Well it is official! 2011 is over. Gone, finished, outta here, but the memories of the year are forever ingrained in my mind. 2011 was filled with many changes and milestones for my family. It began with a snowy January that led to much hunting for Byron. No big change there, hunting is what he does and what he loves so I just continue to pray that he is safe while he is out there. February saw Ashley, Lena and I visiting many bridal shows and planning for Ashley's September wedding. March was busy at HCK. Thankfully the boarding business was back on the upswing. The downside was I didn't have the girls home to help and that put the brunt of the dog walking chores on me. I never fully realized how much I depended on the girls until the weren't here to help. I am ever so thankful that they both had jobs that kept them from coming home but still secretly wished I had them here to help. April brought anniversary number 24 for Byron and I. 24 years of anything seems like a long time and 24 years of marriage is no different. We have both grown, both changed and both battled our own selves but we both continued to love each other and that is what truly matters. May saw many hours of wedding planning, yard mowing and dog walking but it also brought some great time with friends and family. June was a busy month as well and also the month that Byron turned 50. I thought 25 years was a long time...50 must be an eternity! July was HOT. Really hot! The fair was not even fun for us since the animals were released to go home early due to the heat. As far as anyone could remember it was the first time that had happened in the history of the White County fair. August saw another birthday milestone in our family with Miss Lena turning 21. She celebrated briefly with us and then she and Jacob were off on a cruise. I know a cruise seems like a pretty impressive birthday gift and it certainly was. However the trip was redirected due to hurricane Irene but I am sure the kids still had a wonderful time! September 2011..Da da dada! Here comes the bride. A date that we had looked forward to for 17 months. It was here...finally and it was FABULOUS. The weather in Evansville could have been a little nicer but even with the rain it was still a wonderful day. We were blessed to have so many of our friends and family with us and I never dreamed so many of them would make the 4.5 hour trip to the Ville. Ashley was radiant as a bride and she even shed a tear or two and for her that is a pretty emotional day. Lena had everything as organized as possible and most things went off without incident and the incidents that we did have no one really cared about (no one but me)! October came in pretty quiet and it was a beautiful fall. I just took alot of time to reflect and enjoy my alone time. THEN CAME NOVEMBER! As peaceful as October was November was an emotion filled month. We lost Byron's Grandmother Dixie who passed away peacefully and went to be with Grandpa Cade in heaven. My job took a turn when Dedaker Insurance Services, Inc. sold to the Deiwert Agency. 10 years in the same office with the same people doing the same job suddenly turned me upside down and made me question everything I thought I knew about my future. Decisions had to be made and I accepted a position with the Deiwert agency. In the beginning I was not so sure it was the right choice but as things progress it seems like a very natural fit. Cross your fingers and say your prayers that I don't disappoint them! They seem to have pretty high expectations for me! December came before I was ready and Christmas really got here way too soon. It was good to have Lena home. She and I were able to do some shopping and I still think it is so nice to be able to treat her like a friend (most of the time) and not just a child. Ashley and Tony were not able to make it home but we will be traveling to the Ville in January to celebrate her birthday, Christmas and to enjoy their new home that they purchased in November.
Yes, looking back I would have to say it was a pretty awesome year. God continues to bless me more than I deserve and I continue to know that it is his grace that keeps me going everyday. SO, with that said. Goodbye to 2011 and Hello 2012. I am excited and anxious to see what is in store for the new year!
Be Blessed
K
