There's something different about you, stranger

These guys are hilarious.

When the rain washes you clean, you'll know

I thought I would take a few moments to reflect on what all happened in 2011, as it did happen to be quite a monumental year.

I went on my first youth trip ever to Gatlinburg and had more fun than I imagined I ever would.

I began and ended a preceptorship at Children's in Special Care with the most wonderful preceptor I could have ever had.

Deavin and I started attending Brook Hills in January.

Deavin became a licensed minister.

Adopted a ginger cat, who decided to have cute kittens in my parent's closet.

Adopted one of said cats, whom we named Ava.

April 27th's tornadoes destroyed much of my childhood.

Peed in a black toilet (yes!) at Five Guys.

Deavin and I saw Steely Dan in concert with my parents.

I said goodbye to my job at a tech at Children's.

I graduated from nursing school on May 7th.

My dad found out he had thyroid cancer and underwent a thyroidectomy.

I started my new job at an RN on May 23rd.

I became a licensed RN on June 16th.

Married on July 9th - a wonderfully beautiful but unbelievably hot day.

Spent our honeymoon in Orlando, Florida. :)

Regretted not going to pharmacy school.

Worked night shift for the first time ever.

Got an iPhone.

Finally got my precious Himalayan cat, whom we named Wilford.

My Uncle Ken passed away after several years of declining health.

Papa had a knee replacement and stunned us all with how quickly he recovered. Now he's ready to do his other knee.

Holly and Andy got married in October.

My childhood friend, Elizabeth, got engaged.

I finally got my coveted DSLR camera.

Tigger passed away. :(

I was baptized in November.

That's huge.

Christmas

Thanksgiving

After Deavin and I left, my mom sent me this picture of my grandparents asleep in a chair. Aren't they the cutest?

Two good looking Bama dogs ready for the big game.

Come thou fount of every blessing

I've noticed that there is a trend lately that during the month of November, or perhaps until Thanksgiving, each day you say something you are thankful for. I thought it would be a good idea and a great reminder of the many blessings that I have. So, here goes my catching up for the past 9 days. As a side note, my list of thankfulness is in absolutely no particular order, but I am using what happened that day as a catalyst for what to write.

Day 1: I'm thankful for my family. It's my mom's 54th birthday and I was able to spend the day with my parents and Daniel. 

Day 2: I'm thankful for employment. I work tonight. Despite realizing that my current job is far from my dream job, I am grateful that I even have a job at all.

Day 3: I'm thankful for great friends. I am looking forward to this weekend and seeing the newly engaged Liz and Ben.

Day 4: This is a day of double thanks. I'm thankful for an employment opportunity and pray that this is the right position for me.

Day 5: I'm thankful to have a day off and be able to watch the Alabama vs. LSU game.

Day 6: I'm thankful for a loving, merciful God. I'm honored to be baptized today by the wonderful David Platt at my church, Brook Hills. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. {Galatians 2:20}

Day 7: I'm thankful for my wonderful and selfless husband. Two years ago, he asked me to be his wife. God has blessed me with my soul mate.

Day 8: I'm thankful for food and shelter. Such basic things are so often overlooked, despite plenty of people who do not have our conveniences.

Day 9: I'm thankful for opportunities to visit churches with Deavin and hear him preach.

Wilford B. Cottingham

I'm done with your picture nonsense.

Pretty Wilford.

Showoff much?

Wilford Brimley Cottingham, my furry pride (aside from my precious Briggs, of course) and the Cadillac of kitties. He's sickeningly cute.