Seasons

Well I think it's safe to say that I will not be winning any blogger-of-the-year awards, will I? When I look back at the past year, I'm a little disappointed that I have blogged less than 50 times this year. The year 2011 was a difficult and trying year for many reasons, but I'm thankful and blessed to ending it on a good note. I'm sad that I didn't document more of our experiences, however I am excited about 2012 and what it will hold and plan to blog as much as I can.

As my title suggests, I believe life is full of seasons. Some are beautiful and optimistic, others dark and dreary. God tested my strength and faith in many ways. I've said before that I believe God doesn't give you more than you can handle. However, I no longer believe that to be true. He DOES give you more than you can handle, but only because we aren't meant to handle such things on our own. We need to lean - and sometimes heavily - on HIM! Let's just say that was the story of my life for 2011.

However, the year was definitely not all bad, just brief moments. Because I haven't blogged since August, I want to quickly document some of the (mundane) memories. Sometimes mundane can be a good thing, though, right? Forgive the lack of pictures associated with events, but I do have some intertwined from our recent family photo shoot with Candace Carroll.

1. Who'd have guessed in August that UGA would have a winning season? We were so fortunate to receive free tickets to the season opener at the Georgia Dome, and left thoroughly disappointed. Who would have guessed the team would be back there for the SEC Championship Game? Matt attended with a friend and was on television - twice!

2. I turned 27 in September and actually had a small birthday party with friends. It's been years since I had a birthday party, and I gotta say, it does a girl good to celebrate turning a year older with friends.

3. We started "hiking". I use that word loosely, but I suppose it's fairly accurate. We discovered some trails near our house and now go there about once a week with Tucker. There are tons of mountain bikers, runners, and other people, so it's lots of fun and was beautiful during fall. We usually will walk/run on the trails, and I'm convinced I'm going to break my ankle one day due to my constant tripping over rocks and roots.

4. Kim Kardashian got married and divorced. Oh, wait that has nothing to do with me, but it does fit in the time line of August to present ;)

5. I traveled to Chicago and New Orleans for work. Chicago is amazing during August and New Orleans is still one of my favorite places. I'm so thankful that next year will only call for about six business trips! Whoo hoo.

6. Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm about to blog this. I know Mrs. Smith is laughing out loud, but I totally caved to the Erin Condren mania on Twitter and bought a freaking Life Planner. And yes, it has changed my life. That's all I've got to say about that.


7. Speaking of Mrs. Smith, Jessie and I traveled to Nashville in October for a visit and also met some other cool bloggers. I still can't believe some of my dearest friends that I speak to daily (even if via Twitter) were met online.

8. And for another speaking of...Twitter. Are you on it? I am and have been actively tweeting despite my apparent lack of blogging. I'm also loving and stalking Pinterest daily. Find and follow if you haven't already.

9. Finally, as Buddy the Elf says, the very best way to "spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!" So, sing sweet friends. Sing loudly. Merry Christmas :)


Here's hoping this is not my last post in 2011.