The "12 Years of Christmas"

Dear Diary,

I have heard "12 Days of Christmas" several times today. I am definitely not complaining. Unlike most of the Facebook status updates I have seen lately, I could probably listen to Christmas music year round. And luckily Garrett is the exact same way. "12 Days of Christmas" is not my favorite Holiday song, but hearing it so much today has got me thinking. Instead of 12 Days of Christmas, what about 12 Years of Christmas? I think if we all looked back at the last 12 Decembers of our lives, we would be surprised at how much we've accomplished and how many changes have occurred. I know my life in particular has changed drastically from December 1999 to December 2010.

A High School Dance

December 1999: 12 Decembers ago, I was a little 8th grader, gearing up for my last semester as a small Junior High Schooler, who was probably anxious and nervous to be moving on up to the big high school down the hall. I am sure my problems consisted of which boy I was dating for the week and what my highest scoring game was during the 8th grade basketball season. Sleepovers, spending time at the mall, and summer softball were top on my priority list, and sometimes I wish life was that simple again.

December 2000: Besides getting used to high school life, dating a "dreamy" boy in the Junior class, and trying to be part of the "cool crowd," I would guess my December 2000 was spent worrying about basketball practice.

The Early Years

December 2001: Things changed a lot between December 2000 and December 2001. I was no longer with my Junior boyfriend, but was instead dating that "shy" PHS boy. At least that's what everyone told me. Too bad I couldn't get that guy to shut up (and still cant). =) Garrett and I starting dating at a young 16 and 17 years old, and even though I didn't know it back in December 2001, I would be spending a lot more Decembers with that "shy" PHS boy.

December 2002: I can't remember for certain if it was December 2002 or 2003, but I'm going with 2002. This was my first trip to St. Louis to meet Garrett's extended family, the Ciardullo crew! We left just after Christmas day and spent a long weekend with the family. I am sure I was shy, didn't say much, and was incredibly nervous, but I can also be sure that they made me feel very comfortable and were incredibly fun as they always are. I love that we still make an effort to get together, whether it be Holidays, just passing through, or the never disappointing Fripp Trip vacation!

December 2003: I was probably spending this December loving the fact that one senior year semester was over , and only one more to go before I was a high school graduate. That day couldn't come soon enough!

Lifelong Friends!

December 2004: December 2004 was the start of my first College Christmas Break. Seriously? An entire month off? A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

December 2005: I can't really remember much from 2005. But being that I was in College and it was a bit early on, I am sure I was debating on which Major to go with and had probably already changed it a couple of times. Good thing I went with that Communication degree so I could go on and be an Orthodontic Assistant and eventually be a Stay-At-Home Mom =)

Can You Tell I Was Excited?

December 2006: December 2006 was fabulous! Not only did I enjoy a wonderful Christmas, but I got to experience my first plane ride (yes, at 21 years old), my first trip to the wonderful Las Vegas, and my first real surprise. Because things couldn't have worked out any better, I rode home on the plane from Las Vegas with a ring on my finger and engaged to that same PHS boy from 5 years prior. Garrett surprised me big time and it's something I will always, always, always remember.

December 2007: Another milestone year for me! My life changed for the better on December 28, 2007. I married the love of my life! December that year had us preparing for a honeymoon, a final semester of college, and apartment hunting in Kansas City for Garrett's new job starting the end of May.

December 2008: By December 2008 I had been working at my wonderful job for a good 6 months. For reasons unknown to me, I applied for an Orthodontic Assistant job that not only challenged me but gave me the friends I desperately needed after moving to Kansas City. Garrett and I moved from our apartment to our first home and would soon find out we were pregnant with Little Miss Sassy Pants!

Christmas 2009

December 2009: Christmas was a bit different in 2009. Although Addalyn was only 3 months old and had no idea what was going on, she was spoiled by Santa, her parents, her grandparents and her aunts and uncles! If I recall, she spent most of the gift opening process asleep on the floor. Ohhhh how different this year will be =)

And Finally-

December 2010: I am excited for Christmas 2010! We're making what is probably going to be our last trip to Pittsburg for the holiday. By next year Addy will be fully aware of Santa and we'll most likely want to start the Christmas tradition at our own home. I look forward to all the family time, the great food, and spending our last Christmas as a party of 3!

The past 12 Decembers has taken me from an 8th grader, to a High schooler, to a College Grad, to a Newlywed, to a Mother! I would say that I have accomplished a lot over the years but I know there is a lot more in store for me in the many Decembers to come! I've been blessed beyond words and sometimes it takes looking in our past to fully appreciate life in the present!

Sincerely Yours,