A few lessons from 2011

 This year has been full of ups and downs, highs, and lows. While it hasn't been my most memorable year, and may end up being the hardest year for me yet, I definitely have learned many things that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.
1) People come into our lives for different reasons- whether they will stay there or not, it doesn't necessarily matter because you will always learn something, cherish a memory or 5, and be made a better person because of it.
2)Family is truly the most important thing.
3)Even the most beautiful days can feel cold and rainy, but the most cold and rainy day could also feel like the most sunny.
4)Life is full of surprises.
5)Sometimes you have to take a minute for yourself or you will completely fall apart.
6)It is okay to ask for help. (Ok, so I am still having trouble with this, but I am learning and getting better)
7)Everything happens for a reason.
8)God won't place anything on us that we can't handle, even if we do feel like pulling our hair out!
9)Always take a minute to laugh at yourself...
10)Kids really do say the craziest things
11)Every day is full of surprises
12) Potty training is not easy...
13)You learn who your true friends are at the slightest drop of drama, trouble, rumors, etc...And you are typically better off 
14)Life, no matter what, is how YOU make it...not what people portray it to be...Not what they show you, or what they tell you.
15)It's okay to fall down, as long as you get back up again

Are there really only 11 days til Christmas?!!!

I looked at my calendar this morning, and immediately my heart started to pound....11 days until Christmas? Seriously? And let me say, it is not because I am not done with my shopping...Which, honestly, I have not finished for everyone on my list. It is because it seems like 2 weeks ago we were in January! I know they always say that as you get older, time goes by quicker. But I never dreamed it would be THIS quick!
I have been kind of slacking in writing posts for my blog. Between work, school, and a 2 1/2 year old, my life has been chaotic to say the least. But, after much thought, I have decided to take the spring semester off so that I can, hopefully, regain some of my sanity. I'm not sure how much is actually left! Business finance, I admit, kicked my tail. I have never been much of a numbers person, but I learned a lot about my strengths, weaknesses, and abilities this semester. 
As for T, our little man is growing like a weed! Potty training has been a serious struggle...He was doing so great until it wasn't a "new" thing anymore. Granted he will go potty, but still not that regularly. I am hoping that this weekend we can just have a nice, chill weekend at the house and let him just be in a pull up and see how it goes...If you have any suggestions for stubborn boys, please let me know!!!!

  My little man: Nov 25, 2011

 The following pictures were taken by Lindsey Smith with Lindsey Nicole Photography,  Cleveland Tennessee (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsey-Nichole-Photography/129619863739732)

Hannah Cate

It's been a little while since I have written anything on here...Sometimes real life gets in the way and I just don't have time, or get too caught up in everything. But I have something special to share with you, and I hope that you will pass this along to anyone you know. 

Some friends of ours have decided to adopt. We are so happy for them, and know that they will be the perfect parents for this precious little girl. I love their story, and wanted to share with  you her blog so that you can see what inspired them, and also know their story. Check out her blog at http://pureoffaith.blogspot.com

I promise you will be touched. 

They are trying to raise money to bring little Hannah Cate home, and this is where I would love to see you guys help out. On her blog, she tells you that she has designed a shirt and is selling it. Instructions on how to get one are on the bottom of her latest blog. If you feel touched, and I hope that you do, please take a minute to read the blog. And in the top right hand corner, there is a donate tab. Even if you decide you don't want to get a shirt, I know that they would love to share their story with you. I hope you take a few minutes out of your day.

Thank you :) I hope you have a blessed day and wonderful weekend.