Oh my, my, my

Oh wow! It has been so long since I have blogged. I am going to make an effort to do this more often. 2011 was a hell of a year for me. We started off our year by having to replace our water heater. I celebrated my 30th birthday in February. Chris took me to see brad Paisley for my birthday. It was a lot of fun! He is such a good hubby!

In April, we went to Gatlinburg to see our friend get married and celebrate my parents' and brother's birthday. My brother Matt was also leaving for basic training.

In May, we went to Ft. Walton Beach in Florida for Chris' 30th birthday. It was so beautiful there. Our hotel was beside the aquarium so we watched the dolphins. I also got the worst sunburn I have ever had!

Throughout June and July, I went through an interview process to get a new job. Out of 215 applicants, I was one of 15 chosen for a phone interview and one of 5 for a face to face interview. Unfortunately, I did not get the job, but it was a good experience for me.

On July 4th, my parents and my brother's girlfriend Alyssa came to my house. We headed out on July 5th towards Ft. Sill, OK to see Matt graduate. It was a great trip. Chris had to work, so it was just the four of us. I really got to know Alyssa better and had so much fun! We saw Geranimo's grave, the Holy Land and ate Longhorn beef. We also went to the Oklahoma City Federal Building Bombing Memorial. That was a very intense visit. My dad was the guest speaker at Matt's graduation and got to give him a challenge coin when Matt was announced as his class sharpshooter. I am so proud of him! We had to leave him there for his AIT class.

Also in July, my parents hosted an engagement party for my baby brother Gregg and his fiance Regina. The night before the party, Regina, Alyssa, my mom and I went to my old college to watch some of my friends in "Hairspray". We had a blast! We worked very hard to pull off a luau for Gregg and Regina, but it was well worth it.

August brought both joy and pain to my family. On the 29th, our nephew Branson was born. He is such a joy! He is just a cool cat and the most laid back baby. (I am not at all in love with him!) Also in August, Alyssa went to the ER because she had severe stomach pain. It turns out, she was in labor, never knowing she was pregnant. She gave birth to a full term baby named Isabella Miracle Dei. Isabella was put in NICU on a ventillator due to seizures and other issues. Alyssa got out of the hospital in a couple of days and Matt was able to come home from OK the next day. We went to see everyone and got to see Isabella while she was in NICU. On September 3, after only 17 days, Isabella went home to God. We had her funeral and burial on the 4th. It was very heartbreaking, but it really makes you thankful for what you have.

After the difficult beginning to September, things got on a roll. I helped to host my friend Brandy's baby shower on September 10th. It was a hoot! We made the guys chug beer out of baby bottles! September 23rd was our 7th wedding anniversary. We celebrated the next day by having dinner at the Paradise Park Trailer Park and going to a Preds game. We had awesome free tickets in the club section. Steve and Peggie sent us an awesome edible arrangement as a gift! It was delicious! September ended with my maternal grandfather's passing. He was my last grandfather and will be missed.

In October, we got new furniture! Then Chris had his knee surgery and recovery. The new furniture really came in handy, especially the oversized rocker/recliner. October also brought the big Santa Fe School Fall Festival! I am usually asked to do balloon animals and this year was no exception. It was a nice night and I got a free funnel cake! Worth it! My friend Brandy had her son Bryson in Oct. He is so adorable! The end of October brought me back to Morristown to help host a wedding shower for Gregg and Regina. It had a country theme with mason jar glasses and lots of gingham! The bride and guests had a great time making TP wedding dresses and modeling to "I'm Too Sexy". I got to end the month by wearing my bathrobe and slippers to work for Halloween!

November was very busy for us! Chris participated in No Shave November and tried to grow some facial hair. I was sooooo glad for Dec 1st. Chris got to go back on regular duty in November after his knee surgery. Gregg and Regina got married on November 11th. It was a really beautiful wedding that Matthew got to help officiate. We spent Thanksgiving in Atlanta at Bill and Deb's house. It was really nice to get to see everyone. The day after Thanksgiving, we were so lucky to get to go to our cousin Kelly's wedding. It was such a beautiful affair and we had a blast!! The end of November gave us a chance to get our Christmas tree up and decorated! (And the facial hair got shaved!)

December was pretty calm. The year ended on a pretty chill note. We got to go to the big Towhey family Christmas celebration and spend Christmas Eve with my family. Whew! That is 2011 in a nutshell. I am looking forward to a very full and blessed 2012~