Life with the O'Neils: Good-bye 2011!!!

As I sit here thinking about this past year, I couldn't be more happy to be moving forward. Not that everything in our year was bad, but we did definitely experience some things that I would rather move on from.

To summarize our year, it was a year of growing. A lot of growing together, and some of learning about ourselves and changing from that. It has been good for us.

We made new friends this year, friends who have been both amazing support and encouragement, and we have been able to be that same kind of friend to others who also had a less than awesome year. I am finally finding out that sometimes the only thing that can make you feel better is a much needed drink with a good friend who really "gets" you, and lots of laughter! I cherish those moments, and those friends. As much as I love Kevin, we both have made an attempt to go out more, alone, with our own friends. It has been a wonderful change for us.

Our family has remained a huge part of our lives. Some living further anyway than we would like, and some living much closer than we would like. :) (just being honest) We celebrated a wonderful wedding, and love watching others that we care about experience the joy of being married! Also lots of new babies entered the lives of our family members and friends this year, which was equally hard as it was heartwarming to see. Family functions are always better with babies around.

We had to overcome the biggest heartache of our lives thus far, this year. And we came out of it a stronger unit than when it began. I wouldn't wish this something on even my least liked person in all of my life. But I feel so strongly bonded to all the women who can truly relate and share in my pain.

There was a serious bump in my plans when a job I had counted on having, fell through. Another huge let down. I was already feeling so broken, and let me tell you, this didn't help! But again, someone had other plans for us, and I am so amazingly happy they worked out the way they did. School and a full time job wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it's chugging along just fine! Sometimes I wish I had double the time in a day to devote to being the best teacher I can, but I know my students ARE learning and having fun, so that will just have to work until my Masters is finished (October 1st, 2012)! I have great support at work, and feel like I am constantly growing. Would it have been easier to return to the same classroom, at the same school? Yes, of course. But these situations are the ones that force us to learn and grow. And I am SO thankful to be working!!!

We didn't do a lot of traveling this year, which we are both a little bummed about. Hawaii was beautiful, but next year brings much more for us in that department. I guess if Kev and I had to pick out things that we are truly addicted to it would be coffee, and traveling. There is nothing better in the world to us than being somewhere new, seeing and learning about new cultures with just each other. I can't say from experience, but I would guess it is better than any high. ;)

Some new hobbies have developed here in the O'Neil household this year. The one that I am most proud of is the work my husband has been doing at our local no kill shelter. He volunteers his time there, and is building things that the dogs and the workers desperately needed. His heart makes me smile. What a catch.

One thing we did this year, that we would both tell you we are most proud of is changing our life to vegan. It has been a slow transition, but one that we are so happy about every single day. Kev has had to learn ALL new recipes, and we have both had to be open minded. Surprisingly, our love for animals and ethical treatment of them, has made this transition a piece of cake! (A vegan piece that is). We could both go on for hours about our reasons for this choice, but I won't bore you with that. Now if we could cut sugar out of our lives, the world would be a better place... Anyone have advice on how to go about this? I need help! We make SO many homemade things now, and our bodies feel SO MUCH better!!! I attribute much of our ability to deal with all the changes in our life this year to our eating habits and running. Amazing what clean food, fresh air, and clearing your mind each day does for your life.

Ok if your still with me, and didn't give up from pure boredom. Here is one picture from each month of 2011. A VVEERRYY quick glimpse at our year in review!