2011. A recap.

well my friends,
another year is coming to a close...
another beautiful, momentous, special year of my life,
come and gone.

I like the idea of a New Year.
A new start.
A fresh, clean slate...
to make it what you choose.

I am a sensitive soul...
someone who delights in possibilities,
who dreams, who plans, who believes.

I find the New year so inspiring,
and the older I get the more the New Year speaks to me.

I think about the year that has flown by me,
and reminisce about the days of past.
I laugh and cry remembering what my past 365 days have held.

most of all, I learn.
I learn to grow, to better myself, and to remember that everyday is a gift.

The let down after Christmas is hard.
Every magical moment leading from Thanksgiving to Christmas is so special to me.
The lights, the tree, the cookies, the fudge, the ornaments, the wrapping paper, the stockings,
Santa Claus, our Elf, the excitement--it is just all so wonderful.
Christmas is my time.
I soak it in, I let it overcome my being, and I try my best to bathe my children in the joy of the season.
And so, as one can imagine when Christmas day comes-- and flashes by in what feels like an instant--it can be a little upsetting.
But, I try to remember that with all endings their is a new exciting beginning.

Along with reminiscing over the past year I take time to think about what I have learned the past 52 weeks...

I learn a lot.
And so, without further adieu, some of the big things I have learned in 2011:

I have learned that I am really really hard on myself. Always have been. I will talk more about this in a coming post. But, I find that to be a constant place for growth in my life.

I have learned that nothing brings me more joy than Lyla and Landon...and I don't believe anything ever will.

I have learned that I am worth it. Whatever 'it' may be.

I have learned that I am not a door mat...and as I said in an earlier post, I have learned I can say, no and that it is okay.

I have learned that I can run.
And run far, no doubt.
And I have learned that with every run I better myself.

I have learned that when I set my mind to something I will accomplish it.

I have learned that I am full of amazing ideas and not so amazing at implementing them all! (Another thing to work on in the new year!)

I have learned that nothing feels as peaceful as being in Harmony. and that my mom and dad mean the world to me.

I have learned that sometimes things just don't work out how you planned them to. And come what may, there is usually a reason for that.

I have learned that after nearly 8 years together, Chris and I are wonderful at being a team, parents, friends, and lovers. I have learned that as I grow and change throughout my life, as I constantly do, Chris always accepts my growth and change, and still loves me.

I have learned that having friends is so important...and that understanding your friendships, each for their uniqueness, is just as important.

I have learned that there is still a lot I want to be, to do, to become.

I have learned that God is always there for me...
and that God knows me like no other and still loves me.

I have learned that religion is so important for me and my family.

I have learned that sometimes there can be a lot of obstacles standing in your way--but as long as you have people to love--the obstacles don't seem as insurmountable.

I look forward to 2012 and the endless possibilities it holds.
I bid a fine farewell to 2011,
a year of firsts and lasts.
In 2011 we lost my Grandfather, Wooley...
but also had joyous news in June of a brand new niece or nephew to come.
We celebrated Landon's first birthday, his first steps, and his first time sleeping through the night...
and we also celebrated a potty trained Lyla, a third birthday princess tea, and a first time going VBS without mommy.
We turned 32 and 28 (but don't look a day over 25)...
We celebrated a fabulous 5th anniversary together, with special friends, in Napa and San Francisco.
We found a church family and I renewed my personal vows to God.
We listened to a lot of Mumford and Sons, danced a billion times, had family movie nights, celebrated weddings with friends, and Baptized Lyla and Landon.
I took a million family photos...
I cried, and talked, and laughed, and sang...
We spent wonderful times with our families and created memories to last a lifetime.

Thanks 2011 for all the good times.
and Cheers to 2012 and the good times to come!

I for one am very excited!
Bring it on!