Farewell 2011

As I look back over this year, I think of 2011 as a year of growth.
Not just in the waistline, either!

We had trials sent our way that made us stronger as a couple,
 as well as individuals.

But it wasn't all trials--2011 gave us so many fun memories to cherish, too!

Here's a recap of the year's events:

In January, we were called to the nursery and thoroughly enjoyed our time there!

In the month of February, once the "sorry we're late" wedding gifts stopped coming in, and we really felt the meaning of "poor newleyweds," we entertained ourselves by staying in and watching shows together on Hulu.
(Okay...not much has changed... ha ha)



Here is a picture of the hole in the wall we used to call home:

Notice the cardboard-box-TV-stand and make-shift couch. Priceless!

March and April were filled with friends and family

and gratitude to finally have finished up the year of school.

May through August were some of the best months of our marriage so far. Because we got married in August and started school only 2 days after we got home from our honeymoon, we really never got a chance to just enjoy being married without the stress and strain of working and going to school full-time. The summer was just what we needed to settle in to our lives and really enjoy all the good things that life has to offer.

We ran a few 5ks,

*Photo courtesy of SL Tribune

spent some time vacationing out of state,

and moved to our current location,

 which couldn't have been a bigger blessing in our lives!

In September, Jake started his new job at Convergys, which he still loves, despite the late-night shifts.

In October, we enjoyed Halloween parties with family and friends

and November and December

brought trials and blessings which have helped us to grow...

one of which involved our new callings--

Jake as ward mission leader and me as a ward missionary.

 Let's just say I'm being pushed out of my comfort zone!

I love looking at a year of accomplishments

and I can't wait to see what 2012 brings.

Ready or not, here we come!