From 2011 to 2012

2011 was a truly fantastic year...most of the time; however, the times that weren't so great were really hard.We've survived our first year here in Oregon, and it's from our move that the best times and toughest challenges came.

We visited the coast more than ever. We went camping and crabbing in the same month, sometimes in the same week. We visited a couple lighthouses, made new friends, lost some too. We got our baby Duke and learned the challenges of owning a Husky. We had people from back home come visit us and hotel Merrigan was full for 2 months straight. We went to and were in multiple weddings. We were able to go back home twice this year. John started out in a job he hated and found the Lowe's job which has been a blessing. We searched for a home church and finally found one we feel welcome in. I finally found a job in my career field and got out of the worst job on my resume' to date. I flew out to NC to reunite with Lizzie who I hadn't seen in 11 months. My brother moved to Oregon and announced his move to LA all  in an 11 month time period. My great grandma passed away and I couldn't go out for the funeral. Kevin & Jaici announced their pregnancy. My little sister got a boyfriend. Tina, Dave, Karen and Mike all moved out of Utah to Oregon.

I'm sure that's not all of the major events that happened in our lives this year, but those are the ones that stand out and had the most influence. The best part of this year to me was Duke. He's made our lives so much better, maybe a little harder too, but the good definitely outweigh the bad. The worst thing that happened was the passing of my great grandma. There was nothing good about that. I'd do anything to have her back.

Who knew one year could bring so much change. Our first year as a married couple and as Oregonians has passed and I'm ready to see what this next year brings. I know for certain I'll start school again; I know I'll become an aunt, and I hope maybe a mother as well.

I've decided not to make a new year's resolution. But I've decided to pick one word that I want to describe this new year. I've thought about this word a lot, and I want my word for 2012 to be: productive. I feel like during the day while I'm at home I'll do some laundry...I'll clean a little....and but I sit online and I browse pinterest far more than I should; I "have" to watch my tv shows; I "have" to check my facebook, but none of that results in me having a productive day. So, 2012 will be a very productive year. I want to be productive in my daily routines. I want to be productive in my marriage. I want to be productive as a pet owner. I want to be productive in my schooling and in my job. I want to look back on this year and think, "Wow, look how much I did". I guess that is kind of a resolution huh? Either way...2012, let's get to work!