New Year's Eve/Reflections on 2011

We had a BIG year in 2011.

So big.....I can hardly believe what all we crammed into this year!!

We started off with my grandfather in the hospital and practically dying in January. I spent a few nights in the hospital with him to help my Mammaw.  Then he was in and out of the hospital and nursing home for months.  Thankfully, he was here with us to spend Christmas at my Mom's this year!

We found out we were pregnant at the end of January.  We kept it a secret until April 1.  That was a 9 month long craziness and special time.  I love knowing a baby is growing inside of me.  It is a special miracle that is unrivaled here on Earth by any other action or experience.  We welcomed Jake a little earlier than we had planned on my sister Jenny's birthday, September 12.  He is a delight and such an easy baby!  I cannot believe he is already  three months old!

Greg went to China for two weeks and Brazil for one week for work.  These were all in the month of August when I was almost 9 months pregnant and the boys were starting school!  It was a long month with him gone so much.

Blake finished 2nd grade (so glad we made it through!) and started 3rd grade.  Noah finished Kindergarten and had his little graduation.  He started 1st grade and loves it.  Blake turned 8, Noah - 6, Andy - 3 and we won't mention my age this year :)

We went on a mini-vacation to Gatlinburg over Spring Break with my family to the Wilderness Lodge.  It includes an indoor water park.  We hiked, shopped, rode some go-carts and ate at the Apple Barn.  The boys had a BLAST!

We took the boys to Kings Island with our friends, Brad & Missy Gross and their girls.

We had a summer filled with swimming, parks, birthday parties, bible school at church and our big vacation.  We spent four days at the lake with Greg's parents and then drove to Edisto Island, SC for a week.  The boys loved the beach!

Greg ran the Louisville Derby Half-marathon along with several other races.  He ended up having hernia surgery in late August and had to take some time off from running.  We are both planning to get back at it hard in the New Year!

We celebrated any birthdays with our family and friends.  We enjoyed Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and more holidays.  Christmas was filled with a flurry of activity!  We are blessed beyond measure!


I saw these printables on Money Saving Mom today and wanted to share them with you.  I plan to use them tomorrow with the boys to include in our family scrapbook.





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I hope you all enjoy your New Year's Eve.  Best wishes in 2012!

Carrie Beth