2012 Recap

2013 is only hours away YUMMs!  And I for one am very excited.  I'm a firm believer that just as each day is a new page to start anew, each year is a new book for you to write.  I can't complain too much because I am a little sad to see this year go.  2012 was a pretty good year for me and YUMMommy.

I started off this year wanting to be a published author and I did that. Pick up a copy of the book if you haven't by the way.  And if you have be sure to leave us a review on Amazon!  Moving along..that really motivated me to get even more serious about following my dreams.  It feels really good to be published somewhere outside of a blog.

And speaking of blogs, YUMMommy turned two this year.  That's a milestone because a lot of the blogs that I started out following have actually closed or been abandoned.  I tell anyone who's interested in starting a blog that you have to be in it for the enjoyment first.  If you're blogging just for FREE stuff or because everybody else is doing it then you'll get burnt out fast.  

The Mr and I celebrated 7 years of being together!  That's a long time for a relationship in today's society.  I'm looking forward to celebrating year 8 in a month and some change.  JJ had his first birthday this year too!  Needless to say it was an emotional day for me because my little prince had crossed over to toddlerhood.

And how can I forget about my feature in JET Magazine?!  It was hands down the best thing to happen to YUMMommy this year!  I was beyond thrilled to be featured in a national publication, especially one that I grew up seeing in my household.  This feature really took my blog from getting a couple hundred page views a month to now getting a couple thousand.

I got a chance to attend my first ever blog conference this past summer.  I had such a blast and got to meet some of my blogging icons!  I was in fan heaven being surrounded by so many other successful bloggers.  I'm forever grateful to Alicia from Mommy Delicious and the lovely folks at Coca Cola for proving me with this wonderful opportunity.  

I found out that sometimes you don't always get what you pay for.  It was a learning experience to always read the fine print and know to not ever trust these big companies.  They will take your money and then screw you over without any explanations whatsoever.

This past October, the East Coast took a beating from Hurricane Sandy.  But before that JJ took one of his scariest spills thanks in his bouncer seat.  November was a little rough because I had to cut some people that I really cared about and loved out of my life.  I didn't talk about too much on the blog but what I will say is that I won't ever stand for being lied on to my face!

I won't ever keep people in my life who will degrade me or my husband to my face and in front of my children with their words.  And most importantly, I will not be surrounding myself with people who when presented with evidence that proves a lie is a lie refuse to accept it and continue going along with the lie.  So, for those reasons my support system lost a few members.

On a happier note, my Moo turned four earlier this month.  Yes, I cried.  It's been beyond words watching her grow.  She's my first born and  in many ways my first true love.  That kid saved me when I was drowning in a place darker than midnight.  She pulled me from the ledge.

I got to see our President get reelected this year.  I also saw what a great set of friends I had.  This past election really revealed some people's true colors.  And let's just say they weren't pretty.

Overall, while I didn't get to do everything I wanted to in 2012, I certainly did a lot of extra stuff that made up for it.  I certainly feel that I am better positioned to reach a higher level of success for 2013.  And I just want to thank each and every one of you for rocking with me and holding me down this year.  It's been humbling and a true blessing.  And because I know that nobody is going to be on the blogs the closer it gets to midnight, I just want to say that wish you nothing but love, joy and abundance in 2013!

© Ikachan | Stock Free Images &Dreamstime Stock Photos

Hello 2012

Can't believe that this is my first post of 2012!  Wow, a new year is officially upon us.  I feel so blessed to be alive and well in 2012 and to have celebrated with my family.

So, how did we ring in the New Year?  Of course, I had to watch New Year's Rockin Eve with Ryan, Jenny and Fergie.  My favorite performances were Pitbull and One Republic.  Contrary to what Jenny McCarthy said, Pitbull killed both of his performances.  

I mean am I the only one who thought she was sipping on some bitter juice halfway through the show?  I don't know but it started to seem like her happiness was forced after they came back from that second commercial break.  And Fergie's blue sparkle mini was so stiff as nails. I don't think she could have sat in that thing. But I loved her makeup.  She always goes for a fresh or natural glam look.

I didn't get to see the ball drop because the Mr thought it would be a good idea to head Uptown and see the fireworks.  Only one problem though.  The Queen City did not do fireworks this year!! BOOOOOO!!!  What kind of crap was that huh?!! 

Disappointed we headed to McDonald's to get a little pick me up snack.  And on the way there we passed by an apartment complex and some of the residents were shooting their own fireworks. Score!!  We got to see some after all.

Then we headed back home and watched movies on Netflix until I passed out around 4 AM.  Yea, I'm paying for that now because the kids seemed to have not been affected by staying up so late but I'm seriously dragging.  Still I'm thankful for how my New Year's ring in turned out. I was with the three people I love the most and that's more than some people had.

2012 is going to be a GREAT year!

How did you ring in the New Year?