28 Memories

*Edited to add - UM whoops my brother was born in 1983. :)*

1981 - The year I was born and I only lived in my birth state for about 6 weeks.

1982 - I think I began talking and my Yankee mom was baffled by my new words and accent since we were living in Mississippi. It didn't stick though.

1983 - I became a big sister to the most amazing little brother!

1984 - We lived accross the street from a huge pasture and there was a horse named JJ that we would feed carrots and apples to. I LOVED doing that every week.

1985 - I am pretty sure this is the year that we were going to be moving from Louisiana to Texas and there was a major hurricane headed right to us. My parents just barely made it back to LA in time to evacuate with us.

1986 - We moved to Texas and I have lived here so long that my husband says I should call it home, but I still have a hard time doing that! For him I will work on it though because he BLEEDS Texas.

1987 - I became the boss (I mean big sister) again to my best friend and little sister.

1988 - I ran through a sliding glass door and was in a wheel chair for weeks. I hated being pushed around and my hating to ask for help became very clear!

1989 - Mrs. Burns was my second grade teacher and she brought out my love of reading and I am very grateful for that!

1990 - I remember writing letters to soldiers in the Gulf War. How I prayed that no one I knew would have to experience their dad or husband gone at war. Unfortunately it's still happening way too often.

1991 - I loved 4th grade. It was my favorite year and I had three of the BEST teachers. Maybe that is why I enjoyed teaching that grade so much!

1992 - We went to the Outer Banks this summer. I don't think it was my first time, but I definitely fell in love. It isn't the prettiest beach I have been to, but it is my favorite.

1993 - I went to Pine Cove for the first summer with some of my best girl friends. I have the BEST memories from that week every summer growing up!

1994 - I feel like I blocked a lot of junior high out of my mind. I was in band+Kids are mean=Nothing pretty.

1995 - We moved down the street and I was so sad to leave home, but for the first time really learned that home is where your family sleeps. :)

1996 - I started high school and choose band over dance and I am so glad that I did! (see 2002) I went to Disney World for the first time (actually twice in one year)!

1997 - I met the cutest little oboe/bass drummer ever. She has been my best friend ever since! :)

1998 - My parents took me to Scotland with them and it was my first "grown up" trip. I was able to attend dinners and remember my dad telling me how proud he was that I could carry on mature conversations with everyone I met!

1999 - I started my senior year in high school as the drum major, and consider that my biggest accomplishment during those 4 years!

2000 - Graduated from high school, lost two of my grandparents (these are really the first deaths I experienced), missed my Gaga A LOT and started college. It was kind of a rough year!

2001 - Attended George Bush's inaugural parade and marched in the coldest weather. I can still remember him flashing the hook 'em as we marched by!

2002 - Met the LOVE of my life!!!!

2003 - This was the year of the surgeries, Chris and I grew stronger than EVER during this time.

2004 - During my student teaching this year, I learned a lot about the real world! Conferences, discipline, punctuality, professionalism, co-workers, taking work home, and a taste of job responsibility! I had the most amazing mentor teach who really got me ready for my first year!

2005 - Married the love of my life. I could have never imagined that day how WONDERFUL and BLESSED our life together would be!

2006 - Chris and I experienced our first full year of marriage. I learned lots of things during this year, especially that you are not supposed to spray hair spray or perfume while your husband is in the vicinity! :)

2007 - I made major transformations and growth in my relationship with God. He did some BIG things in me this year. Pregnancy softened my heart to all sorts of new things He wanted to teach me.

2008 - I met Caroline Nancy for the first time and she CHANGED MY LIFE. I have heard so many people say this recently, but I seriously would have floated away from joy if I had had any clue how much love and happiness she would bring to my life.

2009 - Have solidified some of the best mommy friends a girl could ask for. What a blessing to do this season of life with you!

I hope that God continues to bring blessings to my life in this next year and I will have just as many GREAT memories!