2011 In Review: Through Pictures

I just couldn't bring myself to pull out my favorite posts from the year so instead I'm throwing out some pictures that have really captured the fun we've had this year.
January:

Jeremy cooking

snow!

playgrounds!

February:

birthday parties

playing with Daddy

March:

exploring with Daddy

turning 2

Austin

Jeremy

April:

outside

Jeremy

soccer time!

Jeremy received an award from school

May:

Mother's Day

graduation!

Baby Soup!

June:

playgrounds!

July:

Jeremy's birthday!

bowling

Nashville zoo

August:

painting

sleeping

flowers

*August was Austin's birthday and we all went to White Water to celebrate his and Jeremy's birthday but sadly I didn't get any pics.

September:

cooking

Jeremy began running cross country with his school.

October:

November:

the mall playground

Thanksgiving

December:

decorating for Christmas

the gingerbread house lasted a day before Maddie ate it

painting old Christmas cards

a wonderful Christmas

What a wonderful year!

Like this post? Vote for me! 

My Workout: My Time

For a couple hours each morning I'm no longer a mother, a wife, a student, or teacher...I'm simply Me.  Working out gives me a break from all other responsibilities and allows me to focus on what I'm doing at that moment and really give something back to myself.
I've recently discovered that 2011 is mine. My husband has done an awesome job of taking on extra responsibilities so that I can focus more of my time on my studies. I kept telling myself that my Master's degree would benefit my whole family, that I was doing it all for my family, which ultimately I am, but it still requires a great deal of my time and effort, and without Sean's help, I'm not sure it would have been possible.
I also have big plans after graduation, I want to pour myself into my fitness and new hobbies of gardening and photography. Of course I want to bring my family into these areas as well, but just the idea of having hobbies is a big step for this Momma. It, again, means Me time. As a young mother of 16, I've never truly felt that I've devoted much time to myself; I feel as if I've lived my life for others and have worked to achieve a better future for my family. I now want to step back for a moment and discover more of myself through enjoyable activities. I want to create life in new ways through gardening and capture all that beauty with pictures.
So, as I set out to finish this year on My time, I look around at all the wonderful people who have brought me to where I am, the good Lord who has provided all the way, and my family who makes it possible. I'm more than grateful, even if I don't show it very often. I hope to repay you all, somehow, someday, with maybe just a little bit more of My time.  :)
Like this post? Vote for me!