Friday, December 30, 2011

2011

Where oh where did 2011 go so quickly?

2009 and 2010 were hard years for us. We had some losses and trials but it only prepared us to be more grateful when things were well. 2011 was a good year for us. Don't get me wrong, we had our share of trials and sadness, but we accepted it and moved forward and had an amazing year. We started off with tea parties and prayers before every tea party! (thank you Ms. Angie!!)

We were abe to spend lots of time with family and meet family we have yet to meet in person! My aunt, my cousin, her boyfriend and their daughter all came to the states and oh my, to be worlds apart, I know 2 little girls who are very much alike!!

This was the first year for Ella to play tball. However, she is a girly girl and thought she should be able to play in a dress and flip flops. Her dad was not impressed and neither was her Poppa! She begrudingly wore shorts, socks and athletic shoes.

Tanner got a taste of being in the audience and cheering for his sister. He was very gracious and always positive for her! (one of many reasons he is so special)

We spent most of our summer swimming and got to get away for a nice relaxing trip to the beach! Tanner LOVED the ocean and Ella LOVED the sand! Hopefully we will be able to plan a trip soon to an amazing beach!!

We got back from vacation and had a few more weeks to relax before starting our year of lasts. This part has been hard for me. Tanner started his last year of elementary and I don't know if I'm ready for him to start Jr. High. I guess I feel like I blinked and his years have passed me by. He is growing and changing and becoming sooooo awesome. Makes my heart proud that he is kind, considerate, respectful, driven and loving as he is. He has also gone through a growth spurt and is almost as tall as I am (eeek!)

Not only is it Tanner's last year in elementary, but it's Ella's last year at Ms. Angie's. I know I will miss her tremendously and have loved that we were fortunate enough to have Ms. Angie as a teacher and amazing person in both of my children's lives. Not that we won't ever see her, but she has taught my children and has helped shape them into the people they will become and I will miss her! And I do have to add, that I was afraid that we wouldn't ever break through Ella's stubborness, but alas we have and I am truly grateful that we had someone patient enough to do just that (because my patience was almost out!)

We also got to have another year of Tanner playing flag football. I love watching him play.

It seems like since school started we have been running here and there and everywhere. We have been busy. It seems like soon after school started Tanner started gearing up for UIL. He stayed late everyday after school and worked hard as well as his teachers and their hard work paid off. He placed first in two events and his team placed first in two events. He was upset because the events he wanted to place in he didn't place. I told him that he still did an awesome job and we (all of his family) were very proud of him.

We are ending the year quietly and that is just fine with me. I have a full and joyful heart for the wonderful year we have had and cannot wait to see what the New Year has in store for us. I have decided not to make resolutions as I usually don't keep them but I did promise myself that we would have another amazing year. We would still have each other, love, happiness and prosper.

From my family to you and yours, We wish you a Prosperous, Blessed and Happy New Year!!