{:!:} N.Y.E 2011 {:!:}

As I sit here enjoying this quiet New Year's Eve night with my husband at my side and my pooch at my feet, I am calm.  And happy. 

Two thousand eleven was THE year of my life.   (Although, 2009 was great {I met Blake}, and 2010 was super great {Blake and I got engaged}, but marriage is something else...)

In January, I began my graduate studies program.  I have completed five courses and hope to be finished in just one and a half short years.   I feel proud of myself and excited that it is breezing by so quickly. 

Shortly after, Blake's grandpa suffered a stroke, which struck a chord in my heart in many different ways.  In this event I felt almost as an outsider watching a family come together seamlessly and effortlessly in their love for Dale.  There was a new respect and admiration for this family whose faith will not be shaken even in the hardest times.  This event was devastating, but God so graciously blessed Dale's recovery.  He's not exactly the same, but is doing so well considering the circumstances.  

In May, I completed my first year teaching the fifth grade.  After two years teaching Kindergarten, this first year teaching fifth grade was simultaneously a breeze and a whirlwind.  Thank God for fantastic colleagues.

In June, Blake and I were married.  The days prior were filled with last-minute preparations and the rehearsal.  I tried not to let the days and moments fly by without letting those moments sink in my long-term memory.  Every moment I couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly blessed.  I had family and friends who helped in completing tasks and buying last minute details.  I had friends and family who would do what they could to make our day as stress-free as possible.  Our wedding wasn't an isolated event--these special people do what they can whenever they can to be helpful and loving. 

In June, Blake and I took our honeymoon to New York City.  IT. WAS. FABULOUS.  There's not much more to say than that.  We loved our time there.  It wasn't perfect, but it WAS perfect.  :)

In September, Amy and Garrod were married.  It was a beautiful ceremony in the mountains of Alma, Colorado.  It was a small, simple and gorgeous affair.  I think this wedding was one I was most emotional for, other than my own, because I was remembering the feelings I felt on my own day and so happy that Amy and Garrod were experiencing these same emotions.

A few weeks ago, Blake graduated with his masters from Doane College in Curriculum and Instruction.  He is the most deserving person I know and I was a proud wife that day.  Now he's looking more toward the future and the possibility of getting another degree.  He's ambitious and talented, I know he'll achieve whatever he sets to do.

Now, it's the last day of this blessed year and I'm looking to the future.  What will 2012 hold for my new family?  Only time will tell...

Today, I'm thankful for: a great holiday season spent with family, a silver party hat sitting on my counter to ring in the new year, remembering our Savior's birth and the salvation He provides, warm towels, and homemade bread in the bread maker  :)

Half-Year

Tomorrow marks our 6 month wedding anniversary, and earlier this week we FINALLY received our wedding album and CD.  It was a long and somewhat irritating wait, but being able to see the pictures in person brought back all the great memories of that special day.  Here are a few of my favorites:

I hope you enjoy this snowy day!

Today, I'm thankful for: warm cuddles with my dog, hot tea, fun times with colleagues.