2011 in Review

I know everyone is writing a new years eve/new years blog and I am joining in. What a year this has been...

January- Was actually a pretty quiet month. We had a decent working van and stayed busy with church, and family, and friends. Jeremy had started working at the church twice a week.

February- I turned 25. Jeremy developed a hernia (which was completely healed by God with no need for surgery). Celebrated our second Valentines day and our first as a married couple. My baby niece turned 3 (seriously where does the time, things have changed so much in that time) Wrote my first blog about our baby journey, and realized 8 years had already passed since Mom has passed away.

March- Went to our church's womens conference where God challenged me to reach out to our neighbors more, talked about adoption. Bought a brand new couch and rearranged the living room. My baby sister turned 9 this year crazy I remember it like yesterday I was changing her diapers.

April- Another quiet month. Not a whole lot of excitement. My dad turned 51 this month.

May-  Osama Bin Laden was killed major major news! Threw my best friends baby shower. Was excited to see her. Our main a/c unit died. Formed our board for our ministry (Jesus Saves International Ministries) and had our first board meeting.

June-  Van broke down AGAIN!!!! Simple air sensor but so annoying. Applied for non-exempt status with the IRS for the ministry.

July- Plain old hot summer especially with no ac. Set a goal for the end of the year.

August- Jeremy became and ordained minister with Liberty Network. 2nd board meeting of the year.

September- Sprung a water leak in our pipe leading  to the house. Best friend had her adorable little boy on the first. Tropical Lee came thru and brought a couple of days of cooler weather (which I loved). Started Herbalife and lost 10 lbs the first week.

October-  Celebrated our 1 year anniversary. Continued Herbalife and lost 17 lbs. Drove to Ga to see my best friends Baby.

November- Adopted another little doggie (although it was short lived because I did not have the patience to deal with housebreaking all over again) Lost 10lbs. Celebrated Thanksgiving with my in-laws. Had family pictures taken. Created Christmas Cards. Decorated early for Christmas this year.

December- Lost 9 more lbs for a total of 46lbs since Sept. Celebrated Christmas early with my bro, sis-in-law, and nieces. Surprised my best friend for her birthday in Georgia. Celebrated Christmas with my in-laws including brother in law, his girlfriend and grandma in law. Got our approval for for non-profit tax exemption from the IRS. THANK YOU JESUS!!!! That was three and half years of hard work on my hubby's part. Celebrated New Years Eve with the love of my life on the couch watching the ball drop in New York.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...

...well almost. I absolutely LOVE,LOVE,LOVE fall. There isnt one thing I can think of that I dont like. One thing about living in Florida is that at least is cools down from our hot summers and this summer has been record hot at least it feels that way to me. Although this summer has been fun. I have been able to spend lots of time with my nieces and I know that will change a little more once school starts although I might actually get my baby (she doesnt think so) niece more as my sister in law is going back to school the same time my two older nieces go back to school; but anyways enough about summer. I love fall for the cooler weather, falling leaves, open windows and doors, fire in the fireplace, my anniversary, pumpkins, scarecrows (although those are actually more springtime and summer), sweaters, jackets, hot apple cider. Than there are the emotions that go along at least for me, I always feel closer to family in the fall and winter maybe because of all the holidays, and thankfulness, and gratefulness, and blessedness (if that is a word). Also another thing about fall that tops my list is that my absolute favorite holiday is coming and that is Christmas of course with Christmas comes hot cocoa and carols and christmas lights and buying presents and giving gifts. This next season makes me very reflective on all of the blessings I have in my life and how thankful I am for them. This year I do have one more thing to be very thankful for and that is the fact that I have been married for 1 year this october. I can't believe its already been a year, I thought for sure this year would go by so slowly and for whoever said that the first year of marriage is the hardest I sure wish they could have had our first year, It was actually pretty easy. I am so thankful even now.

Unforgettable!

Thats how I can only describe this past few days. Jeremy and I started (mostly me) celebrating valentines early as we were excited that this was our first married valentines. I gave him an early card with a starbucks giftcard. Unfortunately my honey was plagued on and off with severe stomach pain all last week would be there one day and not the next day. Well we had plans for our family to come over on Friday for my 25th birthday and while he was still having pain Jeremy was insistent that we have the party and not to think another thing about it. Well about 3:30 Thursday morning Jeremy wakes up and cant take it any longer and we go up to the er to see what is going on. (I had my suspicions thinking it was his gallbladder). After several hours and a doctor that wasnt impressive or that would listen the culprit was a hernia. After talking to the surgeon and finding that the hernia was not emergent we would have to wait to get it operated on; in fact we have our meeting with the surgeon this upcoming thursday. Well as it is Jeremy was still off his game thursday night but after spending almost 12 hours in the er he and angela venture to walmsrt and he picks out my birthday gift and all my valentines gifts. I told him he was excused this one time (lol). He said nope there wasnt any excuse.So oue first valentines married and my first married birthday would totally be unforgettable.

For my birthday I got a food scale that I finally decided I wanted. Valentines included 2 cards, a box of chocolates, a soft teddy bear, a set of red candles, and a half dozen yellow roses (which is my absolute favorite) which he is the only one who has been able to buy them for me. I got him a gift card to starbucks and home depot (his favorite store) a dozen chocolate covered strawberries from edible arrangements with valentine ballons, love monkeys from winn dixie, and well some other married fun items that will have to wait until after he heals from hernia surgery. As for dinner we are planning that as well for when he heals from surgery. All in all this is still one of the best valentines days I have ever had and I amso glad to have my forever valentine with Jeremy. He truly blesses me and loves me so much.