Good Bye 2012....Hello 2013

So, I have not been a blogger this past year but I am hoping to get back on track for 2013.  This is not going to be a "picture" post but just a look back over 2012 and getting back into routine!  Al and I saw many changes the end of 2011 and throughout 2012.  I will never be able to remember them all but here are some of the most memorable. 

Late 2011, we lost our dog Brownie. Brownie was Al's best friend since May 2004 and it was a really hard pill to swallow not having this sweet girl greeting us everyday.  After Brownie passed, Al and I decided to bring Muffin (our spunky little dog) inside. We thought she was too small to have outside by herself; but having an inside dog was a new experience for both me and Al.  We wouldn't have it any other way now!  By the way, Muffin received "Dog of the Year" honors at Doggie Stylz for 2012; this comes with a free month of grooming! 

Since my last post we have also added to our niece/nephew pack!! Al and I now have three nieces and Samuel (our nephew).  Anna Beth (5) has now started Kindergarten and is learning to read and do just about anything else. Destiny (5) has lost 4 teeth and counting; she has the cutest little snaggle tooth grin.  Tenley (1) is the bouncer of the group; she loves to "jump" and spin around!  Then we have Samuel (2)!  He is all boy and rough as can be but you can also find him playing with AB's jewelry and dolls at any given time!  We love these kids so much and can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for all of them!

In June 2012 Al got a surprise for his birthday!! This patient guy has not had his own vehicle in about 6 years. So, on June 29th we headed to Cullman to look at this bright yellow Jeep Wrangler.  He had been talking about wanting a jeep for a long time.  As soon as he saw it he loved it; as soon as he drove it down the road he wanted it! So, we now have a YELLOW jeep in our possession that has gotten dirty more than a few times from all the mud riding!! And of course, he is really popular with all the kids!

In the fall of 2012, my brother and his wife bought their first house. You will remember them from a previous wedding post.  They were living in an apartment in Muscle Shoals, so mom was super excited when they were able to move back to Killen.  It is a wonderful place with a nice big yard! We were all so proud for them!  (maybe I will have a few more nieces or nephews in the future...we will see!)

On November 1, I changed jobs....this was  HUGE deal!!  I worked with Reliance for the past 6 years and it was a wonderful place to work. I trained in many areas and received a ton of experience; but as many things change you just need a change in pace and lifestyle.  I am now working at Alabama Farm Credit with one of my best friends, Alicia.  Between talking, singing/whistling, and eating we try to get a little work done :)   Really, it has been a great experience already and I know we are going to get a lot accomplished in 2013 (including helping each other stay organized and even lose a few lbs!!)

And 2012 is going out with a BANG!!  My mom got MARRIED on December 29, 2012!!!  My mom, as many of you know, is one of the greatest people you will ever meet.  She has been devoted to me and Brett our entire lives and we are so glad to see her find someone she can rely on and be happy with.  She deserves more than anyone to be happy and enjoy life and I truly believe she will be able to do that with Johnny. So with that being said, I now have two additions to my family;  Johnny and his daughter Anna!
Johnny is a wonderful person and I could not have hand picked a better person for my mom to spend the rest of her life with!  I have enjoyed getting to know him and Anna and look forward to sharing many memories with them in the future. ( I will post pics from the big day later!) 


So.......there it is!  A few big happenings in the lives of me and AL over the past year!!  I am going to work on my Resolutions later today and blogging will be on the list!  I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!!!