I can’t believe the year is over! Here is my annual review of the last 12 months. If you want to look back even further…see below…
January
on the 18th, sweet Smith William turned TWO! We celebrated here on his actual birthday by going to the Rainforest Cafe but then we also celebrated with Smith’s Ski Lodge over the weekend.
February
We enjoyed our last month of winter with lots of time playing at home…
…and lunch dates with our favorite friends at our favorite places.
March
On the 13th, Andrew and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary…we also knew a big secret…on the 15th, Sean left to start filming the Bachelorette :). We played outside and welcomed spring this month.
April
Andrew celebrated his 31st birthday…
…in the most magical place on Earth! The 4 of us plus Lovie and Papa Jay headed to Walt Disney World for 8 wonderful days.
May
This guy was home after 11 weeks of filming the Bachelorette.
Sean was home just in time for our cousin Brooke’s wedding 🙂
These two squirts were excited that school was over and summer was beginning!
June
June was super crazy and fun! We did this (swim with our friends) almost every single day.
We welcomed Poppy Popsicle into the family.
Dad and I went to Fenway Park to see the brick I bought him for Father’s Day…
…an awesome piece of history now :).
And every Monday night, I hosted a bunch of ladies for Bachelorette watching parties (and one time, the big guy himself came).
July
Thanks to my brother, I was able to meet one of my icons…Kidd Kraddick :).
We headed to Missouri for some fun with the rest of the Shulls!
I hosted the Bachelorette finale party at my house…there were tears…but the whole time, I knew the secret…Sean was going to be the Bachelor. Geez…I know so many secrets…it’s amazing that I haven’t had a nervous breakdown!
August
We survived our last hot summer month with lots of snow cones, swimming pool time and silliness!
September
We were so happy to welcome in fall!!
Kensington played her first (and probably last) season of soccer.
On the 15th, she turned FOUR! We celebrated with Kensington’s Bistro.
And my little brother became the Bachelor. Holy Moly. That’s huge!
October
Andrew and I spent 10 days in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. It was glorious!
But we were so, so happy to come home to this!!
November
The first half of November was a big fat blur. A huge blur. But the second half…we relaxed, enjoyed Thanksgiving and ushered in the most wonderful time of the year!
Super relaxing!
December
December was wonderful! We spent so much time together as a family, we ate delicious holiday food, we sang hundreds of carols, we danced to music, we watched a dozen Christmas movies, we looked at lights almost every night, we laughed with our friends and spent precious time with our family. December ended our year perfectly.
When we started 2012, we had no idea what was in store. We didn’t know how huge the Bachelorette would be for our family…we had no earthly idea that the Bachelor would evolve from it. I didn’t know that I would be starting (and loving) a travel agency…we had no idea.
I’ve blogged before that 13 is my lucky number. I’m not a superstitious person but I do have a connection with the number 13. This year is 2013…so far, I know that my brother will star in my absolute favorite TV show and that I’m building my dream home. 2013 sounds pretty good, right? However, I also know that life changes…life is unexpected…bad things happen…good things happen…the future happens. I pray that I return here in 12 months happy, healthy, and unscathed by 2013…but you just never know. What I do know is that the Lord is good. God is in control. Every day…no matter what trials I face…God will grant me the strength to endure. Life isn’t easy…I don’t pretend like it is. I’m just super grateful with each passing day that I live in His grace…that I have hope in His future and that I can rely on His strength. May God bless you and yours this upcoming year.
Happy New Year!
For those of you coming over for Bachelor recaps, make sure you click here to see the first one. Thanks!
MorganizewithMe says
Shay – I loved your last paragraph, so honest and true. May 2013 be a wonderful year for you as you continue to grow in Him!
Ashley says
Love you swet friend! I pray that 2013 is filled with many blessings for you amd your precious family!
Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness says
What a beautiful last paragraph Shay! 13 is my "lucky" number as well so perhaps we both have a wonderful year in store for us. Either way I know that we will both be blessed with whatever is meant to be! May 2013 bring lots of happiness to you and your family 🙂
Aubs says
What a great post! Such a fun way to recap the year!! So much fun ahead for you & your sweet family in 2013 ~ praying that the trials are few & blessings abundant!! Happy New Year!!
Taryn says
Just came across your blog by chance. You have an adorable family. How awesome that your little brother is going to be The Bachelor! As a blogger myself, I am getting ready to post my 2012 in review as well. Here's to an amazing 2013 for us both!
Melissa says
Hope you don't mind my asking, but where did you get that painting above your fireplace? It's beautiful! 🙂
Leah says
Happy New Year! Cheers and prayers for a fabulous 2013!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hi Melissa!
It's a Thomas Kinkade painting. My parents gave it to me when I graduated college. All of his work is beautiful!
Jenna says
It's such a fun idea to look back on the year month by month. In fact, I've been inspired to start my own blog to help make great and fun memories! I especially enjoyed the last paragraph you wrote. Your perspective on life is always encouraging! Happy New Year to you and your family! 🙂
Melissa says
Thanks! I thought it might be a Thomas Kinkade painting but wasn't sure. Do you remember the name of it, by any chance? 🙂 Also, what color paint do you have on your walls? I just LOVE the way you decorate! Exactly what I like! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
It's his Lamplight Manor. My wall color is Sherwin Williams "Blonde". Thanks!
erin. says
Happy New Year Shull Family!!
Narci D says
And, 2012 was the year that I met you! Such a blessed year, and I am so thankful for you, my friend! 🙂
Melissa says
Thank you! 🙂 It's beautiful.
Anonymous says
Will you host weekly Bachelor parties?! So fun!
Mix and Match Mama says
I've decided not to host Bachelor watching parties this season. As much fun as I had last season, I really, really want to just sit back, relax in my pjs and enjoy this season without having to find a sitter, entertain people, make food, host, blah, blah, blah. This is a once in a lifetime situation and I want to enjoy every second!
Anonymous says
Is it weird watching your brother kiss a woman and fall in love?!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don't really think about him kissing the girls (he's 29…I assume he kisses girls). It's just weird watching him star in my favorite TV show. That is weird. Also, watching TV and seeing commercials with him is weird too. Let's face it…the whole thing is weird!
Anonymous says
Thanks :). You are such a good sort answering all of these questions. I really enjoy your blog!! I will read it long after your brother's Bachelor story is over 🙂
The Hudack Family says
Looks like you had a wonderful year. Such a cute famliy. I was wondering what kind of "smaller" stroller to you use for the kids? I'm looking for something a little more compact to leave with the grandparents.
Mix and Match Mama says
I always use a Chicco umbrella stroller for traveling and running quick errands. Thanks!
Rebecca Olivas says
Love your blog. Can ask what kind of sunglasses you are wearing? Also, what kind of camera do you have? What setting do you use? Your pictures are always so good. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hi Rebecca! I buy the cheap $10 sunglasses from Nordstrom's junior department. For this blog, I use a basic Canon automatic camera. For my foodie blog, I use a Canon E05 with a macro lens on the AV setting.