in the youth group and continues to love art. She got to enter two pieces of her artwork into a regional contest where she got great reviews!


During the fall/winter, Elaine & I transformed my room, I almost made it to my 20-year reunionChristopher entered a beard contest (then promptly cut it), we got to see Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, I went to India, and my dad got married!! {One day I will post about India, but just know that it truly was amazing!}


Google+ made this little highlight video of my year. It's pretty random & not quite what I would've picked if I had put it together, but it's fun nonetheless:


And because I feel the need to have an actual family picture in these posts, I'll close with this:


I hope y'all have a wonderful 2014! ♥

Amy

Comments

Zion said…
It's not creepy to enjoy your teenager, I hope I do when mine are that age! Can't wait to hear about India.
Brooke said…
such a full 2013 - may 2014 be filled with even more blessings!

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