365 I did it!

So I said I'd take a picture each day of 2011 and blog about it. There were days that seemed impossible. Some days my blog would only be a couple of sentences. But I did it. 2011 was a year of extreme highs and lows but I do believe the good outweighed the bad. I stuck to all my resolutions. I'm proud of the growth I experienced this year. I can't wait for 2012. Here's my last picture of the year. My baby and puppies cuddling for movies.

359 Christmas

We started a new tradition this morning. Before a single present was opened we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. It was a great way to focus our attention on the reason for Christmas. God blessed us with wonderful presents, incredible memories, and lots of love shared. I couldn't ask for a better morning. I was even surprised by the baby I care for coming by with a present. He's a great shopper:) my favorite picture of the morning was Gabrielle's face when she opened what she wanted from Santa. She was so thankful for her gifts. Our living room looks like a disaster zone and a toy factory.

356 sleep over

I love sleep overs with Gabrielle. That's where she sleeps with me and we stay up talking. I treasure these nights.

355 a year ago today...

These are boxes that I still haven't unpacked from my last job.  A year ago today was my last day as a social worker supervisor.  It was my last day of a full time job.  That day was so emotional.  I had worked there for five and a half years.  It was my first real job post college.  My first job using my degree.  It was the income I needed to move out on my own.  It was the experience I need to become a professional and a leader.  I got to help make other people's lives better.  I became a semi-expert on hoarding by default.  I seemed to have all the hoarders.  I even gave a few presentations on hoarding.  I also became an expert with dealing with difficult clients.  I learned when to be tough and when to give a little lead way.  I made great work friends.  Some who are still great friends.  I learned a lot.  The major thing I learned is that I meant to work with children.  So a year ago I walked away from my comfort zone.  I walked away from a job I could have easily done for the rest of my life.  I felt God calling me to become a teacher.  I felt it my whole life.  I got side tracked in college and ended up with a psych degree.  I took the first job I could get when I was leaving Terrence.  I ended up finding a wonderful job with the elderly.  But my heart was never in it.  I wasn't meant for that job.  I have spent this year going to school to become a ECE teacher.  It has been a growing period.  I get to observe and actually teach lessons.  I have been able to help at Gabrielle's school two days a week in the library and in her class.  I get to teach three-year-old children at church.  I get to lead a child care group Thursday nights at church.  I am watching an infant 3 days a week.  I am happier than I ever been.  I am moving in the direction of my dreams.  My husband just made a leap to follow his dream career wise as well.  God has blessed us so much.  So my advice to you is go for it.  Step out of your comfort zone.  If you never risk anything how will you ever gain anything? 

354

Brownie limo ride to go see Christmas lights. Then it was pizza time. They had a blast.

253 Christmas sweaters

They weren't so happy about their Christmas sweaters. This was the best picture I could get. P

352 Giving

I've been spending a lot of time teaching children about "it's better to give than receive." It's a hard lesson for little ones. It's a grad lesson for some adults. Gabrielle made this I'm church a few years ago. I believe Gabrielle is finally understanding about giving. She has given so freely for the last few years but now she gets it. I'm blessed with an amazing daughter.

350 Toys for Tots

I get the honor every year to organize the Toys for Tots toy drive at Colene Hoose, my daughter's school. It's amazing to watch the children give so freely. We collected 200 toys. That's 200 children we helped. We have an assemble where thank the kids for their donations and stressing the importance of helping others.

349 Christmas baking

I love Christmas baking. It reminds me of childhood and baking with my mom. I love that Gabrielle enjoys helping out. I found some new, easy recipes. We made this as part of Mike's food day for work. They were super fun to make.

348 Gingerbread house party

To celebrate her hard work in the fall choir, Gabrielle got to go to a gingerbread house making party. 120 kids making gingerbread houses was just a bit loud but so much fun.

346 together

This will be the sixth Christmas I've spent with Mike. 2006 we spent our first Christmas together as boyfriend and girlfriend. 2007 we spent our first Christmas as husband and wife. It feels like longer in a good way. I can't believe there was a time when we weren't together as a family of three. Now we are a family of 6 if you count all the four legged children;)

345 Ho Ho Ho

I love Mike's work's Christmas party. We always go and have great family fun. There's tons of activities. Plus Santa is there. Gabrielle gets a present. And this year I won $25!

343 Six Years Ago

My beautiful and talented husband and daughter are performing in our church's Christmas concert. Six years ago a former co-worker invited to Eastview to hear their church concert. I remember being overwhelmed at the size of this mega church, but I was even more overwhelmed with God's love and presence that I felt. That concert got me back into church and started me back on the path with God. I fell off while in college. I made a lot of mistakes. But the most incredible thing is that God forgave me and has blessed me so much. I became an even better mom, friend, and co-worker. I healed from my past mistakes. I rediscovered Mike which lead to a big wedding in this mega church. I got the pleasure of of baptizing both my hubby and daughter here. We found amazing friends and incredible areas to serve God. And it all started with an invite to a church's Christmas concert. Evelyn wherever you are Thank You. I've said it before and I'll say it again. That invite changed my life for the better. I can't believe it's been six years since I first stepped into Eastview.

342 Thanks

It's amazing how a simple Thank-You card can make your day. I want to be better about giving Thank yous. I'm so thankful for all my friends/family/blessings God has given me. I'm going to be better about telling people thank you.

337 movie time

We're off to see The Muppets. We are beyond excited. I loved them growing up. Mike did too. We actually have a Muppets' box set. So Gabrielle loves them too.

335 Baby Jesus

Thank you God for sending your son as a baby to grow into a man that died for our sins. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for strength. Thank you for the power to get through everything life throws at us. Thank you for all the blessings you have given me. Thank you for everything.