2012-My Year In Review

 This was a very big year for us...for me

One of the biggest challenges that I never quite fully thought we may be able to pull off, came to fruition this year and we are most grateful.  You set a goal, you put the pieces in place, you complete the physical labor and then you strategically try to execute to the point of completion...so we did it...we sold my in-laws house...we sold our house via short sale and we moved in with our in-laws to our dream home...it is still surreal...most of the time, as social as we are, we don't want to leave our home...we still truly appreciate it every day...we love the space, we adore the neighborhood and we cannot get enough.  We have both been through tough times and have financially struggled from time to time so to be rewarded with this, after so much hard work, chokes you up on a weekly basis.  We are so...so...so grateful and this truly was the highlight of our 2012.

With this highlight, came many challenges of course.  We were put through the ringer by the bank, by lawyers, by investigators.  It was grueling.  We both cried weekly and then the kicker, after the physical work was done, was that Rob had to go through surgery for a hernia.  It stopped us in our tracks.  As minor as it sounds, I would die without him.  I was shaken to the core and so grateful that he had a great doctor and was treated at Winchester Hospital.  He did SO WELL and had an amazing recovery!

I still thank God every day that Nick believed in me and hired me.  We have been fortunate enough to enjoy success at my firm.  In fact, since I joined in July of 2011, we have doubled our revenue.  It took hard work but it always amazes me how much you can accomplish when you have the passion for what you do and you are working for someone who truly appreciates your talent- always makes me want to do better...work harder...and the #s show it...I am still enjoying this world and will do what I can to ensure that it continues for years to come

We are so so lucky to have our parents with us and we have enjoyed so much quality time this year together...Diana is so lucky to have all four grandparents around too...it is truly one of life's greatest blessings

I had a BALL during my girls' weekend in Portsmouth...I love my girls

After Rob's successful surgery, the "mini fam" (he, Diana and I) enjoyed a weekend at the lake...what surprised us most was how Diana had the passion that Rob has for the lake (I still LOVE the ocean)

I did get there a few times but again, it was not a normal summer for us

Zach's last football season will always hold a special place in my heart...although I did not enjoy it as much this year as deep down I was dreading the end (and of course, the DiPrimas were not around as much) I still loved our football fam and watching Zach shine in glory

We became part of a neighborhood...and that is truly a dream come true...don't know how to explain it but I never want to go anywhere else

We enjoyed a beautiful trip to the Bahamas...we truly all found paradise

We had a BALL in Disney- thanks to my parents- I will remember Diana's joy forever

Hurricane Sandy hit us hard.  Our deck and porch were taken out as well as our skylights and damage was caused to our roof- as upsetting and stressful as it was to us, we came home and looked at the devastation it caused in NJ and we thanked our lucky stars

I hosted my dream Thanksgiving...lots of chaos...lots of family and food and all in our dream house...was everything I had hoped for!

Truly enjoyed giving back this year, more than ever.  I learned and found out this year that the more you try to give back and focus on others, the happier you can become with yourself.  

This was the election year- so interesting- our candidate didn't win but we will put our trust in our President

The devastating shooting in CT will forever stay with me...I pray for those parents every day and can't image, even still, what it is like to walk in their shoes every day

Still so very grateful for the unconditional love I receive from my hubby...excited at the prospects that are in store for us in 2013

Happy New Year!