Sayonara 2011

I don't think I've ever been more excited for a new year. The year 2011 was full of highs and lows, and to be quite honest, I'd be perfectly content with a very uneventful 2012. More uninterrupted time with family and friends. In fact, I'm praying 2012 will be just that. Life with very few valleys and a year to pause and count my blessings.

My valleys and peaks in 2011 -


A kitchen floor remodel in our old house on Connell Court.
Grandmother Shirley battling for her life after having open-heart surgery in Arizona.
Aunt Debbie passed away in March. Henry, Sam and I road tripped to New Mexico to attend her funeral and visit family.
I ran my first 5K - Remember the Ten in Stillwater.
I ran in my first marathon relay (my leg was the equivalent of another 5K) - the OKC Memorial Marathon.
Grandmother Happy battled for her life in ICU at Integris. I went to visit her the same day I completed my second 5K run in OKC. I feared that would be the last day she would be with us on earth. Praise God we were able to wrap our arms around her for another Christmas.
On my 31st birthday, my mom was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. Let the battle begin.
Sam started "school" at the OSU Child Development Lab/Rise Program.
Minus a few accidents here and there, Henry is officially POTTY TRAINED. Yes!
I took a new job at the OSU Foundation.
Sam had an allergic reaction to what we believe was peanut butter and we made our first trip to the Emergency Room in 2011.
One of the best people I know, and a loyal confidant and friend, Katie...and the precious baby she was carrying...went to heaven.
Wade experienced hyper fibrillation and we made our second trip to the Emergency Room in 2011. He also got to have his first overnight experience in a hospital as the patient.
We moved (meaning we boxed, stored, unpacked, painted, installed, renovated, decorated...).
We experienced our second floor renovation, only this time it was our living and dining room.
My sister announced she was pregnant! Her baby girl is due sometime in late April/early May.
We hosted our first family Christmas. In our new home.


One of my favorite 2011 memories. Mom and Sam on Independence Day. Enjoying time with family in Grandmother Happy and Papa Bo's backyard after taking an afternoon swim.