Fun to be Back!

It has been so long since I’ve really blogged that I really do not know where to start! So many things go on in our lives that it’s hard to know where or how to begin! I saw this post on my friend, Faith’s, blog so maybe that’s where I’ll start! Here we go!!

1.What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

I made hand dipped pretzels to give as neighbor gifts at Christmas and they turned out cute and yummy!

And I helped a couple of people decorate their homes for Christmas! THAT is stressful!! 

I also participated in a local mission project called “Laundry Love” and it was an incredible experience that I hope to repeat again and again!

2.Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions and will you make more for next year?

I do not really make resolutions but I did start consistently exercising and plan to keep that up in the new year!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth this year?

We had a couple of  sweet friends  in our Sunday school class have precious babies!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My mom’s sister passed away around thanksgiving. I was not especially close to her, but my mom really struggled with losing a sibling. It was an honor to sing at her funeral and we know that one day we will see her again!

5.What places have you visited?

In the spring my husband’s cousin got married and we went to Alabama with our entire family! Here I am with my husband and daughter and my husband’s brother and his family. We had a great time, but man was it HOT!

 

In the summer I went on a women’s retreat with girls from our church. We had such a great time in the North Carolina mountains!

I also went just a short drive to meet my college roommate for breakfast over the summer! I had not seen her in SOO long and it was great to catch up a bit!

 

In the fall we headed back to the NC Mountains and this time I got to lead a retreat with one of my sweet friends! It was such an honor to be asked and I was a nervous wreck, but God, in His faithfulness showed up and we had a terrific time!

6.What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

More discipline in my life to be in God’s Word and to be healthy. I also want to be obedient to some things that I know God is calling me to.

7. What date from 2011 will be etched in your memory and why and why?

Probably December 3rd because my family surprised my brother with a 40th Birthday party and ALL of my aunts and uncles drove from hours away just to be there for the big day!  He was SOOO shocked!

 

My uncle drove 3 hours just for this!          And this is his best friend from High School!

8. What was your  biggest achievement this year?

Probably starting to exercise and sticking with it. It is not something that I really enjoy but I decided that in order to be here as long as possible for my family I could not just sit around any longer! I did not lose a ton of weight, but I have felt better and look better in my clothes so at least SOMEthing’s working!

9.Did you suffer illness or injury?

The only thing that happened was I woke up on my birthday with the flu. Going to see my family doctor that day was not exactly what I had in mind!!

10. What was the best thing you bought?

My camera and a Wii game for our daughter for Christmas this year.

11.Where did your money go?

Therapies for our girl (it’s helping so we are not complaining!) and bills. Yay for bills.

12.What song will always remind you of 2011?

Oh gosh! Nothing is really standing out to me.

13.What do you wish you had done more of?

Spend more time having friends and family over for dinner and fun, spend more time being still and letting God work instead of being in a tizzy over things and taken more pictures!

 

14.What do you wish you had done less of?

Worry about silly things. … lack of trust in the Lord. I wish I had been less aggravated with my daughter over things that now seem silly.

15.What was your favorite TV program?

I am happy to say that I didn’t watch as much TV this year!! When I did watch I liked the talent shows like Sing Off and X Factor.

16.What was the best book you read this year?

I loved reading Jane Eyre and I did So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore and it was AWESOME!  

17.What was your favorite film of the year?

I loved The Help and we thought Mr. Popper’s Penguins was fun!

18.What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Well, since I had the flu I spent my 41st birthday on the sofa and my husband brought me a fun little cupcake from a local bakery! Once I was well he took me out to a sweet lunch and we went and bought my camera so all in all it wasn’t too bad! Just a little delayed!

19.What national/world event stirred you the most?

We enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding and we’ve been a little more aware of the protests that have taken place due to the economy. It has been a rough year with so may pay cuts and job losses and people striving for a better life. Just very interesting.

20. Who was  the best person you met this year?

There is a new youth intern at our church that the Lord brought at the perfect time! I have been really challenged by him and he has some wonderful ideas about how to reach our city for Christ. I am looking forward to serving along side him and others in the coming year .

I pray that the Lord blesses this coming year and that as we move into 2012 we will see His hand at work and that our lives will reflect a heart of obedience even in small ways.