Out With the Old and In With the New

2011 has been an amazing year! This year challenged me more than I would've liked, but God sure had a plan for me and I was thrilled to see what he had in store for me this year. Here is a list of the top 11 things I am thankful for in the year 2011:

1. I graduated college. Phew, it was a long journey, but one that was worth every ounce of energy, blood, sweat and tears. 2. Tyson and I celebrated 4 years of marriage. I believe that 2011 was our best year yet. We are more comfortable with each other and are falling more in love with each other.



3. A summer of testing patience and trials. I was jobless for 8 months. In that time, I had to trust in God and rely in his plan for my life. At times, I was sad and mad but in the end God showed me his mercies when I thought there was no teaching job available.

4. I got a JOB. Not only a Job, but it was my dream job. I am a teacher to 19 amazing first graders that challenge me daily and allow me to be a positive role model in their lives. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

4. My Brother-in-Law Jake. He is fighting in War right now for our freedom. He has showed strength, motivation and a desire to be the best. I also love watching Tyson's and Jake's brotherly relationship. It makes me so happy to see how much they love each other.



5. My true friends. This last year I was burned by some friends that I thought were real and genuine to my life. That wasn't the case. I cherish the moments we shared, but am thankful that I had the strength to turn away from a friendship that was hurtful and dangerous. I am thankful to have Tanya and Emma in my life as two of my best friends. I can always rely on them to make me laugh when I'm feeling down and that my secrets will remain secrets. 6. My inlaws: My inlaws have accepted me and have shown me a love and support that I don't expect to have. I am so lucky to have married into a family that genuinly loves each other and is always supportive of everything we do.

7. My house. This past March has dated three years in our house. I come home often and sit on the couch in amazement that this house belongs to me. I feel so blessed that God allowed Tyson and I to have a home of our own.

8. My dogs. I love Jack and Cooper more than a human should probably love a pet. They are like my kids and provide entertainment when Tyson is at work. Jack is getting older and is the sweetest dog ever. Cooper is ALMOST out of his puppy years (I think..and hope) and has really calmed down. He is so funny and I can't wait until he becomes a loyal, family dog.




9. Crossroads Community Church: This is a church that I've grown to love, but I am so happy to call it my home church. The sermons are challenging and the worship allows me to experience a deeper relationship with God.

10. My sister and brother: I am so proud to be Kelsey's and Jacob's older sister. I am so proud of their accomplishments and am excited to see the direction of their lives. My sister is almost done with high school. She will be going to college in a mere 8 months. Jacob has shown amazing soccer talents and is becoming quite the young man. I am so happy that Jacob has Tyson as a "man" role model in his life.


11. Tyson: I saved the best for last. Tyson has been my rock in 2011. He allowed me to quit my hotel job to pursue my degree. It was a financial sacrifice. This past year's challenges, achievements and events have really made our relationship stronger and happier. We are relying on God to reveal his plans to us and have trust and faith that 2012 will be even bigger and better. I love you Tyson Stoddard. Thank you for being my everything.

I am so excited for a new year. I feel like I'm finally settled and at peace with life. Here is what I'm looking forward to in the year 2012:

1. Baby talk

2. Weightloss Journey

3. Travels

4. New Friendships

5. Deeper Love with my MAN

Happy New Year Everyone! Here's to new begingings, new loves, new friendships and questions being answered. CHEERS!!!

Latest...

We just celebrated Thanksgiving. I had a good time. We had lunch at my parents house and then I went and had some fun at my cousin, Naomi's, house with her family. That was a blast. I got to meet my cousin's newborn, Carson and play games with the rest of the group. This year, I made some desserts to take to my parents house for Thanksgiving. I made my very first, home-made, apple pie and pumpkin roll. I still need a little more practice on the pie, but it sure looked pretty.

My most awesomest (new word in my dictionary) Tanya came to town for Thanksgiving. I always have a good time with her because she's a true friend that I know will always have my back. She's pretty amazing. Anyway, we decided to do a little Black Friday shopping. We weren't too dedicated to stand in line, but we were pretty amazed at the intensity of crowds and lines. It was a blast! We started at 11:00 with a start-up dinner at Jack in the Box then headed to brave the LINE at Target. That was interesting. The doors opened at midnight and the first customer to leave the store with a purchase walked out at 12:06. That guy wasn't kidding around. I bought the first two seasons of Modern Family which totally excited me. Next, we went to Best Buy so Tanya (aka Nicole) could get herself a FREE phone with upgrade. LUCKY!!! Later we stormed through the mall with a delicious Starbucks drink in hand. Seven hours later, I made it home and went straight to bed.

I had an amazing, and very much needed week off of work. It felt so good to catch up on sleep and life since I've been very consumed in work since August 25th. I did manage to go in twice during my break to get some planning and organizing done. I had a dream that the students were out of control when they returned from break. I'm hoping that dream wasn't a glimpse of reality. I'm ready to go back to work and continue to do the most amazing job out there. I'm ready for the kids to keep learning how to read and I'm hoping they are ready to as well. Here is what I did during my break:

Finally, the most amazing time of the year is underway: CHRISTMAS. I love Christmas! I love the smells, colors, glitter, music, decorations and the cozy feeling in my home. I love decorating for Christmas. I don't go crazy because I'm still young and have lots of time to buy things, but I do with what I have. Here are some of my decorations in the Stoddard home:

Psalm 37

I'm so glad I went to church today. The sermon covered Psalm 37 vs. 1-9. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the moment. I've been doing a lot of wondering lately especially about the possibility of having a baby. Tyson and I went to a birthday party for a darling little girl who just turned one. We both left there really feeling the desire to have a baby of our own. We've been married now for 4 years, and we feel ready to take this next step. Psalm 37 showed me to have patience in GOD's plan and trust him for HE knows the path of my life. So...here's me being patient....?????

Senior Pictures

My "baby" sister is all grown up. I wanted to take some pictures of her because the Fall surroundings are just too beautiful to miss. Well, she took away the scenery as her stunning photogenic face captivated my camera. I can't believe that in less than 6 months she will be a high school graduate and on her way to college. Gosh, I feel old. Here are some of the pictures that I took of my dear Kelsey.