A Look Back and a Look Ahead {2012}

So it’s the end of another year. A chance to look back and reflect. To remember the highlights and the lowlights. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

2012 was an interesting year for us. A lot of mid-range stuff. And a few low-points.

But at the end of it all, we are happy, healthy, and here.

And really, that is enough.

That being said, I have put some serious pressure on 2013. I have really high expectations for it.

Things I want to do. To see. To accomplish. Little things. Big things. In-between things. For me, the kids, our family, our friends.

I want to keep looking forward. With positivity. And warmth. And love.

I don’t have resolutions planned. But rather, I have commitments to myself that I am making. And I am happy for a fresh start. Another clean slate for all of us. And excited for what it may or may not have in store.

Peter Shankman recently said, “Resolutions DON’T WORK. Replace them with RITUALS. RITUALS work.” An interesting way to look at it. I think he may be on to something.

Because this isn’t a blog only about food, instead of doing the typical “top 10 recipes” post, instead I’m going to close out the year with some top moments. And if you know me, and the amount of pictures I take, you know I can’t just narrow it down to ten. I did my best.

I took over 2000 pictures over the course of this year, with over 1000 on Instagram alone. So all things considered, I’m pretty proud that I got it narrowed down to just over 100 for these highlights. That was tough enough!

If you take a lot of photos, I encourage you to take a look back at this year’s accumulation. It’s such a great reminder of how many good times, laughs, and memories were shared. While there were surely some negative moments this year, as I look back on our photos, and the above is a good testament to this, I’m reminded by how much love there was.

And, for me, that’s what it’s all about.

I seriously can’t wait to put together an Year in Review Instagram Photo Book. Like I’ve been waiting for the last day of this year anxiously for the past month or two, just so I can start putting together the book.

And next year? I’m starting Project Life. Another way to document all those little and big moments that make up our crazy life.

Because while it is crazy at times, I don’t think I’d have it any other way.

Well, most days anyway.

Thank you for being a Sweetnicks’ reader this year and for following along with our little adventures. I swear I have the quietest readers in all of blogland, but I am chuffed that you are there. Here. With us.

May your 2013 be filled with laughter and love. Much happiness from our little family to yours.

PS If cleaning out your house or renovations happen to be on your New Years’ resolutions list, have you checked out Bagster? I wish we had known about it years ago after The Ex and I rented countless dumpsters. It is the coolest thing ever. You order the bag online or you can buy it at Home Depot. Fill it up, call the toll-free number, schedule a pick-up and away it goes. So much easier and cheaper than a dumpster! We just got a Bagster and I’ll be reporting back on it sometime in January, but just thought I’d mention it now while you are in “I swear I’m going to clean out my basement or start that kitchen reno” mode.