These Happy Golden Days

(This post is a whole day late; but better late than never right?)

I remember thinking ahead to all those far away years~ 2010, 2012. I couldn't imagine what it would be like and how my life would change. And yet, here we are already and I can't believe it!!! Looking back through the years, I can see all of the many times God rained down His blessings on me and my family~ of how His hand of protection was on us, and how much closer I've grown to Him. Yes, and even the hard times of trial, when all seemed dim and discouraging~ God was still with us and for us. But for now, the sun hangs high and shines bright in the crystal blue sky of my life. All is good....and there's a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air~ for this coming year.

my blessings in 2011 

All in all, my biggest blessings have been that I have and cherish my family, and that God has taken such good care of us, even granting us some of our wants along with our needs. One of my growing desires was to have a nice camera with which to start my journey in photography, and I was so blessed to receive one for my birthday. I already have a few photo shoots lined up for this spring, which I am really looking forward to. So, my camera~ definitely a want, but God was so gracious to give me one!
Another thing I count a blessing was my opportunity to spend the summer at Peniel Ranch. I grew in knowledge of many things, and generally had an excellent time! So wonderful a time in fact, that with the Lords' help, I will be spending next summer there also. *sighz happily*
One of my favorite highlights of the year is that I am building wonderful relationships with my little friends (brothers and sisters), while I impart to them the knowledge of writing. That has been one of my greatest joys!
And some random little blessings from '11:
My new sugar scrubs
Lotion and body mist that smells heavenly :D
My laptop
All the scrumptious new cloths I've been blessed with
Good books
Yankee candles
The new scarves that I got for Christmas (oh I love scarves!)
This blog! (which I started in April)
And our new Keurig one cup coffee maker. *very snazzy*

 
my aspirations for 2012

 I'm not making any new year resolutions~ period. (it never works lol) But I do have a few goals that I'll be consistently working towards and will hopefully accomplish! I want to~
Become a better photographer~ I do know that this will happen :D
Master 'Beau Soir' (Beautiful Evening) on the violin~ kind of a complicated piece as far as the intonation.
Redecorate and repaint my bedroom, and do more interior decor around the house
Make some significant progress in art projects that I have pending
Buy my own car (eeeehh, I don't know about that one....)
Grow my very own herb garden, and preserve the herbs for later use
Keep up on my study of midwifery
Drink lots of coffee (Hahaha, that won't be hard!)
Post a lot here, especially through the summer
Throw a big party for my 20th birthday (Maybe ya'll would like to plan a surprise party~ *hintz*)
Gain at least 50 followers! (Now that would be amazing!!!)
And most of all, spend tons of time with my family and friends, growing closer to God all the time!

So, these are my thoughts for the New Year. What are yours?