Adventures in 2011

WOW!!  I have been a blogger slacker!! While I despise excuses I can say that well, life has been a little over the top since I last posted and it will take several posts to catch up.  For now, like most bloggers, I am in reflection mode so that is what you are going to get today!

In January, we were living in a very cold and snowy Rochester, NY anxiously awaiting where our new duty station was going to be.  We had just found out during the Christmas break that we were not moving to VA, but didn't really have any idea where we were going! 

In February, a fantastic crafty friend and I decided to learn how to make tutus for the 4 little girls in our playgroup.  From that idea we spun a little out of control (in a good way) and ended up creating a small business creating children's handmade items..  You should really check us out...www.byceecee.com.

In March, we officially launched the business with a tutu party AND found out we were moving back to Jacksonville, NC.  I will be honest.  I was a little bummed.  I had wanted to have another adventure and move to a totally new location and experience all that goes with that.

In April, we had a calm before the storm so to say.  We hung out at home and enjoyed the weather that was finally breaking!

In May, my fantastic sister and her family came to the states to visit.  We spent the month checking out Nashville and getting to know the newest cousin.

In June, we traveled all over the place visiting grandparents in SC and checking on the house in NC.  Did I mention that we owned a house in Jacksonville??  So yes, we knew that one day we would be back and kept the house....which in the end was a good idea!

In July, we said goodbye to a now very pleasant NY and hello to a very hot NC.  CB also turned one.  We did some house repairs and then moved right back into the very first, and so far, only house we have ever bought.  What a blessing it turned out to be.  Although I would have loved a new adventure, it sure was nice to be back in a familiar place and already know where furniture was going to go.

In August, we learned that my husband would be deploying within weeks.  This turned out to be a maddening process.  I'm talking date changes every few days.  No kidding, I thought I was going to lose my mind!  I also started running in August.  This has single handily been the best decision of the year.  I joined a group o military moms who support each other not only in fitness goals, but also in life goals.  These ladies I feel I have known forever and in actuality it has only been a few months.  In fact, my best friends in the group I have only known about 12 weeks.  That is a huge plus about military spouses; friendships are quick to form for several reasons and you feel like you are family from day 1.

In September, we braved a hurricane!!  The first one in several years.  We lost a little bit of siding, but had no real damage.  The kids and I went to a hotel and here in town the power was out for about 48 hours.  We fared well.  It could have been much worse.  Daddy also left for Afghanistan and thus we began a new journey.

In October, we had lots and lots of visitors from out of town.  This was FANTASTIC!!  We stayed super busy as we tried to figure out how to make life work with my husband gone, but still include him as much as possible!  Thank goodness for Skype!!

In November, we got to host Thanksgiving.  I have always wanted to do this and it was soooo much fun for the kids and I. 

In December, my computer crashed and off to HP it went.  It took about 2 weeks to get it back and ready for life again.  December was also a little crazy as I worked to figure out how to make aprons, skirts and bows to sell online and at craft fairs!  Finally, we also took a trip to visit friends and family for the holidays.  We went to VA, MD, NY, OH, TN, AL, GA, SC and back home.  The trip lasted a little longer as my Aunt passed away just a few days after Christmas after an extended illness.  We were fortunate to be able to stay and be there for the funeral.  It was a special time for my family.

What does 2012 hold in store for us????  I do promise to be on my best blogger behavior, but we also plan to ENJOY 2012.  My husband will be home in February and we are so excited to spend our days playing with the kids and experiencing life through their eyes.

2011 was a year when I learned a lot about life, raising babies, and being who I am.  I would have it no other way for I am completely in love with our Adventures in Chaos....