The 2012 Todd Top Ten
As I share these ‘Top 10’ moments in our family’s story for 2012, I’d like to remind you of one small thing. Top moments doesn’t necessarily mean favorite moments. Some moments happen that have a tremendous impact on our family because they are very very sad. Life in the Fishbowl has always been about authenticity and transparency. So those moments must be included in a top ten list like this. Make sense? Good. Now, on with the show….
<drumroll>
10. Sports, sports, sports!
Aly played volleyball for the first time and did really well. She also started horse riding lessons, thanks to some Christmas and birthday presents from grandparents.
Although I was a little disappointed he didn’t play baseball this year, since he’s been so great at Catcher, Aiden finally got to play football this Fall. To no one’s surprise, he loved every minute of it. He’s planning on playing defense again next year. Yeah…he likes hitting people on the field. He also played in a basketball league in the first time in years. Oh…and he got to meet a certain Big Man on Campus.
While Mihret didn’t play any sports, she loved watching the Olympics. She especially got into running and gymnastics. I think she thinks she could compete with them. You know….I’m not going to put anything past this Little Girl at this point.
By the way – those two pictures were taken about a month apart. Doesn’t it look like Aiden aged about two years during that month!?! Stop growing, my boy. Stop growing…
9. We joined a new ‘Life Group’
When we left Tennessee, we wound up leaving something pretty special. There’s no question about it: our Community Group was amazing. In fact, when we left Tennessee’s fair eastern mountains, we left a huge part of ourselves there. We’ve been hoping longing for even a hint of a taste of a similar community for the last five-plus years since we returned to Indiana. It’s been a whole lot harder than I thought it would be.
In September of 2012, we were invited to join a small group through our church. Something about this just feels right. It’s like we’re finally home after wandering for such a long time. It’s nice to be part of the beginning of a real community again.
8. No hospital stays for Mihret!
I think this is the first year we haven’t had to take Mihret to the hospital for anything major. We only had to go to the ER one time, and that was because of a freak accident with her g-tube where we couldn’t get the replacement button placed properly.
7. We moved. Again.
I hate moving. But we’ve done it a lot. I guess I shouldn’t complain about the fact that we moved this time. It was because the house we were renting was full of mold.
And to that, “I say good riddance.”
6. We had to say goodbye
I received news early one Monday morning that my Grandpa Bloss had been killed in a car crash. We’re all still heartbroken by this and clinging to the hope, peace, and comfort that can only be found in His everlasting arms.
5. Super Bowl in Indianapolis
We had the chance to spend the day down in Super Bowl Village the week before the Super Bowl. That place was electric. Chilly, but electric.
I’m proud that our fair city was able to pull off such an amazing event. Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised. Indianapolis has been hosting an event that holds 100,000+ people almost every year for the last 100+ years.
During our visit to the Super Bowl Village, we also went to the NFL Experience. While it was packed and we probably only got to participate in maybe half of the exhibits in the Experience, it was truly memorable and I’m glad we were able to do it.
4. We took a trip to Michigan
This Summer, we went camping in the South Haven, Michigan, area. We visited the beaches, saw a lighthouse, visited the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, and hung out in our mini log cabin. In short, we had an amazing time and we didn’t want it to end.
3. Virginia is for Lovers
Thanks to a surprise gift from my parents, we were a trip to Shanandoah Crossings in the heart of Virginia. It was probably the most relaxing vacation I’ve taken in a long, long time. Probably the most relaxing vacation I’ve ever taken with the kids.
2. Homeschooling Alyson
This school year, and this school year only, we are homeschooling Alyson. We’re more than halfway through the school year and it’s been a huge success. I’m confident this will help her start middle school next year with the right tools, strategies, and a strong foundation to kick Sixth Grade in the teeth.
OK, we’re not encouraging her to be violent. But I’m pretty sure you get the point.
1. My new job
One year ago this week, I began the application process with a company in Indianapolis. I joined that team in early February and haven’t looked back. While there were some rough spots along the way, I’m still quite excited to be working with Slingshot. Not only is the work challenging, but the perks aren’t bad, either. I especially like the four-day work week. Not sure if I’ll ever be able to go back to a five-day week, if I’m being honest.
This frees me up to spend some quality time at home on Friday. It also gives me the freedom to preach in area churches. Definitely can’t complain about that!
Looking Ahead
There were a lot of great things that happened in 2012. Some were not included in this list, but they were still pretty amazing – like the McCarty family reunion and Aiden’s first ban concert. Some pretty horrible things happened, too. But 2012 is in the rear view mirror. I’m excited about the things 2013 will bring. Some of them are planned, including another family vacation, horse lessons, and more football, the arrival of a teenager in our family, the celebration of a 15th wedding anniversary, and some will be surprises. I think it’s safe to say the Todd family is ready!
So bring it on, 2013.
Bring.
it.
on.
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