2013

In less than one week we will say farewell to the year 2013.  As I sit here tonight, reflecting back on the past 12 months, it seems like such a blur.  Like someone hit the "fast forward" button on my life..
Jim and I celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary...Kyle turned 9, Bella 4, Savannah 2.  When did that happen?!
July came to us with wonderful, exciting news when we discovered that, after many months of trying, I was pregnant with Vargas Baby #4.
The month of September greeted me with much sorrow, as well as much happiness.  When I suffered the miscarriage it felt like my heart hurt every time it beat.  I experienced a sadness so great that it consumed me.  A piece of my heart was broken forever...
But just weeks later a healing peace spread over me like butter melting on warm bread when Fr. Codega blessed my marriage and baptized my children.  It was - hands down - one of the best days of my life.  Jim and I exchanged vows as the girls ran circles around Fr. Codega.  Our wedding rings were blessed, as were our children.   The heavy heart that I'd been carrying suddenly felt lighter and by the end of that picture perfect day it was overflowing with love.
2013 was full of twists, turns and all of the things that go into living a life here on Planet Earth.  I discovered that some of the people whom I considered to be friends were really nothing more than acquaintances.  So called "friendships" were destroyed, with no regrets, while new *real* friendships were formed.  I discovered that I would much rather have a small handful of true friends than a boat load of fake ones.
Over the past year I've taken great notice of all of the blessings in my life - too many to count.  The love that I feel for my husband, our children and our family is something that can't be put into words.  It's immeasurable.  I honestly could not ask for a better life and I can't wait to experience all of the wonderful things that are bound to be a part of 2014.  Bring it on :o)