I gather this post will be rather lengthy as I try and close out my thoughts of 2013….

2013 was perhaps the year of growth for me. Through family, friends and everything in between…there has been a lot of changes for the House of Hicks this year. Despite the ups and downs (more ups than downs) I am thankful for it all. I feel like the twins and I are more blessed today than we ever have been. I really learned how to lean on God, confide in him and be confident that he would answer my prayers. When you hit rock bottom the only way out is UP!

My children have been the biggest blessing in this. They truly saved my life. If not for them, life could be pretty scary right now! Children (for most of us) will really push you to places you never even thought were possible. Tenley and Tatum, I thank you guys for being my saviors. For reminding me each and every single day, that the rainbow always comes after the storm and that God has a reason for everything. I love you babies!

Really trying not to cry here….and if I so happen to forget anyone…it wasn’t done intentionally! 🙂

To my family, (Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, Gran, Heather, Lloyd, Kaden, Kai, Robbie, Kayla, Missy, Bria & Shannon) I love you guys more than you can imagine! THANK YOU for having my back through everything! You guys have filled in where needed without hesitation and have been so helpful with the twins! I wouldn’t trade y’all for the world!

To my friends (Lele, Erika, Jay, Cassandra, Attiya, Deborah S., Jessica, Taryn, Amber K.,  Kim V. Katrina K, Adrian, Karean, Mike, Nicholas, Twitter Tony and especially Milo) you guys are more under the family category, but you all need your own recogition. Just like the people named in the paragraph above, you guys have been there EVERY single step of the way. You guys knew all that was going on with me and I thank you for your constant prayers, words of wisdoms and the laughs when I felt like hiding under a rock. Could not have done this without you guys either! Love you!

12Stone church and my DC2 class members! Thank you for showing me how to trust and have faith in God always, and for being a great support system thes past several months! I’m forever grateful!

Finally, thanks to all of you reading this who have supported myself, the twins, and my blog! I’ve been slacking because of everything going on in life, but I wanted you guys to know that you hold a special place in my heart too!

Here’s what I’ve learned about myself this year:

• I’m stronger than I ever could have imagined
• I’m content with the life I currently have and won’t settle for anything that doesn’t make me happy or bring me joy
• You can lose it all and still come out on top
• in EVERYTHING there is a lesson and most likely a blessing
• You’ll be shownwho your true fans are when stuff hits the fan
• God will ALWAYS provide
• Again, I’m stronger than I ever could have imagined
• I’M A DARN GOOD MAMA
• I’ve learned to be patient and keep my cool
• I turn negatives into postive
• staying angry and holding onto anger blocks blessing so I learned to let go and let go quickly
• I have a big heart
• and my life is EXACTLY how it’s supposed to be 🙂

Happy New Year and may your 2014 be filled with lots of love, happiness and blessings!

Love always,

Renee, Tenley and Tatum

**Here are some of our favorite moments from the 2013….until next year friends** 

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
― Thích Nhất Hạnh