Thoughts on 2011

Last year around New Years I had the thought/impression that 2011 would be a very good year. In my mind I was thinking that meant lots of vacations, so much money we wouldn't know what to do with it all, and just lots and lots of fun.

As it turns out none of that happened, expect for the fun. We only went on one vacation and that was a family reunion. We went to Cedar City to celebrate my Grandparents 70th wedding anniversary. We did not have loads and loads of money to do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted. It was a hard year in that department and one of this years resolutions is to try and not be so not smart with money. But as I look back at 2011 and think "why did I think it would be such a great year", I am able to count my many blessings.

This past year was a very special one for my little Mady. She turned 8. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints turning 8 means you are now accountable for your choices and you get to be baptized and recieve the Holy Ghost. Mady was so excited and ready. The spirit was strong and there was lots of love on that special day.

There are moments in life that you know you will always remember and cherish forever. For me this year that was "The Music Man". It was so much fun to be in this play with my Mady and to take a leap WAY out of my comfort zone. I met so many amazing people and made friendships that will last forever. It is awesome that a silly little play can bring so many wonderful things. I'm so grateful that I was able to do this and I am grateful that Ryan was a super trooper taking care of the other kids while we had this awesome experience.

In February I was able to do the hair for our local high schools production of "Les Miserables". It was a remarkable experience. My little sister Mallory and my little Mady were in the show. Mady played little Eponine. She just loves acting and being on the stage. It was so humbling to watch these kids grow and strengthen and watch their amazing talent. Normally when I help with a show I am soooo done with it by the end of the run but this one was different. It was life changing and I am grateful to have been apart of it.

In September we took Daxton in for his annual Heart Cath so the doctors could test his beautiful angel heart for rejection. We are humbled and grateful that there is no rejection and we are going strong 3 years post transplant.

Ryan and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. Some years I feel like we deserve a medal for getting through the year together. Marriage is amazing and awesome but it is also dang hard and frustrating at times. So I am grateful for a man that I love more now than on the day we were married forever. He is my Eternal Boyfriend!

And last but most defiantly not least is my weight loss journey. This year has been one of "getting healthy". Ryan and I joined a gym that literally kicks our butts. It is hard work and emotionally taxing but it has been so worth it. I am down 30lbs with a lot more to go but I have seen that it takes hard work and that it really is all about what I put in my pie whole. So I am grateful that I feel better and have more energy.

So even with no cruises or trips to Disneyland, new house, sprinkler system, perfect yard, perfect house, perfect anything 2011 was a great year.

Happy New Year Everyone!!