A Year in Review

At the end of the year, usually while Justin and I are driving down the highway somewhere in Alabama or Georgia, we have a customary discussion called "A Year in Review". We think from month to month starting with January and talk about all of the experiences we've had that year, travels we've made, and goals that we have accomplished. It is always a fun time to put the past year on slow motion and re-live it in our heads. It also passes time during the long car ride. This year I thought I would share some of our experiences and pictures to correspond with them.

January

On January 1st we were in Orange Beach, Alabama. We had spent the last part of 2009 with my Mom and brothers in a beautiful condo. We also had a polar bear swim after a dip in the jacuzzi. The Cochran Clan had their annual gathering in Auburn, Al and I turned the big 25!

February

In February we started and also finished a kitchen update. Here is a before photo.

 

 We put in sticky-back 12 inch tiles diagonally, replaced the counters, and extended the counter space. We did the labor ourselves. It only cost $600.

March

On March 10th a little boy named Nathan came into our lives. We were honored to care for him and love him. Nathan stayed with us for 7 months and our lives have been changed for the better knowing him.We continue to see him weekly thanks to his gracious mother.

April

In January 2010 Port Au Prince, Haiti was devastated after an earthquake rattled the city. So in April, we went to Port Au Prince with about 25 other people and helped in the aftermath. This is a picture of Justin on top of a roof of an orphanage/school that we replaced in Ganthier. We demolished a church so it could be rebuilt. We also had a medical mission also, that saw over 300 people. Justin and I loved being in Haiti. Lord willing, we will return again in 2011.

Me in the Medical Clinic

May

Justin and I celebrated our 5th anniversary at the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta. Above is a picture of the view out of our room. In May we also hosted a party for Nathan's 3rd birthday at our church. We attended the Clements Family Reunion in Montgomery, Alabama too.

June 

In June we were able to visit with family in Westminister, South Carolina. We went on waterfall treks and had fun boating on Lake Hartwell. Not all things that happened this year were very happy and fun. In June, a disc in my back herniated and for about 2 months I was out of commission. I laid flat for one week and wasn't able to help around the house for a while. Thankfully, I married a selfless and loyal individual. He was a great nurse and was very encouraging and helpful throughout the ordeal. So, after physical therapy I have recovered. I'm not at 100% but I'm trying to take good care of myself. 

July

In July we went to Stone Mountain, Georgia with Agape. We went for the annual picnic and were able to go on top of the mountain. That same day we went to a farewell party for our friends A.J. and Tommy. My dear friend A.J. moved to Iowa in July. I miss her so much!! We also went to Justin's grandparents 60th anniversary party and Warrior River family reunion. It was wonderful to see Justin's childhood summer stomping ground.

Warrior River Reunion

August

In August, we traveled to Kentucky with our good friends Lonnie, Beverly, and their son Wyatt. Our sights were set on seeing the Creation Museum (www.creationmuseum.org). We stayed with a wonderful family at Troy's Creation House (www.troyscreationhouse.com). We spent a lot of fun time in our boat on Lake Lanier this month too.

September

It was hard for us to recall what we did in September. We mostly spent time preparing for Nathan return to his family. We learned in August that this would be happening in early October. So we spent quality time with him and had many transitional visits with his family. I was very anxious about this transition but as always the anticipation was 90% of the event. 

October 

 After Nathan left in early October, we decided to take a trip. This would be our last vacation of the year and a time to decompress and "start over". We were once again childless and made the choice to take advantage of that and have an adventure. So, we flew to Ft. Lauderdale and rented a car. We drove to Key Largo and stayed there for 5 days. The above picture is a bay view from the beach at the Bay Harbor Lodge (www.bayharborkeylargo.com). I would recommend this motel to everyone staying in Key Largo. We went snorkeling twice and spent time in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (www.pennekamppark.com) and Bahia Honda State Park (http://www.bahiahondapark.com).

November

Justin and I had our first yard sale. We made $30 and sent a truck load of stuff to a thrift store. It is funny how after giving away many of our "precious" possessions, I didn't even see a difference in the clutter of our home. I got motivated to simplify and to attack my living room with the power of an interior decorator. I met Maggie at jury duty in September. Here is her blog if any of you Georgians need some interior assistance: bellissimoandbella.blogspot.com. I'm not putting a picture up because we are still not in the "after" phase. Other November adventures included my Mom's birthday party and my favorite holiday Thanksgiving.

December 
December was full of parties and festivities, cold weather, and Christmas!!!! We spent time with both sides of our family and made merry. It was very surprising that we had a white Christmas this year. As I am writing, the snow is melting but the temperature is still well below freezing. On New Year's Eve we will be at the civic center for the 3rd Annual Chicken Drop (http://www.jbjams.com). Have a magnificent New Year making new memories and cherishing old ones!

A family portrait that my Uncle John graciously took for us this Christmas