Goodbye, 2011.

So, this year is finally at a close. I am so happy it is over and I am ready for new beginnings.

In 2011, we had lots of snow days and lots of days out of school.

• David had shoulder surgery in January. We were all so happy for him. I started my student teaching and had a wonderful time. I got a new room added on to the house and new furniture!



• In February, Eli turned fifteen and we went to Gatlinburg for CYC with seven kids!



• In March, the girls left and my family fell apart. This alone set the tone for the rest of the year, for both myself and the little kids. We had to find a new normal and we still struggle to understand why or how. This was the first "loss" that the kids had ever faced and is probably the closest thing to death (without it being the actual thing) that they will ever experience.



• We spent April walking in a daze. I think that Easter was in April.



• In May, I graduated from college and turned thirty six. My family gave me a great party and I was surrounded by those who love me.



• In June, Tripp turned six and I got a summer job teaching SPED and found out that I loved it!



• July was our long awaited week at the beach. Then, I got hired to teach 3rd grade.



• In August, my new job started. Eli went on to 10th grade. Emma started 2nd and Tripper went to kindergarten.



• In September, Emma turned eight years old. We were all busy with adjusting to school and my full time job. I got my first "big girl" paycheck!



• In October, we had a wonderful fall break and enjoyed a great night of Hayride Trick or Treating with a great group of friends.



• November brought my new sweet niece Adaline Fowler, a special celebration for my wonderful father in law, and our first Thanksgiving at home. Black Friday Shopping was a bust.



• December gave us a thirty eight year old Daddy! Ha! We also got two weeks off of school for Christmas break.

So I guess that we could say that 2011 was a life changing year. I am hoping and praying that 2012 will bring more answers, blessings, healing, and love. I am thankful for my family, the security of my home, the knowledge that I have people who love me, a wonderful job, great co-workers, and a chance to make a difference.

Goodbye 2010!

goodbye 2010! This past year was filled with lots of changes, hard work, drama, self exploration... here is a quick rundown of things that stick out in my mind.


2010...
I went to school and worked full time.... celebrated another year of marriage... watched Eli grow past six feet tall... watched Dave work long and hard at the store... was completely shocked, listened and prayed when we found out that some of our closest friends were abusing their children... gained two beautiful girls as my daughters... worked with the girls as they struggled (and still do) to heal from the abuse they endured... completed 47 hours of college credit.... filled out my intent to graduate... took four praxis tests... watched my youngest baby start kindergarten and my oldest son start high school... watch two beautiful girls grow daily and learn to laugh and love... joyfully watch my extended family open their homes and hearts to my girls... learn what an extended support system really is....

I guess I could go on and on. While 2010 was eye opening, difficult and shocking at times, my family was blessed. We learned to have family meetings, depend on each other, take votes, and be open to all sorts of situations - from my school, to the store, to my work, change in church... So, I guess I can say that 2010 was a year of growth.

I am ready for 2011. It is gonna be exciting!