Wednesday, December 19, 2012

the best of 2012

I should probably save this video for after Christmas when you, and the rest of the world, will be reflecting on 2012, but when you make something that makes you happy, it's kind of hard to keep it to yourself.

I've been thinking a lot about this past year over the past two weeks. My gut reaction to this year is that it was hard. It was our first full year here and that brought with it lots of newness and opportunities to be stretched. At this point in the year, I can say that was good, but in the thick of it, it hurt. I lost a very dear friend early this year and that grief has attached itself firmly, but quietly, by my side for the rest of the year. Some friendships that seemed promising ended up falling apart and each time that happened, it hurt. Pregnancy, while such a blessing, was challenging. I was sick, tired and struggling with body image for most of it.

But as we struggled to make this (beautiful) place home, time marched on. And now, at the end of December, I feel much happier. We have a few good friends. We are finding our favorite places and things to do. I am no longer pregnant and, therefore, have a lot more energy.

As I sat down to make this slideshow, I had forgotten all the good that transpired this year. I went into it thinking I wouldn't have too many good shots to pull together, but as I scrolled though the hundreds of pictures, I stood corrected. This year, for all its hard moments, held so, so many more good ones. Moments we shared as a family, with friends, at home, in new places, as we traveled. Our home saw the coming and going of many guests. It witnessed the arrival of a new baby, heard laughter between new friends and provided a safe place to share stories, cry, create traditions and enjoy each other's company.

I would love for you to watch this video. It holds the highlights of our year. It's long, but each and every picture has a precious memory attached to it and with each passing image, I am reminded how blessed I am.

Best of 2012 (final) from Beaktweets on Vimeo.

15 comments:

Anna {dear friend} said...

I'm on my lunch break, so I can't watch it yet, but you better believe I'll be back.

I CAN'T WAIT.

Adrienne said...

Should have known better than to watch this at the office. Thanks for the laughter through the tears! It's hard to miss you...but it's good to know your safe and {mostly} happy and wonderfully blessed! Lots of love!

Unknown said...

Beautiful. What an amazing year. Thank you for sharing this with us.

And PS I thought you were one of the prettiest pregnant women I've ever seen.

David McAnulty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
David McAnulty said...

I love the video! Great montage.

colleen said...

i watched the whole thing and loved it! the songs went with it beautifully. i can't believe how much meredith has grown this year! and the photo of you two at the beginning on the beach - so stunningly beautiful.

House of Milk said...

The video is so precious. Meredith has grown so much in just one year. I have to say, I was surprised about your struggle with body image. You're always so pretty/put together/vibrant looking! I'm glad you're feeling better now :)

maria said...

Such a sweet video! I was watching it with my 5 month old and every time he saw Meredith he giggled, so funny! I guess someone has a crush :)!
Happy Holidays!
Maria

Imogene McAnulty said...

I love the photos of so many different ones, especially of the baby, Mattias, and Meredith. I am glad that Papa and I made the list also. It is really good and I liked the background music. Thanks for posting this. We love you so much! Mom and Papa

Anonymous said...

And here's to another wonderful year ahead to your beautiful family!

jodi said...

This is beautiful Claire! What a full year you've had. I feel very blessed to have met you this past year and hope that as things settle down a little more after the holidays, we can spend more time together. I think you and your family are wonderful. :)

Alicia L. said...

Goodness, Claire. This is precious. Thanks for creating and sharing this video. It made me smile continuously. I have too many favorites -- the glittery red diva shoes, double pacifier, date night shots, the engagement... the list goes on. It only makes me wish I lived closer. Love you!

Valerie said...

Thank you so much for sharing this. It's just what my heart needed today. Much love to you all!

Home For Short said...

Wow! Just wow. This made me so happy. Thank you for sharing.

Joy said...

I loved your video! Thank you so much for sharing your year. It was so sweet to see

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