A Glance Back and a Look Forward

This year has been a year of firsts for us. Jason and I bought our first home and welcomed our first child into the world. I became a working mommy and Jason ended up becoming a stay at home dad. We also decided to leave Midway and join Fuel Community Church with so many others that we are connected with.

This year has been a good one. I said goodbye to last school year which was awful and welcomed a new one which hasn't been too shabby. We've watched for an entire year our baby boy grow and learn and discover the world around him. It has also been one of loss for many, including us. First it was Bubba Monroe, a member of our church, then our neighbor across the street passed from surgery complications, the neighbor I lived next to for 17 years died for very different reasons, and then a friend from high school died suddenly and tragically. Four deaths...but this year also brought four new little guys into the world. First was Preston, my nephew. Then was my amazing son, Gabriel. Then was my friend Charisse's adorable little guy, Anson and just a month or so ago was my friend Ciara's handsome new addition, Josiah. Others were born too but these are the ones I consider myself closest too.

Gabriel has spent time with both sets of great grandparents on my side (something not many kids are lucky enough to do). They are in love with him and I think the feeling is mutual. In just the last month or so, Gabriel has learned to wave, clap, blow raspberries, stand on his own without pulling himself up and is getting steadier on his feet.

We spent our first Christmas with him in Alabama with my grandparents, my mom, and her roomie. He enjoyed it and it was nice to spend time in a place that holds so many special memories for me.

As lovely as 2011 has been, it has not been without its challenges and I am not sorry to see it go. I am looking forward to 2012. I feel like 2012 is our year. I have written down many goals and this time next year, I expect to look back and say that I accomplished every one. Keep me accountable people. I'll need all the support, prayer, and help I can get. So here it is. This is what I wrote down in my journal. This is my look forward...

New Year's Goals 2012
1. Read through the Bible completely.
2. Spend quiet time with God daily.
3. Read at least one book a month.
4. Get some form of exercise daily.
5. Eat healthier, count calories, and treat my body like the temple of God.
6. Keep my house clean and get organized.
7. Get out of credit card debt and save money.
8. Set aside at least one night a month to do something special with my husband (babysitter required).
9. Take more pictures - of Gabriel and us and everyone.
10. Be more positive. Smile more. Don't take life so seriously. Find the good in every person that drives me crazy. Pray. Give. Be kind. Laugh. Be who I was and am created to be.


Bonus goals: Finish my book! 
                    Learn a new skill!


 I will accomplish these goals in 2012. These are long term  and will last all year. I will not give up. If I falter or fall, I will get back up. I am claiming 2012 as the year I do what I was meant to do. I will not fail. I will not listen to Satan's lies. I can and will do all these things through Christ because He alone gives me strength. I will succeed. 

Goodbye, 2011. Look out, 2012!