The Van Gelder Family: Reviewing 2012

I'm BAAAACK!

After a much needed three month hiatus (from blogging only, the rest of my lift has still been extremely busy), I am excited to get back to writing!

With a new year comes new dreams, goals, and focus. There is something so invigorating about fresh starts.

But there is something really fun about looking back and reminiscing as well. Cheering at the successes, laughing at the foolishness and learning from the trials.

Here is a look back at my Top 10 Highlights from 2012:

10. Trip to the Grand Caymans
Phil and I went with his company in February for a President's Trip and it was a wonderful, relaxing time (you can read about here).

9. MOPS
In January 2012 I joined a MOPS group (mothers of pre-schoolers learn more about it here). It is a Christian ministry that connects moms with other moms and feeds them spiritually and socially. Starting in the summer I joined Steering (leadership) as the MOPPETS (the children's ministry) curriculum coordinator. It has been a ton of work, and yet so rewarding!

MOPS Steering Christmas Party

8. Christmas with Phil's Family
All of Phil's siblings came home for Christmas and it was amazing to have everyone together. Pat and Lindsey (Phil's sister and brother-in-law) came home from Arizona and Tony and Rowena (Phil's brother and now soon-to-be-sister-in-law) visited from Australia!

Having fun watching YouTube videos:)

7. California Visit
Over the Thanksgiving Break, Phil and I took the girls to California to visit my family. It is always great to go home and spend time with my family, and with the addition of their hot tub...look out!

The park with Grandpa

6. Vacation in Cabo
The could sort of be connected to our California Visit, but Phil and I left the girls in California with my parents and he and I went to Cabo for 4 days on our own vacation. It was so great to get away, just the two of us, and reconnect!

5. Female Fest
The Fourth Annual Female Fest took place in Idyllwild, California this year in October, and I was so thrilled to go. It is a weekend when all of Phil's aunts and female cousins get together for fellowship and laughter...but what happens at Female Fest, stays at Female Fest:)

4. My Family's Visit to Indiana
This summer after Aven was born, my whole family (minus Travis and Danielle for very good reasons) came to visit us in Indiana. We had a fantastic time hanging out at the pool, eating out, going to the zoo and the Indiana State Fair. It was a wonderful time with memories I will cherish.

Catching a ride from Uncle Kyle

3. Running the Indy Monumental 1/2 Marathon
November 3, Aven was 1 day shy of 4 months and my girlfriend Stacie and I ran a 1/2 marathon in 1:55:22. I am proud to say I finished it (although it wasn't my prettiest race) and we did it in under 2 hours, so I'm happy.

2. Starting my Etsy Shop, Bundle Up Buddy
On a whim I opened an Etsy shop called Bundle Up Buddy on November 12. I had NO IDEA the amount of interest I would receive and the amount of joy, pride and fulfillment I would have over this little endeavour. Who knew I had entrepreneurial spirit! Here is my shop, browse around if you'd like.

1. Aven Rhyse Van Gelder's Birth
There are three days in my life which tie as my all time best days EVER. The day I married my best friend, the day Emrie was born and now the day Aven was born. July 2, 2012 was a glorious day, when our family grew from 3 to 4, when Phil and I became parents of GIRLS and when a Big Sister was made! All three of us were instantly head-over-heels with our little bundle of joy (along with a lot of extended family)!!! To read more about Aven's birth click here.

Amazing photo taken at the hospital by my friend, the talented Jennifer Dowd

Three Honorable Mentions are technically things that happened this year, but I haven't yet been able to experience them in their full glory as I will next year:

3. Gaining my first niece from Phil's sister, Lindsey and brother-in-law, Pat...ETA March 26!