2011

2011 was quite a year.  There was good and bad, both of which God used to continue to shape and mold me as a person and also my marriage.

The year started off well with The Man continuing to work on his sobriety.  It was a time of change.  His schedule was a bit crazy and continued that way into February and March.  I didn't love how busy he was with work, helping coach basketball and rehearsals for a show he was in.  There were days that I barely saw him! But we got through it and and April was much better, especially since the show, Sweeney Todd was running. It was a great show and I'm so glad he did it!

May brought a TDY and The Man was back out to sea.  I missed him while he was gone but the time apart was good for us.  He enjoyed being back out and I enjoyed having some time alone too.  And of course, homecoming is always the best part!  We also enjoyed June and July cause we worked on our very first garden.  We were so excited to grow and eat our own veggies!  We are eagerly awaiting spring so we can garden again.  We've already been talking about what we're growing this year...

One of the many house projects

August was good to us.  Looking back, I'm glad it was!  We managed to fit in a trip to Disney Land.  We wanted to go at least once before kids so we could enjoy it just the two of us.  Once we got home we bought a new truck, which we are still enjoying and getting a lot of use out of.  In order for The Man to do the projects he wants to around the house, it's much easier having the truck to haul supplies and debris & trash after!

September started off great with a camping trip.  We hadn't been camping in about two years and were really wanting to go, so we carved out Labor Day weekend for a trip to a nearby campground.  I thought I had posted about it but I guess not.  I think it got overshadowed by what happened next.  I headed to the East Coast cause my dad was in the hospital.  I was going so I could help my mom out and be there when he got home so he wouldn't have to go to a rehab facility.  It didn't turn out that way.  Instead of returning to his earthly home, daddy went to his forever home.  The pain for us is horrible but knowing where daddy is helps.  It also helps knowing that I'll see him again.  I'm looking forward to that!  From daddy's homecoming did come some good.  One good thing was the opportunity to see friends and family and make more memories with them.  People and relationships are so important and I don't like to waste any chance I have to spend time with the people who are important to me!  The memories we made make me smile.

Joey hugging Dad

Our family expanded again with the addition of dad's dog Joey.  We love him but he's been a little trying at time.  We're working on discipline and listening and he's getting better.  He's so much more fun and enjoyable when he behaves!

At the end of October mom came for a visit and while she was here we got some great news!  We found that we were pregnant!  Even though I didn't share with you until December we knew at the very beginning of November.  Morning sickness, fatigue and other fun symptoms have hit and I'm very much looking forward to the second trimester.  Even with not feeling the best, we had a wonderful Christmas.  We were blessed with great gifts and enjoyed spending time with most of The Man's family.

And how could I forget?  We managed to get down to Eugene for a Ducks game.  Not just any game but the Civil War!  I love going to games at Autzen.

And even more importantly, The Man got one year of sobriety in November.  This is huge and I know it wasn't easy.  I am so proud of him for this accomplishment!

2012 is going to bring even more change to our family.  We know what some of them are but know that there are many surprises in store for us.  So we go into the New Year thankful for each other and our families and friends and we know that nothing that happens will surprise God.  He'll be there with us every step of the way.