Every year of college at the end of December I would always write a reflection note....try to remember the moments of the year. I looked forward to this, it also helped update friends and family as I lived in the Chicago area for school and didn't always share life happenings regularly. The holidays are very quickly approaching and I know I will get caught up in everything......so today I write my reflection on 2013 - knowing that things could still happen in the next couple of weeks! Enjoy :)
The beginning of the year was full of birthday celebrations. In mid February I finally had my gallbladder removed after 8 long, painful and nauseous months of medicine, testing, doctors visits and ER trips. That is one body piece I will NEVER miss. I enjoyed my time off of work (ha) and hate that I can no longer eat red meat. The beginning of February was the first anniversary of my grandfather's passing. During this past year I have turned into an emotional person - I was never a heartless person (maybe towards some people) but I've always been the strong one - the supportive one - I couldn't break down because I had to hold it together for everyone else. I finally caved this year, my emotions don't get held in so much anymore.....it's not a bad thing, my grandfather was just such an inspirational person that losing him took a big piece of my heart....still kind of feels numb.
In March I started a new job at Aspire :). While my job can be stressful and some days quite frustrating (what job can't be though) I do have a pretty awesome group of co-workers who make the work days "easier" They have become like family....and most certainly became friends!
On the 3rd day of April I FINALLY convinced Justin to just elope :). I spent my lunch break at the court house in fron of Judge Newman and our mothers and committed my life to the best thing that could ever happen to me :). I'm sure I make people sick with all my posts about him but he really is great and if you knew my life that he walked into and turned his back on.....you would think so much more of him as well. Sweet Raegann also turned 1 this month and it has been a joyous second year with her.
May was rough as Justin lost his grandmother. A sweet lady that him and his sister and mom loved so much. I choose to believe her and my grandfather are watching us everyday. June 1st Justin and I celebrated our marriage with our closest friends and our family. The day started out with LOTS of rain (I believe our grandparents heavenly celebration for us) and ended with lots of sunshine. We had a great time lots of laughs were shared that day. Justin and I blessed for sure.
The summer was a lot of fun and really busy. I turned a quarter of a century old and Justin and I hit the gym like crazy becoming gym rats rather quickly. We enjoyed several concerts and bonfires in our hand built fire pit.
In a September just was hired by CSX as a conductor for,the railroads. We left mid September for our "honeymoon" in Gatlinburg. It was hands down the most relaxing and enjoyable week I think I've ever had. We were in no hurry to do anything there. We loved hiking, all the shops, the good southern food and of course our new friends Monroeville. We spent every night in the Ole Smokey Holler listening to live bluegrass music and making friend with the band and The Kickin Chicken (Roger Cook). It was so hard to come back....I could spend my life in Tennessee....that is for sure.
Two days after returning Justin left for Georgia for 6 weeks for CSX training to say I missed him is an understatement. It was rough - but he was so good at being strong for me. He excelled in the training - just like I knew he would. On September 30th I had to put our sweet Rocky boy to rest, this was by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I loved the fur boy so much. He was our gentle giant, our cuddling teddy bear. We will always miss him but know,he is healthy and cancer free now.
In October we adopted our adorable Millie Jo....Cricket has become quite fond of her and she is a great addition to our home.....although no one will ever replace Rocky. We love Millie so much and all the energy she brings. Justin came home on November 2nd and I've never been so excited to get up early on a Saturday before. I told myself when I saw him I would never let him go. My love for him grew so much while he was gone. I never realized just how much he did until he wasn't here
November was really hard trying to,adjust to his,different work weeks while he's been in training. We have learned to make the most,of,all our time together. We decided to,put our house up on the market. The driving back and forth to Lafayette is becoming inconvenient and costly. We are hoping to make the move up there somewhat soon.
This year has flown by. It has been so,exciting for Justin and I. So many changes have come and so many more will happen. I hope 2013 was a joyous time for all of you. I know rough moments come but I hope overall this year was a good one. I'm looking forward to the changes, the adventures, the rough spots, the laughter, the tears and all the memories to come in 2014. Even though it's a little early Justin and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and lots of love and blessings in the coming year.
Love,
The McMahans
