I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the posts everyone has written the last couple of days looking back on 2012. While I didn’t have twelve months of DIY projects and grand thrifting finds, 2012 was still a huge year that has left a lasting impact on our entire family!
It started with our big move from our little farm in Alabama to the city in Spartanburg, SC. It was a huge transition for all of us, one that 9 1/2 months later I still struggle with from time to time.
The kids have settled into their routines of youth group, school, swim, competition color guard, and track. Audley had a fantastic year with his new company, we have found a great church to worship with, and I am beginning to forge friendships that are so much more difficult to make when you are a 40 year old stay-at-home mom.
In late April my world was turned upside down when my beloved husband at the age of 40 began having heart issues that require a stress test (which he failed) and a heart cath.
We survived this without surgery (God was seriously watching over us), but a serious lifestyle change had to be made.
We experience a lot of loss in 2012. From a special cousin of mine who is just a couple of years older than me to two grandparents as well as an aunt and uncle of Audley’s, death seemed to weigh heavily on our minds.
But, our family gained this year as well, as our oldest daughter was married just two weeks ago and added another son to our family.
And I had quite a few adventures in the kitchen that led to a little work on the side, including a wedding reception in October and a luncheon for 250 in early December.God really opened up some doors for me.
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| From my youngest daughter’s 13th Birthday party |
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| October Wedding Reception |
Which ended with me making our daughter’s wedding cake.
But I did have one DIY project that I was particularly proud of.
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| Barn door coffee table |
And I did create a miniature gallery wall in our entryway that I am particularly fond of.
But, I suppose the biggest DIY of 2012 was myself.
When everything was happening with Audley’s health back in the spring, I had my own revelation happening.
I woke up one day and as I was looking at pictures taken of me the first of May, I was sickened and disgusted by what I saw.
This former softball player and once active person had become an obese, unhappy woman.
At 269 pounds I was miserable. I didn’t want to go out anywhere, I hid behind ill-fitting clothes, and quite honestly hated who I had become.
I also knew I was not who God wanted my to be as a wife and mom … lazy, abusing my body …. not at all values you want to emulate.
It was a harsh reality and I was determined to do something about it.
I also knew I was not who God wanted my to be as a wife and mom … lazy, abusing my body …. not at all values you want to emulate.
It was a harsh reality and I was determined to do something about it.
So I have.
Now, as 2012 ends today, I am 65 pounds lighter, 10 dress sizes smaller, stronger and leaner from resistance/weight training, cooking & eating healthy meals, teaching my children better habits to carry into their adulthood and I am happy with me.
Am I finished?
NO WAY!
I am sure God has plans for me, because so many wonderful things are going on in my life!
I have gone from the one who stood out in family pictures …..
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| I’m the one on the left who couldn’t even hug her sister. |
To blending into family pictures ….
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| I’m blending in, right next to the bride ….. |
I am not dieting.
I have simply changed my life for the better. There are no pills, no magic formulas, just determination and fight that I had forgotten that I had. I learned that no one is too old to get healthy and I am definitely worth the effort.
What makes this even more of a positive change is the impact on my family.
Audley, who has been on blood pressure meds since he was 19 is medicine free.
My children are all eating healthy (no fast food allowed) and are toning up through their sports combined with their diet.
We get out and do things now like ice skate, hike, picnic, my house is cleaner, and I am so much less frazzled. It’s amazing the difference in my life!
Now that’s a DIY to be proud of and if 2012 was this big for us, I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!
Happy New Year my friends!!
What are some of your highlights of 2012 and goals for 2013?
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Fiddle Dee Dee by Jennifer Jones 
What an eventful year you've had! I'm sure it's been stressful, but you've done a great job dealing with it all. Congrats on getting healthy. My hubs has been on bp meds for 20 years and I'd love to see him be able to get off of them. We're both going to get healthy in 2013! Thanks for sharing. ~ Angie
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What a beautiful, touching and inspiring post! You had a full year of life's ups and downs, but the ups were really up there. So happy to have met you. Wishing you continued success. I hope to have a success story next year. xo
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You are amazing! Yes, you truly are. I love seeing and reading about success stories like yours and Audley's. You have shown him your great love by taking care of him, yourself, and the kids, too. Amazingly beautiful family photos! You have always been a beauty, Jen, always. Now you're a healthy beauty. Your zest for living is very evident. Happy New Year!
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Jennifer!
I remember you mentioning all the weight you had lost at the Southern Bloggers conference! You are such an inspiration – you look amazing and more importantly your family is benefiting from your new healthy lifestyle!
Here's to a happy, healthy and creative 2013 – you go girl!!!
Kelly
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You are looking fabulous keep up the good work and all your handy dandy house projects! xoxo
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Even though I haven't know for very long, Jen, I'm so happy for you. I've traveled your same path of getting healthy so I fully know what a great impact it has on your life and attitude. Sadly, I didn't stay on that path and kick and berate myself every single day. I've so enjoyed getting to know you these past few months and look forward to “talking” more in 2013!
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