New Year

Ladies and gentlemen, 2013 is gearing up, and some exciting things are on the horizon. Last year was the first year I've been semi successful in keeping a resolution. I didn't take a writing class, and I still can't continuously run a mile, but I did participate in and complete two different 5ks in 2012. I did find a job that I am proud of. And in spending more time growing in Christ, I re-realized my dream and took action (more on that later).

In 2012 I lost the weight of roughly one and a half baby hippos.
I participated in the Color Run in June, and then the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k in October.
I survived an all liquid diet for three weeks.
I successfully completed a quarter of a century a living.
I registered for classes, and start back to school soon.

I'm excited to see what this year brings. I can't wait to see the person I am next January.

Day 11: My Freedom

This week the country made a decision on the political future of our city, state, and country. I am very thankful to have the freedom to have my own opinion, to be able to voice it, and make a decision that I think is best.

I am also thankful for the men and women who defend our right to make this decision. They take time away from their friends and family to fight for the freedoms that we take for granted everyday.

Thank you to all of the Veterans on this day.

Day 10: Church Community

When Chris and I moved to the city we started attending The Avenue Church in Independence. We found it through my cousin who was working there at the time. Immediately Chris and I loved it. It is a "come as you are" sort of church. You see people in there Sunday best, and you also see people in Chiefs jerseys and jeans. We also fell in love with the community of it. If I had a problem, there would be someone there to help.

I wouldn't trade my community at The Avenue for anything, and I am thankful for each and every person.

Day 9: Calming Drive

I forgot to make a post yesterday, so I'll make one today on yesterday's behalf.

I am thankful for an easy drive to work.
Living in the city can make a daily commute a stressful one. I'm very fortunate to have a commute that keeps me off of the highway. I take a winding road with beautiful trees and not a lot of traffic. I like to spend this time listening to KLove and taking some time to pray.

Day 8: My Friends

 "A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
― Elbert Hubbard

Life Group Christmas Party

I have been blessed to have a great group of friends. They have celebrated with me during the good times, and have lifted me up during the trying ones. They have helped me grow as a person, and I don't know where I would be without them.

 I am also thankful for Felicia. We became friends in high school, but grew closer after we both graduated. When the two of us are together we act a little like children, at the end of the day though, I know she's got my back.

Day 7: Terri

Terri on a vacation to the Dominican Republic

My dad married my step mom Terri almost 20 years ago. She immediately considered my brother and I hers as well. She did crafts with us, played games, and took us to the pool. She and my dad also made sure that we always ate dinner together and spent time as a family.

Terri also made sure that our lives were well documented. You don't see many pictures of Terri by herself since she is often the one taking the pictures.Because of this, I am able to look back on many of the wonderful memories we have made as a family.
 
When I was in high school Terri and I often butted heads. She is a redhead, and I was a teenager, we were both feisty. I never doubted her love for me, but I thought I was always right. She has also proven time and time again that she will fight for me. If someone even hinted a negative thought about my brother or I, she would defend us, much like a mama bear.

Terri was a wealth of good advice when I was younger, but I never heeded it. Now that I'm 25, I find that I am calling her nearly everyday to get her opinion on something going on in my life. I am thankful to have a stepmom who loves me as if I was her own. Growing up I was very fortunate to have a great parental support group, and I wouldn't change that for anything.

Day 6: My Mama

My mama and I on my wedding day

My mama is one of the strongest people I know. For a long time she was a single mother of four, while working full time in a male dominated atmosphere. She is also one of the craftiest people I know. My mama can crochet, knit, sew, and bake and decorate cakes. She always helped nurture creativity in all of us, because of that, all four of her children want to do something involving the arts. Cheyenne and I are into music, her vocal and me instrumental. My brother is a theater education major, and Sheridan plans on going to college for art.

Mom also took us on some pretty cool vacations. While I love tropical vacations and visiting faraway places, my mom and step dad always took us camping. We got to go hiking in Kentucky and stand in four states at once. We explored caves at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas, and saw some amazing views in Petit Jean State Park also in Arkansas. In the evenings we would hang out and eat s'mores. Those are some of the best memories I have.

I am very thankful to have a mom that cared for us so much. Helping to mold our creativity, and supporting our decisions 100%. I couldn't imagine how I would have turned out without her influence in my life.