Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2011 - The Year in Review


2011 was a difficult year with my Mom in hospice care and losing her valiant battle with cancer in February.  Grieving is a life-long process.  I miss her and think of her every single day.
I hesitated doing a year in review as it has been so difficult without my Mom.  But, she loved to hear about and see photos of what we were doing, so . . .
2011 - the Year in Review.

 The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her.
Author Unknown

Photo by Donna Boucher Photography


Sweet little Janie celebrated her very first birthday in February!

 

In March, we learned that Philip would be doing his residency in Omaha and celebrated the 8th anniversary of meeting sweet Maddy in China!



April brought warm temps and walks with our sweet Scottie, Miss Muffy and a trip to DisneyWorld!



May meant graduation from medical school AND the birth of baby boy Walter!




In June, school let out and summer fun began -- including wearing headbands with flowers as big as her head!


July brought warm temps, swimming lessons and a visit to the beach, Hilton Head, to be exact!


In August, it was back to school to time -- now a 4th grader!!




September called for visits to neighborhood parks with the neighbor friends and teaching Muffy to go down a slide!


October brought  pumpkin patch visits, Halloween and the Steven Curtis Chapman concert!


We loved playing in the leaves in November and being thankful for our family and friends!


 December meant gift-giving, partying, celebrating Maddy's 10th birthday and enjoying time with  friends and family!


We are looking forward to all that 2012 will bring! 
Thanks to you readers for your support and kindness!



9 comments:

Sharon said...

janet, i am so sorry about your mom, mine is sitting here right now out visiting and it made me tear up and appreciate her all the more...i cannot imagine...and we all have to go through it, i am so glad you loved your mom so much...praying for you...otherwise loved hearing about your year in summary...so many great things...beautiful wonderful amazing family and you are the heart....so sweet and such a good encouraging friend...happy new year sweetheart...

Musings from Kim K. said...

Beautiful post, Janet. Your year in review pictures are just precious. I completely understand your loss. Josie's statement about her Nana being like Santa (she can see everything now in heaven and we should be good all the time) helps me try and find peace. I'm sure you see your mother everyday around you.

HUGS!!

Football and Fried Rice said...

I love hearing about your year, Janet - even the tough stuff. What a great waybtomhonor your Mombydoing what you know she would love. May 2012 bless your family greatly.

Jodee Leader said...

Jan -- I love this year in review post. I know how much you adored your mom and how much you miss your daily chats with her. Hoping and praying each day gets a little easier in 2012.

I can't believe how much you had to celebrate -- medical school, Miss Maddy and the grandchildren. You are soo blessed!

Jen Kershner said...

I'm sorry about the loss of your Mom. I understand what that is like. I love that you are also focusing on the joy in life. Good for you!

Dawn said...

I am so sad for your loss Janet...I hope you have lots of memories that bring you comfort on those extra tough days....you had a busy year..I hope 2012 brings you lots of wonderful moments~

Alyson and Ford said...

Your year in review allowed me to catch up on your news. It is so hard losing a parent, you have her love with you each day.
Happy New Year!

Alyzabeth's Mommy

Lisa said...

great post. You lost your mom, gained a puppy and a new grand baby. Ups and downs, sweet and sorrow. Have an amazing 2012.

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

Happy New Year Janet. Just catching up from being a lazy blog reader. Hope you foot is doing better.

Your year has been full of ups and downs. And, even the ups not celebrated with your dear Mom has been tough. But, from where I sit you got through it with grace.

lea
xo