I've been describing 2011 as a worthy adversary. Every one of the incredible highs that my family and I experienced this year was met and matched with a difficult low. We were challenged on just about every level in 2011. Emotionally, physically, financially.
I can't say I've ever lived a year that hasn't been a mix of ups and downs. That's just the nature of this life, isn't it? But in 2011 the lows were just a little lower, the tears came from slightly deeper in the soul. Then again the laughs? They came from a little deeper in the belly. Sighs of relief were breathed a little louder. Hugs were held a little longer, a little tighter. Because you know what? For every time I was knocked down, I managed to get up again. Stronger somehow with the knowledge of just how much we can survive, my awesome family and I.
We closed out the year with a month of celebrating. The Christmas season arrived with its fair share of the usual holiday stresses but our home was full of joy. Even the last few days of the year, spent shut in and nursing my beautiful girl through a terrible illness, were warm and lovely and safe. We hunkered down, snuggled in and plowed through it together, all the while reminded again and again just how lucky, how blessed, we really are.
Yes, a worthy adversary indeed, 2011. I believe we'll call it a draw.
Here are the snapshots from Christmas 2011, a fitting celebration to end this wild ride of a year. It was the perfect way to say farewell, to clear the palate and move forward with eyes and hearts open wide, ready to take on whatever may come in 2012.
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| These two handsome creatures lived on my mantle and made me smile every day. |
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| Also on the mantle, how jolly is this little trio? |
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| Put a berry on it. |
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| Nobody loved our tree this year more than Moet. |
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| Even the doorknobs were in on the festivities. |
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| Presents! |
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| More presents! |
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| Snuggles! |
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| More snuggles! |
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| Feasting continues on boxing day - our first Christmas dinner in the new house. |
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| Beautiful even after being horribly sick for five straight days. We spent our last day of 2011 hunkered down at the hospital. |
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| But this one's got a fighter's spirit like the rest of us. Bounced back enough to enjoy tacos and giggles on NYE. |
Happy New Year from me and mine to all of you and yours.
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