2011 Blessings

Last year I made it a goal to reflect upon each month and document our blessings. The things I listed are little, some are fun, and others are very obvious blessings.... no matter how big or small I consider them all blessings.

1. January:

• We were able to travel to Las Vegas and Los Angeles to see family, very thankful for our safe travels.
• My time spent with my grandfather in the hospital, every memory made I will forever cherish.
• Fun days in the snow!
• After months of searching and praying for the perfect home, we finally found it!! :)
• California family was able to make it to Tennessee to see my grandfather, what a sweet blessing!

2. February:

• We purchased our very first home on Valentines Day! This is indeed a HUGE BLESSING!!!!
• Moved in February 26th and had plenty of people to come and help. We were also blessed with a beautiful day!

3. March:

• On March 14th I started my Nanny job, this was completely orchestrated by God... only He could work something like this out. After having almost every job you can think of and having 4 years of college under my belt this is what I truly enjoy doing. I love being able to help make these precious children who they are!
• Housewarming Party- Another beautiful day! My grandfather was able to come and see our home, this was his only time being able to come.... so thankful!
• Adrian's Baby Shower- God blessed them with everything they needed to welcome little Cade home!

4. April:

• Maple's 1st Birthday Party! We are so thankful for her.... she has shown us how God loves us-with unconditional love. There are times I get so angry with her and then the very next second she is in my lap.... unconditional LOVE. ( I know she is only a dog, but hey if that's what it took to show us then let it be.)
• Little Cade graced us with his presence- Praise the Lord for a safe and quick delivery!

5. May:

• My grandfather went on to be with the Lord. Although my grandfather was a good man he was not a Christian all his life. In 2006 he gave his heart to the Lord and from that point on that "good man" became an even better man. Little did he know that just 5 short years later he would meet his Savior, the one that kept him for the 5 months he was fighting cancer. Da you are so loved and thought about all the time and I am not just saying that I really mean it. :)

6. June:

• Kyle and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary while vacationing in Florida!!! I am so blessed to have a wonderful man of God as a husband. He is not only my husband but my best friend, I know that sounds so cliche, but he really is! We have so much fun together and totally "get" one another.
• My cousin Dylan went with us to Florida, after been through so much and trying to find a way to cover up all his pain he came clean to my brother, Kyle, and I about everything. Today he is doing great things and has changed his life around! We LOVE you Dylan Ray Gammon and are so proud of you! :)

7. July:

• All of my cousins, Kyle, and myself were able to take a trip to Bowling Green with my grandparents. We had so much fun and lots of good quality bonding time!

8. August:

• Girls game night at my Granny's- this was a fun and rejuvenating night for my Granny! Lots of laughs and sharing memories about the good ol' days!
• I turned 24! God has seriously kept a shield of protection around me, when I look back on my life I see His hands all over it. There were so many situations I could have gotten myself into that He protected me from and only He could do that. I am so thankful for this life I live.... never want to take a single breath for granted!

9. September:

• A weekend trip to Chattanooga and to the lake with my family. I am so thankful to be able to take fun short vacations!
• Kyle's birthday!!! Obviously he is a blessing to me! God had His hand all up in our business, other wise I do not think we would have ever had that first coffee date.... it just would not of happened. I am also thankful for his parents who raised such a fine young man, I know it wasn't always easy... especially during those teen years. Thank God for praying mommas! 

10. October:

• Kyle's photography business led us to one of our favorite places.... Christopher Place! We are so thankful for getting the chance to work with all the staff at Christopher Place..... such sweet people. Also we have had a few opportunities to witness, we aren't finished yet, but the door has been opened!
• We were able to install hardwood floors. Kyle and I planted seed and prayed over these floors.... extra money came in this month and we were able to get what we wanted! 

11. November:

• Thanksgiving- I am so thankful we have family who we can celebrate special holidays with. Also I am grateful that we do not have to pick and choose who to spend time with, we WANT and do spend it with all our family. 
• Gatlinburg- A family tradition for many years on Kyle's side. We always have so much fun... thankful we get to do something so special!

12. December:

• Kyle was able to work with David Pepper and the reindeer again this year, as many people know the winter months are slow for photographers and this job helps with Christmas.
• Fellowship with new friends.... a answered prayer! :) 
• Christmas- With Christmas comes lots of spending on things we usually do not buy... God works it out every year, we do not have to worry one bit! I am also thankful that we are able to freely celebrate Christs birth! 

God you are so good to us, better then I think we deserve. Once again I have to remember how you love us unconditionally,  even though it is hard to understand. As I look back over our year I see your hand of protection on Kyle and I, may you never leave us. As we go through yet another journey in this new year I pray you use us and guide us in the right direction. Help us to see and do the things you would want us to do. Thank you for always being the head of our house, we love you!

Happy New Year... make it a good one! :)