2012 - A Year in Review

     Christmas is around the corner with New Years following right behind.  I, like many others I am sure, am filled with a very heavy heart this Christmas season because of recent events.  But despite everything that is going on in this world, I think it is important to 1. realize what you are thankful for and 2. take a look back on the year to see where it has taken you.  For me, this year has been quite the roller coaster ride that has changed me in ways I never could have predicted.  So, I thought I'd share the life events that I experienced this year and the things that I am incredibly thankful for, through pictures.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words right!? So here we go:

January-


     I quit my HORRIBLE job and started focusing on my Interior Design company full time!  It has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life! And I haven't regretted my decision for one second!

     I was able to go to California to see my brother graduate from boot camp and become a Marine.  It has definitely made me more patriotic!  It was seriously one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever been to.  I am incredibly proud of my brother and thankful for him and everyone else that serves this incredible country and protect my freedom.

April-

     I got to coach 2 middle school soccer teams from my Alma Mater (The Willows Academy).  It was so much fun!

June-

     I got to visit my sister in Boston.  I hadn't been to see her since she moved out there 2 years ago.  It was an awesome trip!

       Hanging out at the Boston Marathon Finish Line... One day I hope to get there and actually run the entire course...

       I also got to see the Newport Mansions -  I was in Heaven!!  The mansions were incredible, filled with so much history and incredibly ornate!

       I got to spend a week up in Wisconsin at my grandparents cottage while my relatives were in town from Georgia during the hottest spell this summer! 

July-

       My little sister and I made a weekend of it and went to Country Thunder and saw amazing performers like Hunter Hayes, Thomas Rhett, Toby Keith, Easton Corbin, Blake Shelton and many many more!

August-

I started coaching this crazy group of High School girls in Cross Country.  It was quite the season!

September-

      My family welcomed in the newest member of the family, Savannah Rose.  She is the most adorable niece ever! 

October -

      I ran my 4th Chicago Marathon, it wasn't pretty and I'm still recovering but I ran it for the most incredible charity: Team Salute! Honoring the Service, Remembering the Sacrifice! For all of our military men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our beautiful country.

     I was named the ISL Coach of the Year for our Cross Country Team! It was my first year coaching, so it was and is an incredible honor, I'm truthfully still in disbelief... How did this happen??  Most of the season I felt like I was still trying to figure out how and whats the best way to coach!

November -

 

     One of our Cross Country Runners made it to State in Peoria as a Freshman!  I'm incredibly proud of her and it was quite the experience, taking the entire Varsity team of 12 girls down to state to cheer on their teammate!  

What a year it has been!  Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!