Memories, Dreams, and Reflections - 2011

Last year I enjoyed doing this recap with Ashley at Ramblings and Photos that I decided to participate again. I really like going through my blog because it brings back so many little memories for me that I might have forgotten.

Me!
What did I accomplish? I did a 52 week selfie project and pretty regularly blogged all year. I try everyday to be a better mama then the day before and sometimes I actually am. I try to make our home a place that the girls love to come back to and I try to make our lives somewhat fun. I chose this selfie because I was holding the camera "At Arms Length" and nailed the focus. Total luck :)

I Love You


Still Laughing
I mean like since she was about 6 months old. Our little one tickles me. I get mad at her and she goes and does something that completely cracks me up. Makes parenting hard when you have a little comedian like our Ruby running around.


Winter Wonderland
The south can't handle winter. It isn't their fault because they don't normally have to. So when it snows things shut down. For a long time. Like 5 days this past winter. Crazy right?


Birthday
I turned 40 this past March. I know I don't look a day over 39 right? My girls in true zoo party fashion worked for days on homemade presents for me. I have saved each and every scrap.


Friends
We totally slacked on the Girls Nights this year. Everyone was so busy and we were all going here and there. When you have a group that can pick up right where you left off though even a few times a year is better than none.


I Was Inspired
This summer during our Ohio visit I did a photo walk of my husband's grandparents home. They raised their whole family in that house and sadly passed away at the end of 2010. The memories that little house holds. This is just 1 of the collages that I made. The others can be seen on the original blog post.


Spring Fever
My girls bring me lots of flowers. I need to plant a lot more so that we can enjoy them outside and inside. What mama doesn't love a bouquet of daisies?


Vacation
My favorite time of the year. Vacation. Our family heads to the beach and we spend the entire week being lazy and having fun. How many months until our next one?


Summer Days
What says summer more than barbecues and s'mores? These were no ordinary s'mores though. We used Reese Cups. Oh.My.Yumminess


A Day In My Life
I did this one for my selfie project. I miss that little baby that has been replaced with a little person.


All Smiles
This is still my favorite shot of our 6 pack from this summer. Oh to be young and carefree like this. Maybe this should be my goal for 2012 - be carefree. Not sure I have it in me anymore.


Autumn Harvest
I am not sure about harvest as by the time we got to the orchard there were barely any apples left. We will go earlier this year for sure! Still a memory right?


Family
My family means everything to me. These girls are my whole life. Lazy moments like this just hanging out, searching for a 4 leaf clover, and talking are my favorite. Look at those lovely long locks! There are so many days that I miss them but the crying every morning when they had to get their hair combed was sort of miserable.


Celebrate!
We do love us a good Fat Tuesday party here at the zoo! It has become another of our traditions. The girls have the most fun making the masks and seeing if their piece of king cake has the princess. One day I will find a baby :) My favorite part of the celebration is seeing everyone have a great time together.


Let's Do It Again
My girls and I love to travel. They have turned into really good little travelers if I do say so myself. In November we traveled to central Florida for the wedding of my friend Sarah. We had so.much.fun hanging out on the beach and swimming in the freezing heated pool. I look forward to the places 2012 will take us!


I Miss You
I grieved this year. Even though my miscarriage was at the end of 2010 the pain I feel makes it seem like it was just yesterday.
Shining through the fog
Like a peaceful reminder
Brighter days will come


Beautiful
Most people that see our Piper for the first time say "Oh my look at her beautiful blue eyes". I realize I choose a black and white shot but you can still see how beautiful they are. My blue eyed beauty.


Dress Up
I still can't believe that this is Piper. Her costume rocked this year! She was just such a beautiful gothic bride. Girl owned it!


Macro
I don't own a macro lens so this was a tough one for me. I did get this shot though. Just a random bug from our yard.


Holidays
This was our Christmas tree. Only a few ornaments but mostly decorated by the girls. I will love remembering this tree. The year mama didn't put up ornaments.


My Favorite
I took a lot of pictures in 2011 but this is my favorite. Violet has always been a cute kid but sometime during her 4th year she came into her own. Now she is a beautiful little, quirky, fun-loving girl. This shot of her takes my breath away.


Don't Ever Change
But she already is. Growing up and becoming a big girl every day. I wish I could keep them all my sweet little girls. I have them a little longer :)


Just Because...So There!
I love this shot of us in my yard ball.


Hopes and Dreams
I hope to continue meeting new people through blogging. Of course I hope to challenge myself over the course of the next year with new projects and I will be continuing with my selfie project. It really made me get creative and some days I just snap randomly. Mostly I hope for happiness and good health for our family and friends. Peace!