10.02.2012

Us - Version Fall 2012

It has been a long while since I have posted a personal entry on this blog. Silly, since I originally created this blog as a means to record my life and keep in touch with family and friends. We are coming up on FIVE YEARS since moving a Province away from our closest family members. Can you believe that? I remember posting about my fears and anxieties back in 2007 in this post, and to me it seems like only yesterday. We felt the hand of the Lord in our move, and even though we had faith, it was surely tested!

Here we were then:

Back then, my eldest daughter was in second grade! That seems SO YOUNG and yet - she was my eldest! Funny how time changes your perspective on things. She was excited to start in a new school - I was nervous. I was nervous for both of my school girls. But, she was so unfazed by it all. Now, she is a 7th grader and has blossomed into a beautiful young lady, inside and out.
Miss B was only in first grade when we moved. The same grade that my JJ is in right now! She was so little! How challenging to just be starting into being in school all day, and having to change schools, make new friends, and generally start over. Poor kid! She was so resilient, though, and made friends easily. She still is close with many of the same girls she made friends with 5 years ago. I love that! Now, she is in sixth grade and growing and maturing every day!
Miss BB was a chubby-faced little 3 year old, who loved Joy School in Calgary. When we moved, I didn't know anyone and couldn't find a Joy School group, so I just taught her at home for a while before discovering "Pre-Kindergarten" which is a free preschool program within the regular school board. She was ecstatic to go to the same school as her big sisters and she jumped right in with both feet! Now she is a 3rd grader who STILL loves school and is a huge help to her teacher. She is still as happy-go-lucky as ever and has such a sweet personality.
My JJ has changed most of all. I mean, no wonder! She was 1.5 yrs old when we moved (just a baby!) and has lived her for the greater portion of her life. She as grown from a baby to a girl - a girl in first grade! Wow. She is very witty and charming, as well as highly determined and confident. I guess this place has been good for al my girls!
My husband and I have gone through a lot of growth during our time here. My old "me" wouldn't recognize the woman I am today - much more confident, wiser (in many ways), more easy going, and less likely to be the "yes" person. I have learned more moderation (though it is still something I struggle with) and how to say "no" without as much guilt. I am still growing and learning, and changing - thank heavens for that!

I have grown my photography business a lot since being here, as well as starting in new ventures, like website management and professional photo editing (for websites). I specifically joined the HowDoesShe family, PickYourPlum, and IShare, which have been huge blessings in my life. I have deteriorated health-wise, a bit, due to contracting H1N1 and as a result, getting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I don't feel like super-mom most days, but I'm learning to be okay with that. I'm learning that I have worth, even when I feel (and looked) battered and bruised. I am learning that I can do hard things, and that I can be happy in the midst of trials. Ha - that last is something that I seem to learn and RE-learn over and over. I am learning an entirely new love for my husband and for our relationship. Getting through trials together, working to make it through, strengthens you both and raises your marriage to the next level. It is astonishing and wonderful!
So, here's to us- version 2012 - and to another 5 years of learning and growth. I can't wait to see what the next 5 will bring!
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6 comments:

Lynn said...

Wow. Where does the time go? In someways it doesn't seem like it could possibly be 5 years already and then you see the difference in the kids photos and it seems a lot longer than 5 years. Amazing what time does.

So happy to know that you all are doing so well there. Even through the trials. ; )

Unknown said...

I remember reading about your move 5 years ago and thought there was NO way I could ever do it!! I can't believe how quickly time passes, and I think as we become more 'mature' women, we learn what is most important in life & that saying 'no' isn't going to be the end :) Congrats on your 5 years in a different province & I look forward to where the next 5 lead you :)

Sarah said...

Bobbi, great post!

erin louise said...

I love your encouraing words that even when are not at our best we are still loved

Mary said...

I have been following your blog for a few years. Through your photos and your words that you have posted I have watched your daughters grow, and have seen all of your beautiful photograhy that you have shared with us.

I remember reading that you had a chronic illness. And I want to thank you very much for sharing what you have. I too have Chronic Fatigue and other illnesses and have had for 17 years now. I also remember that after reading what you had written that it gave me the courage to write about my having Lupus. Thank you Bobbi-Jo, you have been more of an inspiration to me then you will ever know. By the way you look beautiful. I love the photo of you and your husband and all of your very beautiful daughters. God bless.

Mary

Tiffany said...

Distance brought u and I together. Funny how life goes. Love u.