Because I Don't Want to Forget.

I always forget to scan our Christmas Cards.

This year I opted out of a Christmas letter. Too much work it seemed, and we barely got our family photos done in time. We kept waiting for Derek's schedule to work out and then the weather. Boy I am soooo happy with how they turned out. I have always wanted photos in the snow. It was perfect timing and we thought we'd just have to improvise not knowing  how the weather was going to be. I love seeing my little family grow and I'm glad we have photos to remember these amazing times. 

2012 to Rembember

January:

Derek started studying hard core for step 1. Eden was put in her big girl bed. 

February:

Derek turned 28. Found out we were having baby #3.

March:

Went to Disneyland for spring break. Eden turned 2.

April:

Celebrated 6 years of being married.

May:

Derek finished his 2nd year of medical school and was basically gone 24/7 studying for step 1. Found out we were having a girl.

June:

Sharice turned 27. Derek took and passed step 1. "He did great actually". Kids spent 2 weeks at Grandma and Grandpa Heaton's while Mom and Dad went to Europe and visited Derek's mission in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

July:

Derek began rotations for 3rd year of medical school in cardiology and internal medicine. Got a commuter car for Derek.

August:

Kael turned 4. Derek started his surgery rotation. Found out that I had placenta previa and would need a c-section.

September:

Kael started preschool. We were told the baby would need to come early, so Elara Jane Bradley was born on Sep. 25th.

October:

Derek started his psychiatry rotation. Celebrated Halloween.

November:

Derek did his OB/Gyn rotation. Visited Grandma and Grandpa Heaton.

December:

Derek has a 3 week break. Derek blessed Elara on Dec. 2nd. Celebrated Christmas and visit with friends and family.

This has been one crazy, busy, exciting year. I can only hope 2013 gives us as much joy as 2012.

One last thing I don't want to forget. A couple weeks ago we put presents from Grandparents under the tree. During nap time I was feeding the baby and Eden decided to come out and open all the presents under the tree. So, we decided to not put any presents under the tree until Christmas Eve as is our tradition. Well Christmas Eve night we put all the presents under the tree and put the kids to bed. While Derek was wrapping last minute presents and I was feeding the baby, once again Eden snuck out of bed and began opening presents! The little stinker obviously didn't learn her lesson. She then spent a half hour in time out because she refused to say sorry for opening other people's presents. She is so stubborn! She finally caved in and laughed as she said sorry. It was so frustrating, but it was a night to remember.