Reflecting and Resoluting: 2011

In keeping with my blog tradition, I'm running through the annual reflection and resolution. 2011 was the biggest and BEST year of my life. Seriously- to date, it has been the best year of my life. It feels crazy to say that, but it's just the truth. Perhaps it was such a glorious year because 2010 was so brutal. But either way, this year has been amazing and I'm actually a little sad to see it go.

I will always remember in 2011 that I:

• Worked my tail off night and day to land a job. And land a job I did! I love working for Gerber and it was the perfect way to kick off the new year. (Feb. 2011)
• After a couple months of rigorous house hunting, we stumbled (almost accidentally) upon our dream home. Our offer was accepted and thus the crazy road to home ownership began. (Mar. 2011)
• We got the keys to our first home. Our amazing friends spent day and night helping us paint, move furniture, and clean. It was such a joyous time for us. (Apr. 2011)
• Rian and I both had the honor of standing next to our best friends at their beautiful wedding ceremony in Salem, OR. We love you Kristi and Bryann! (May 2011)
• Spent another glorious Independence Day with good friends on the waterfront- a tradition we hold very dear. (Jul. 2011)
• Watched Rian stand by his best friend at their gorgeous summer wedding in Klamath Falls, OR. We love you Daniel and Jessica! (Aug. 2011)
• Attended my amazing bridal shower hosted by my wonderful mother and MOH Kristi. Such a fun weekend full of friends and family. Big thanks to my mom for such an unforgettable weekend! (Aug. 2011)
• Welcomed yet another precious little family member- Baby Gabriel! (Aug. 2011)
• Received the best news we could possibly imagine- my sister and family were moving back to Portland. (Sep. 2011)
• Oh you know, married my best friend. Spent an entire weekend being loved on by friends and family both in Portland and from all over the U.S. It was- quite possibly- the best. weekend. ever. (Oct. 2011)
• Hosted my first (and successful!) Thanksgiving in our new home. (Nov. 2011)
• Enjoyed a lovely and relaxing Christmas in Klamath Falls, OR with my sweet parents-in-law. We felt so spoiled. (Dec. 2011)

In 2012 I will resolute to:

• Follow my family's motto. This is definitely the most important resolution for me.
• Get plugged into a church that we love, invest time in studying what we believe and take responsibility for growing my family's faith.
• Go hiking more.
• Attend yoga twice a month.
• Follow my husband's lead when it comes to our finances and budget. We have big plans for our future and that involves us holding steady to a budget- which will be very good practice for me.
• Spend the holidays with my parents and family.
• Invest more one-on-one time with our friends. We are so blessed by such a large and amazing group of friends. But this year, I'd really like to develop my individual relationships with each of them.
• Be. More. Patient.

Whatever you resolve to do next year, I wish you steadfastness and courage. I know first-hand how difficult it can be to hold strong to resolutions. But if we make our resolutions more of a lifestyle then I find it's easier to incorporate them year round.

And a special thanks to those that follow this little blog of mine. It's been quite a year- thank you for encouraging me to type through my little journey.


*Photo by Jessica Watson Photography*