2011 Highlights

I am so thankful for many things that occurred this year. Frankly, it's hard to pick the highlights....but here's my attempt:

Obviously, Clara's birth is at the top of my list. No explanation necessary.

Sophie became a big sister.

Kenzie turned 12. A true miracle. (In addition, Kenzie's ACL surgery went well and my parents have done an amazing job caring for her during the recovery.)

We celebrated Alain's 40th birthday!! I met Alain when he was 21 and I'm still amazed at how long we've been together. It makes me so happy to share this birthday with him. I'd try hard to describe how much I love this old guy but, trust me, there are no words.....

Any trip to NYC is a highlight of my year. Yes, I know it was predictable but I don't care. I love New York.

Scout and Atticus joined our family. We adore them.

Aunt Valerie came for a visit. And I do love me some Aunt Valerie. Only she and Lil' Wayne understand me. Hee hee...

The Sheep Dog Trials. It was just a happy day and I loved it. (This is also one of my favorite photos from this year!)

I became a Mom again and there was no post-partum depression. It may seem silly to choose something that didn't happen as a highlight but, you can trust me on this one, I was scared and it was such a relief to not relive that nightmare.

My friend Dori planned a brunch to celebrate Clara's upcoming arrival. It was so sweet and my friend Elizabeth made this gorgeous cake. And, the cake just seemed so Audrey.

Hubbsie turned 10. He definitely started to slow down this year but he's doing great!

I made two amazing new friends this year. Nathalie and Elizabeth. Otherwise known as Donna and Martha (as in Hay & Stewart). They have been my saviors. I enjoy their company more than I can express here. They inspire me and make me happy. Thank you, ladies. (Since I don't have a photo of us to share, I'm doing the next best thing and sharing photos of three of our littles together. From our hilarious trip to the Pumpkin Patch. I've checked the box "Take Trip to Pumpkin Patch" from the Suburban Mom checklist! NOTE TO SELF: GET A DAMN PHOTO OF SELF WITH NAT AND ELIZABETH!) Now that I think about it, this entry should be near the very top of the list!

The Mother-Daughter Beach Trip with Sophie. Hilton Head in April. Time alone with Sophie. This is not only a highlight of 2011 ~ it's a highlight of my life. I will never forget it!

The Beach Picnic on the last night of our family's beach trip in September. Everything about it was divine....just perfect. The sunset. The food. The wine. The nature. Our new family's first beach trip together. It could be my favorite moment of the entire year. So I'll end with this one....

Furry Friday

A very peaceful Kenzie snoozing in a sunny spot!

Is This What Our Life Has Come To?

To answer my own question, yes.

And I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!

*****

Grandma & Grandpa, thank you for taking care of ClaraLu for a few hours so that we could enjoy some alone time with Sophie! We loved it so very much....

Suburban Field Journal

Recently I noticed a sign on the border of our county....... it states that we are a "Golden Fit Community". I had no idea what that meant so I looked it up. The below is taken directly from the Fit Community website:

Fit Community designations and grants reward North Carolina communities for creating and implementing a sustainable action plan to avoid or remedy preventable chronic health problems in their area. This community has been awarded a gold level status which means that we've made outstanding achievements in these areas.

Really? REALLY?

I'm not sure who took the time and effort involved in applying for this designation for our county. They obviously don't shop where I do.

Less than half a mile in each direction of this very sign are two shopping centers. Stop by on any given day and this is what you'll see.....

Shopping Carts EVERYWHERE

Even those people parked RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STORE can't be bothered to walk the cart a mere 20 feet to keep it off the sidewalk.

Some people can't even be bothered to AT LEAST park the abondoned cart on the grassy island. Nope. They just leave it right out in the parking space. It's now someone else's problem.

This is a very nice part of town. You'd think people would be better socialized and take more pride in their surroundings.

Think again.

Golden Fit Community? I don't think so. How can we be fit if we can't take a short walk to put the cart back where it belongs? Something so simple.

What's Wrong With These Pictures?

At first glance, nothing. It's very sweet.....Clara and Daddy snuggling....

But wait, shouldn't it be the other way around? Well yes, especially in the middle of the afternoon when this picture was taken. Clara's reflux continues to haunt us. It's been a VERY rough few nights. As you can see, we'll catch a wink whenever, wherever, however we can get it. Last night, I slept two hours. Luckily, Alain woke up at 6:30 this morning and I got to have another two hour nap. Whew. Times is tough, my friends. But thank goodness this is my second child and I can keep reminding myself that it won't last forever....

We still love you to pieces, Clara Boo. Even if you don't seem to value sleep as much as the rest of us....

PS ~ Years from now, if and when you see Christmas photos from 2011, please remember that I only slept two two-hour shifts the previous night. Because this sister looks K.N.A.C.K.E.R.E.D.!!!

What's Wrong With These Pictures?

At first glance, nothing. They're beautiful blooms.

But then I remind myself that it's late December and my peach tree shouldn't be blooming. After a few days of almost 70 degree weather, Mama Peach Tree is really confused. In the past, she's always bloomed in February. Never December. I'm not sure what this will mean for our peach output next Spring/Summer. Only time will tell....

Happy Christmas!

To all of my friends and family who celebrate Christmas, may you have the happiest of holidays this year!

{Image via Isle of View}