The Shine Project {Necklace Giveaway}

Hi all!  I was recently contacted by Ashley who shared with me her amazing mission.  She started The Shine Project which is all about helping people!  What a wonderful thing- she's so inspiring!  I'm going to let her take the blog today- and have her share with you more about it.  She also has been so generous to offer one of you one of her darling necklaces! Take it away, Ashley!

Hi I’m Ashley. I blog over at The Shine Project.
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like, if everyone did one thoughtful thing for someone else everyday? If we all pushed just a little harder to make a difference? It would change the world. That’s what inspired The Shine Project. I want The Shine Project to change the world.

I have created SHINE necklaces as a daily reminder of what we can all do together.
$1 of each necklace sold goes to The Shine Project Scholarship Fund to raise scholarship money for inner city high school students who want to go to college but can’t afford it. The CHANGE4CHANGE campaign also helps this happen. You can read more about what the CHANGE4CHANGE program is here.

This year I’m taking The Shine Project on the road. We will be traveling the US and stopping in Dallas, San Diego, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, & Las Vegas. We are promoting community service, and want to get everyone everywhere involved.

If you want to get involved I would love to hear from you! You can email me at ashley.theshineproject@gmail(dot)com. Go ahead, let the world see you SHINE.

Today I am giving away a SHINE necklace to one lucky reader.

Here’s how to enter:

Follow my blog 1 entry

Like me on Facebook 1 entry

Follow me on Twitter 1 entry
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Thanks for stopping by, Ashley!  And good luck to those who enter!  I'll pick a winner later this week or early next week.  ♥


And the winner is:

a longwinded post where I tell you where we're moving

Over a year ago I had my sights set on moving to Florida.  Tony and I both talked about it and decided it was going to be best for our family.  I was a little nervous- I'm not a fan of hurricanes and humidity- but I ended up getting SUPER excited about that possibility.  Then our plans changed.  We decided North Carolina was the better option.  We had everything planned and were about to sign a lease (for the most darling home I've ever seen, mind you) and then our plans changed... again.

Valentine's day came early.

While Tricia was here Tony took me on a date that he'd been planning for several months.  It was initially going to be a surprise but he couldn't wait to tell me.  We went to Indiana for a day date to a spa where we got facials, couples massage with salt scrub, & hot rock foot soak.  Neither of us have ever been to a spa so it was always something we wanted to do.  It was so thoughtful and I really enjoyed my morning with him.  Although I did find out I'm not much of a massage person.  They are way better when Tony gives them- not some complete stranger.  I couldn't relax half the time!  Ha ha.  After all that, we went to get lunch at one of our favorite places here, for the last time since we are about to leave Kentucky and never come back!!  As much fun as it's been here on this little adventure, I'm pretty pumped to move.  Even though it's not where we thought we'd go.  Anyway, I intentionally left the camera at home and didn't get any pictures of our early Valentine's date.  It was better that way.

Also while Tricia was here, I thought it would be fun to make paper valentines decorations to put around the house.  Nothing fancy- but a great kid activity.  I don't have much in the way of  Valentines decor which is a shame.  Brody loved painting the hearts with glue and dumping glitter on them the most.  He also liked stamping words on our conversation hearts.  Otherwise I let him cut up random scraps of paper since he doesn't quite have his hearts down :p  "Fax me"  haha... remember when that was on a conversation heart?  Now you see "tweet me" and "U R A QT" and junk.  I love this holiday!

tricia visited us

My sister-in-law Tricia is on her way to South Africa to be amazing and volunteer in an orphanage amongst other things.  On her way there, she wanted to stop off to see us!  We love having family visit!  It was so great to spend a few days with her.  We had one very beautiful day and the rest were cold and rainy so we mostly hung out at home.  Plus Hyrum got pretty sick (still is).  But we did eat at a yummy restaurant and grab ice cream on another night.  I've been craving sweets a lot with this one.  I'm really trying to not think about it (;  We watched "Contagion" which from what I saw was good (I fell asleep at the end since I'm an old lady now and everything).  Anyway it was really nice seeing her!  P.s. Brody insisted on taking a picture of Tricia and I but it didn't turn out so well.  I posted it anyway.  Oh, and how do you like Brody's ensemble below?  He insists on putting that toy around his waist as a belt sometimes.... three, almost four year olds are great.

By the way, I've really appreciated the feedback on my last post!  One of these days I'll hopefully get around to thanking you personally.   But for now, thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts!

Absolutely undecided.

My due date is still a ways off when you count the days.  When you count the weeks even.. knowing the ones under my belt aren't even half the way there, I think I have time.  But I don't.  I DON'T have time to neglect something that has been lingering in my thoughts for years.  YEARS!  I want to figure this one out- and see it through.  Whatever my conclusion is.

So here's my big dilemma....

The dreamy, blessed epidural?
or
A screaming, sweaty natural delivery?

Maybe some of you who have done it natural are put off by my description of it.  Or maybe you are like- if only it were even THAT easy!  Whatever your thought about it is, and believe me I wanna know what your thought about it is, I just have my own thoughts and feelings to sort out about both scenarios.

Some of you may wonder why the crap I'm even considering natural.  I know.  I've heard it all "WHY would you EVER go natural when we have the medicine and technology that we have these days!?  Take advantage, woman!"  Even I on this very blog, typed these words: "NO I don't want to EVER try this birthing thing naturally... I've felt those contractions and they are the devil! So yes... drugs please? And may they do their job."  That was right after birthing Hyrum, my 2nd.  Both my boys have come by way of the epidural.  But there is still that part of me... that womanly urge to experience birth as it was intended... or at least, as so many woman have before.  I hear there is nothing like it.  That although you go through such exhausting pain that afterwards you are just so elated- so lifted- and there is nothing quite like that kind of relief.  I'm sorry... but I feel like I'm missing out on something!!!!  And I kinda want to know what that's like.  Plus, I hear recovery is easier.

Maybe I'm not strong enough?  Or maybe it's not all it's cracked up to be? (going natural)

I mean, I had an open mind the first two times about going natural... but as soon as the pain started I couldn't think about anything other than relieving that.  I'm worried that I'm only going to be down for a natural birth if my contractions start in the morning... then that way I can have the energy to get through the day.  BOTH of my boys were all-night-labors.  When I think about being up all day (and knowing how exhausted I feel by the end) if my contractions were to start THEN, of course I'm going to want the drugs so I can sleep peacefully during those night hours, right?!  But I know that if I think like that I've already decided... I've already weakened my ability to try this thing naturally by listing excuses why I shouldn't.  I just really want to make the decision- that if I AM going to go natural- that I do it now. If I decide to go natural I know I need to prepare myself now and just stick to my guns.  I also know I need the support of Tony to get me through it.  (Honestly he's in support of the drugs!  He tells me he doesn't like seeing me in pain and also- it's kinda nice to get to sleep if you want!)  So I need to know what the heck husbands do during all of it.

My biggest worry... is that with EACH of my babies my contractions hit HARD and would hit about every 30 seconds to every minute.  What if this were happening for 12 hours or more!?  Each of my labors were 12 hours long (and I'm well aware it can be much MUCH longer than that).  I really don't know if I can handle that.  It scares me... it scares me to think I'm such a pansy I can't take something God designed my body to do- and it scares me that if I try, I will regret it!  I hyperventilated when I was feeling contractions with my first labor... my body shut down on me since I wasn't breathing enough/right.  Maybe there's too much to learn to prepare myself for a natural delivery and I won't be able to do it on my own?  I'm not paying for a mid-wife or birthing coach.  So does that mean I might as well forget it and get the drugs?

Then when I think about the perks of the epidural I don't understand why part of me cares to try it naturally.  It really changes everything!  With the epidural I go from being a crazy mess to relaxed and calm.  I get to talk to Tony and family who visit and enjoy the wait.  (Although watching the clock is torture).  So I guess I'm posting about this because I want to see if you have any reason for me to go natural... if it really is more beautiful and worth it.  Is it really worth the pain?  Do I really want to know?  I just need advice and support if I'm going to decide to do this.  Or if you think I should forget all this and plan on the ever popular epidural, I'll take your opinions too.  I'm really not opposed to the drugs, I mean obviously.  Just wondering about my other option.  Really anyone can speak on this matter and anything you can say would be so appreciated as I figure out what I'm going to do.   I've decided to open my thoughts up about this because I want to see what I can gain from other people who have been there.

(pictures of Hyrum and I a few weeks ago.  At least I know however my baby gets here, I'll still be extremely obsessed with them.)

2011 in film

So I decided since film is expensive, and exposing it is expensive, I would use ONE roll for the entire year of 2011.  The roll has 12 images on it, so it would be perfect right?  Unfortunately these are more like bloopers than pictures.  I'm not sure what happened HERE (can I blame it on the new place I took it to?) but every time I get my hands on film and my diana I seem to screw it up.  Sadly, only five images -FIVE- were salvageable from the twelve.  Not the grandiose reveal I had in mind (exposing film is supposed to be exciting right?) but they are pretty cool, still, in their messed up, light-leaked kinda way.  (Although, it's true, the two family pictures are completely pointless to save.  Yet...)

1. California trip when I took both my bros engagement pictures

2. Baby (BABY!)  Hyrum who accompanied me on said trip

3. You can't tell, it took me a second to make it out too, but this is our family in front of the huge baseball bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum.  See pictures you can actually make out of that day here.

4. I turned 20(something) and these were mah-balloons

5. A good picture of the zamboni, a bad picture of our family when we went Ice-skating in DC on Thanksgiving.

Shall we give it another go, Diana?  I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet... I WILL get a full roll out of this.  One of these days.  Let's get us some common sense electrical tape for the leaks or something.  Oy vey.

other attempts

White lace bottles | DIY

Thank you friends, for your sweet comments and concern for my family lately!  I'm ready to move forward, even though the effects of things will linger for a while.  But moving on!  (Literally... we're moving next month..and we're not going to the same place we thought- somewhere better.  That's the good news.  But more on that later.)  So, back in the spring last year, I turned root beer bottles into cute flower vases that I shared here- this girl was the mastermind.  I've gotten compliments on them since but always had a little beef about seeing "Root Beer" all big through the paint.  So recently i decided why not take lace and wrap it around (like I have before) to cover it.  Here's what I did...

Snow day.

We had a snow day, well couple of days.  Compared to my winter in Idaho the snow fall was weak sauce; but beautiful nonetheless.  I'm actually glad it wasn't coming down by the foot- I've decided I'm not a winter person.  I'm a snow person but only from the warmth of my own home- or for a day trip to it.  That's what i prefer, yep.  Don't mind my huge snow pants.  Anyway.  This lil activity was just hours before some bad news hit our family- before our plans changed.  Friday the 13th bad news... how fitting.  Not that I'm superstitious about that- it's just funny.  I look and was so happy but since have been up and down.  Brody, on the other hand, has continued to be his carefree happy self.

Then the thought hit me...  am I stressed and sad because I know better... or is it my kids that know better?  Let me explain that.  I mean, I play piano for kids every Sunday and hear their testimonies of Christ.  We learn in the scriptures how much Christ loved children and how we ought to become like children.  Well, I think it's the kids who know better.  Just because I understand the situation better doesn't mean I see it better.  My view is as limited as his, maybe more, clouded by my own thoughts and speculations of what will come of this.  Kids?  Kids just know that no matter what, the Lord loves us and will help us out... that this isn't the end of the world, but a set back.  And who cares about set backs if it means we grow and come closer to God?  Perhaps we were just on the wrong path and the Lord is putting us on the right one?  Maybe what looks like a trial is really a blessing.  Well I know the Lord loves me too.  I know things will work out but I let worry creep in when I shouldn't.  Brody doesn't!

So I've decided to copy Brody- because he does know better.  He knows to be happy- all the time.  I've gone through waves where I'm excited for this challenge- then other moments where I want to cry and sit around depressed.  No more waves- I'm choosing now to accept and be positive.  I thought about going into specifics on here but with not knowing who reads this, I can't.  I have family and close friends who know, or who will soon, and I'm grateful for their support.  With that said, thanks for your support too.  Sometimes I wonder why I blog and if I want to- then I get a sweet email or comment and I remember that it's worth it.  To be able to connect with people all around the world and learn from you, is pretty cool.  Not that this blog is huge, I know it's not (ha), but it IS much more than I expected it ever would be.  So thanks for reading along and understanding, even if you don't know what we are going through right now.

But like I said, I'll be HAPPY... I AM happy- and we'll be okay.

So since this post was supposed to be about snow:  There wasn't a huge part of me that had the energy or desire to bundle us both up and traipse around in the 10 degree day.  Not feeling sick like I do (pregnancy).  But the cold weather has kept us in too long and I decided Brody NEEDED to stretch his legs.  Heck, so did I.  Hyrum was down for his long (and only) nap and so it was the perfect time.  Once we were out there it was fun!  Brody and I built a sad, not-even-one-foot snowman (but it was awesome anyway) and had a snowball fight and went everywhere there weren't tracks and made some.  There was even a snow angel or two (courtesy of B).  He later told me how much fun he had outside with me and how he loved the hot chocolate after.  Brody and I also went on a date recently to the movies and we want to make that a more common thing around here.  Dates with mom and dad now and then.  Now, everyday, he wants to play pretend and go on a date with me somewhere.  His latest was back in Arizona to play the "horse race game" with Gma & gpa B.  Then go to the beach.  Sounds a lot like our last vacation to AZ & Cali.  Maybe we can make that happen for ya, B.  Some of that, anyway.

Tony's birthday

Tony had a great birthday this year.  In the morning we greeted him with some streamers and notes pinned up that Brody and I worked on the day before.  We had chicken biscuits and apple juice and sent him off to work.  We met up with him for lunch at Firehouse, our absolute favorite sub place in the world, (got his free birthday sub) and after he got home from work he opened presents, had cupcakes, and later shredded beef chimichangas that I made for the first time.  They turned out well, thankfully!  As did his favorite cupcakes that I make - chocolate w chocolate buttercream & vanilla cream filling.  Later that night when the kids were in bed we spent time snuggling on the couch - watching- I don't remember what.  (HE doesn't even remember... a good sign;)  All that mattered was being with him.  I love him.

So I planned on making this longer with more pictures but things just got crazy- really crazy- and so a short update from me today.  Life just got interesting... one might say sucky.  But we'll pull through it.

  (In storms like these, at least we have each other, right?  And this.  Among other things... thank goodness for those.)

ps. I already contacted her, but giveaway winner announced here.  Thanks to all who entered!!

27 things I love about him

Today is very special!  Happy birthday to the love of my life and my best friend Tony!  My life has been so much more exciting and happy since you came along.  I'm so grateful for you.

He's only 7 months older than me so I can't make cracks at his age so instead I want to list the many things I love about him.  This will be easy...

1. I love that we keep in touch throughout the day.  When he goes off to work I know I'll hear from him a few times before he gets home for the day.  I love that he thinks of me- or has so much to say to me- and just can't wait till he gets home.  I LOVE his little texts, calls, or messages when we play words with friends.

2. He's hilarious!  I've never laughed more with anyone than I do with Tony.

3. He's compassionate.  He has a soft spot for people who have visibly hard lives and it makes him that much more grateful for the abilities he has.

4. So going along with #3 he's grateful.

5. He's spiritual.  He loves the gospel and does a great job at living the way he should.  He loves going to church and having family night, and more.

6. He's everyone's friend.  He really is so nice to everyone!

7. He's into sports.  To me, there's a fine line where too much is too much- and then just below it is love for sports.  I think that's where Tony is, and I find it endearing.  I love watching sports with him (particularly live though) and I love that he likes to play sports and catch with me.

8. He likes to play!  So in addition to playing sports with me he also likes to play board games or cards- and especially kinect with me.  He bought me my own pink XBox controller so I'd play with him but video games aren't really my thing, but he still loves me. (;  I do like kinect or Wii though!  And we have fun doing that together.

9. He's smart.  Street smart, book smart... all of it.

10. He's ambitious.  You should SEE what he's going into with his career next.  He's excited to take a stab at something new and risky- and he's got A LOT of drive behind him to make it really successful.

11. What optimism is in my book is realism to him.  He has such a positive attitude about life in general; where, sometimes I expect the worst.

12.  He's so chill!  Maybe it's that I'm a girl, or whatever, but I overanalyze things sometimes and he tells me to just relax.  Even when, in my opinion, he has a reason to be upset about something he just sluffs it off and goes on with his life.  He doesn't let other's get to him- I love that!

13. He's a family man.  When he comes home he welcomes US (although it really should be the other way around- and we try to make it so) and he goes right to wrestling the boys and helping me with whatever I might need.

14. He thinks of me.  He will randomly bring me home a candy bar- or leave notes around the house for me- or come up behind me and give me a shoulder massage.  It's really the little things- and he's amazing at those.

15.  He's musical!!!  I LOOOOOVE this (I love everything but you know).  I play the piano and he plays the guitar and SINGS (I know right?)  The sexiness of that alone, I can't even explain.  I mean, it was his music that attracted me to him initially and really the reason why I ever met him.  I love that when he listens to my bits and pieces of songs I have on GarageBand he goes on about how great they are.  He also talks about how someday when we finally get the equipment- we're going to record songs together.  He really is so fun to jam with.

16. He knows how to treat a pregnant woman.  He's ALWAYS sweet and kind but when I'm pregnant he takes extra special care of me, as I think it should be (Pregnancy was once said to be an "ailment" afterall.  haha).  He's put blankets over me on the couch several times lately and encouraged me to nap while he watches the kids, etc.

17. He's not handy.  Haha!  I mean, usually I'm the one assembling the dressers or painting furniture (which I actually in a weird way enjoy so we work)... but I think it's funny he doesn't like or care to "fix things".  He's cute

18.  Oh yah, HE'S CUTE!  Duh.

19.  In the early stages of our marriage, where we almost had zero money to pay our bills and I was stressed about it he said, "yeah, but isn't it kinda fun!?  To be super poor and be forced to scrimp and save?"  Um.....I think I fell in love even harder at that moment.  I'll never forget how it made me feel when I heard that and saw his smile.  That just showed me right then and there that no matter what he and I went through I knew I could be happy.  I have a wonderful man who looks at EVERYTHING in a positive way!

20.  He puts other's first.  He likes to give service to other people.

21. He's silly.  This is a big one!  He does funny dances randomly, has conversations with me in british accents, and sings in the most hilarious voices.  He's also really good at impressions.  I love having someone who can be silly with me- and show me how to be silliER.

22.  He likes to see me in PAIN!  haha not really.  But he knows that I'm claustrophobic and he messes with me.  I think it's cute, actually;)  He LOVES to hug me tight with my face in his chest and squeeze little by little until I can't stand it anymore.  It's funny cause I usually don't notice till he says what he's doing then I FREAK!  Yeah he's evil (;

23. He's so energetic and eager to get out and go places with me even after a long day's work.  I love that

24.  He loves my cooking!  In fact he asked me to cook for his birthday meal rather than go out. A huge compliment!

25.  He's honorable and trustworthy.  I'm grateful to be in a relationship I don't worry about.  I don't worry about his love for me- I know without a doubt he's 100% committed to me and our family.  One of my favorite things is to listen to him talk about "when we're grandparents..." and just hear him talk about our distant future together.  I love that.

26.  He listens to me and cares about my thoughts and opinions on big issues or decisions.

27.  What can I possibly say to wrap up?  I'M NOT DONE!  haha.  I'll just finish with he's romantic.  He does sweet things for me and thinks about how he can get me alone on special dates and plans surprises OFTEN!  In fact he had one brewing for a month and soon we get to go out on this very special date in a couple weeks.  I can't wait!  He knows how much I want to go to Paris (and have wanted to ever since I was in the French club in 9th grade) and he said he'll take me! (When we have the money and babysitter, that is;)

Happy 27th Birthday, Tony.  You are the best there is.

Pregnancy Update, etc.

I want to update about my pregnancy progress biweekly (every fortnight, if biweekly is confusing;) this go round.  Maybe every Sunday?  Err.... we'll see how things go.  With Hyrum I did once a month or so but I want to get more gradual belly shots.  Okay... so even though I technically shouldn't be showing enough right now for people to even consider that I'm pregnant, I still want to document this stage of it all.  Some people feel it's proper to wait until you are safely in your 2nd trimester to share the news.  I say bologna.  I've heard a reason for this is so that incase they lose the baby they don't have to "un-tell" anyone.   (I really read this.)  To me, I'm going to share the news whenever I want!  It's in my best interest, really.  For one, if I were to lose the baby I would want support from friends and family about it- even if I was "only" a couple months along.  And secondly, I think people should know the reason behind the changes they are seeing in me.  I'll get to those.  There's enough I'm going through right now- even though I'm not showing or feeling the baby move- so an update makes perfect sense to me.

(like I said- probably not supposed to be showing.  If I am, it's probably the few extra pounds I picked up over the holidays so....)

There's a baby in me!  No doubt about it.  Pregnancy #1...a dream.  Pregnancy #2... kicked my trash.  This one I'm about the same as I was the 2nd time but not randomly violently ill.  Not yet (knock on wood).  Only, I AM constantly nauseous.  I can't even stand candles burning- most smells get to me, really.  The first several weeks I was insanely exhausted.  I fell asleep at the drop of a hat and desperately needed naps all the time.  I'm getting more energy back now- I just feel "yucky" (sorry.. mom word.)  Luckily the worst of it is in the morning hours.  Which un-luckily enough happens to be conflicting with a new years resolution I have to get ready for the day earlier than my kids.  (Anyone else stay in jammies way past breakfast?)  I'm working on changing that.  Side note.

That's really all there is to say about my pregnancy so far I guess.  Other than I'm still the same klutz I always was (the shiners on my arm and legs is proof of that- yes I fell down several stairs this morning in those death-traps some people call heels.)  I'm also an egg-head (but maybe that's not so new)... yes, I've been continually forgetful- although I have to give myself a little credit... I'm "all there" most of the time.  On to other news we FOUND A HOUSE!  I'm trying not to get too excited about it- we haven't signed the papers yet but it's so beautiful and perfect for us.  I really, really (really, really, really) hope it goes through.  That's where a lot of my focus has been lately- that and spending quality time with the family- all while trying not to lose my lunch.  We'll see how I manage once I have to pack our entire life up and drive a few states away to get where we are going.  Am I the only one who is anxious to turn the page and find out what's on the next chapter of our tale?  Ha ha.  Possibly.

ps. Don't forget about the giveaway that's happening!  Don't be shy to say hi... we're friendly around here (;

Sponsor Giveaway! ~ A Bit of Lovely {CLOSED}

I'm so happy to have Ruthann from A Bit of Lovely be a sponsor!  I'm very excited to show you a few of her darling creations!  She makes adorable bird nest necklaces along with other jewelry- and I'm in love with the pieces she crochets.  Here are a few of my favorites...

She is graciously offering a reader a $15.00 shop credit to use towards anything you want!

To enter:

*Visit her shop and tell me what you would get with your credit.

For extra entries:

(leave an extra comment per entry for it to count!)

1. follow her blog here

2. be a follower of this blog

Have a good weekend, everyone!

And the winner (chosen Fri 1-13) is...

a new year.

I usually do a year in review post... you know the ones.  It usually takes me WAY too long to do since I have to go back a year, pick my favorite moments, grab pictures, photoshop them in a neat little collage, then write it out and send you back with a million little links attached.  Sounds like a rather appealing task at the moment.  Me and all my copious amounts of energy lately would just love that.  However, this year I've decided to forgo blogging that delightful nugget of work and break tradition by not posting one of those.  Rather, I'd like to just talk about my year in a collection of ultra-captivating sentences (my explanation of why I'm not doing one is taking long enough;)

2011.  Good times, eh?  I started the year in Arizona where most of our family and all of my heart lives.  (I can hear you now...Cheeeeeseball!  Hey, it's the hormones talking, give the cry baby a break.  Yes, that's a confession that I cry about nothing these days.  If you call PEETA kissing Katniss nothing!)  Then mid March we up and left to Kentucky.  And in a couple short months we'll up and leave again.  I'm guessing more personal growth is coming.  Seems to happen with each new big change.  It was a hard year at times, but a great year overall.  I grew as a person.  I've become closer to Heavenly Father as I've sought different kinds of comfort and guidance.  Had we been in Arizona, I doubt I would have had some growing moments that I've had out here.  I've been forced outside of my comfort zone, I've taken a step back from my photography business and decided what I want from that, Tony and I work together in more ways than we did before, and I've made more of an effort to keep family the closest people in my life.  That's what I care about most.  All the things that happened in 2011 were things I needed.  Am I excited to be moving forward??  Absolutely!  Because it means a new house, living somewhere for longer than a year (making a more permanent home, yay!), a new baby (which I'm MORE than ready for... Brody and Hyrum are farther apart in age than I wanted), and who knows what else.  Were the parties, the holidays, the family visits, the vacations, road trips, and SO much more great about 2011?  Yes, they were!  But since I can say I'm stronger than I was a year ago, then that's the greatest thing that happened all year.

2012... I'm nervous and excited at the same time.  Happy New Year!