2011 Moments

I thought I wanted to begin this blog from the here and now. Not looking back. While thinking over everything our family has enjoyed and endured during the past year, I realized not mentioning it wouldn't be possible. The year 2011 was unforgettable...........I wouldn't have it any other way.

• January 2011 ended with a miscarriage. I actually had two miscarriages last year. The first one everyone around us knew about. When our friends found out, everyone was really sweet with phone calls and letters. The second miscarriage was kept on the down low. I didn't enjoy the thought of people feeling sorry for me. 
• During the summer we not only grew a garden (that has happened in the past), we also ate the garden vegetables......and we pulled the dead plants out at the end of the season. Watch out organic world, here we come.
• Neil and I took a vacation to San Francisco. We were intimate with (not on) public transportation, saw the redwoods, and Neil bought himself a new NorthFace sleeping bag. Back in Twin Falls Neil discovered the sleeping bag could only comfortably hold his left leg. Because it was a woman's.
• In September Greta Jane started kindergarten. That girl was so excited and beyond ready. On the first day of school she finally had to ask me to leave the classroom (I might have been lingering long after she had sat in her seat and made friends). Greta has a memory that cannot be matched. It is quite entertaining to hear about each of her school days. She includes what all the children did and said as well as how Mrs. Brittain responds......Mrs. Brittain is awesome. Greta loves life!
• In October and November Neil ran for city council. He was absolutely amazing. The girls LOVED seeing their dad's signs everywhere. I, on the other hand, experienced real can't-get-out-of-bed-burst-into-tears anxiety.  Despite being the best candidate, Neil didn't win. Knowing the outcome, Neil would do it again. He met some really good people and will definitely serve the city in other ways.
• In December, Lucy finally had her first haircut. It is an adorable bob. Her favorite phrase is, "Me a big girl." She says it 50 times a day and tries desperately to do anything and everything she sees someone else (Greta) accomplish. That girl always has a twinkle in her eye. I love it!

I feel like 2011 was the year of Elder Wirthlin's "Come what may and love it." It was a year of heartache and joy and now that it is all said and done, we truly did love every minute.

 Neil grew a beard for exactly one month. We were all very proud.