Today is Saturday, December 31. New Years Eve Day. The last day of 2011. And what a year it's been. I thought I'd do something a little different today and do a year in review, encompassing all the different areas that I usually write about.
So — starting with the personal stuff. The year began with the search for the perfect wedding dress for Britt. Oh, how fun that was! In fact, the first half of the year was pretty well consumed with wedding preparations — besides the usual work and family related things.
Ken and I took our yearly trip to the Midwest in June, visiting some of his family at the Hayes family reunion in Illinois and some of both mine and Ken's in Indiana. It's always good to get out into the heartland and Ken and I are good traveling companions. We don't talk a whole lot, but there's something to be said for companionable silence. Don't you think?
Then, of course, we had the big event in Raleigh on July 30th — Britt & Kenneth's wedding.
'
That snapshot was taken as the photographer was taking the official photos.
And here is one of me and Ken from the reception.
By that time it was apparent that something was seriously wrong with me, as I could barely walk, but it was still such a joyous occasion. And I'm happy that we carried on through it.
Of course, you probably know the rest. On August 1, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and spent the next six days in the hospital, where they determined that the tumor was inoperable. I had six weeks of radiation, which did not decrease the size of the tumor, but did provide me for an opportunity for a new haircut! By the time the pictures below were taken, I had lost my hair in a wide strip across the center of my head — ear to ear...
... and the steriods had been wreaking havoc on my weight. Since my dosage continues to be decreased, I'm hoping that my size will start decreasing, as well. And, speaking of the dosage decreasing, I think that tomorrow we're going to try going from 2mg a day to either 1 or 1.5 mg. As always, I'll appreciate your prayers for that. Those little pills got me through a rough time, but they're wicked and I'm ready to be done with them!
So — that's pretty much our 2011 in a nutshell. An interesting year, for sure, but not really a bad year. The Lord has definitely proven himself faithful to us through all the ups and down!
The last psalm in my Change Your Life Daily Bible is the perfect psalm for the end of this year, I think.
Psalm 150:1-6
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram's horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes. Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!"
We're singing the Lord's praises around here. May the new year find you singing His praises, too!
Yesterday I took a little time to check out a few of my favorite papercraft blogs and noticed that many of them had posted their favorite projects of 2011 (that they had made). So, I decided to follow suit. Here are 12 of my favorite crafty projects of the year.
January — merci card
February — Go-To Sentiment Card for Make It Monday
March — Scripture Tag Book
April — Appreciation Card
May — Smile!
June — Everything Beautiful
July — Blessings
August — Tags for Wedding Guest Bags
September — For Our Mail Carrier
October — Hello, Little Baby!
November — Mug Filled with Thanks
December — Corn Casserole Recipe and Doily Recipe Card
I was planning to briefly say what I liked about each project, but we're going out to dinner with friends tonight and I should probably get cleaned up a bit. Maybe later tonight I'll drop in and edit the post. Or... maybe I won't. :)
Hope all is well with you and that your 2012 is filled with all the Lord's goodness and blessings. Sending you lots of love tonight! xxoo
Beautiful....
Posted by: Janis | 12/31/2011 at 06:42 PM
New Year Blessings my sweet friend. Love you.
Posted by: SueB | 12/31/2011 at 08:05 PM
Happy New Year! May God's richest blessings be yours in 2012. Prayers continue ...
Cindy K
Posted by: cindy Kessler | 12/31/2011 at 08:23 PM
Thank you Janelle for your encouraging posts. Have a blessed new year.
Posted by: lrhyne49@carolina.rr.com | 12/31/2011 at 08:55 PM
Janelle, as this year comes to a close I just wanted to thank you for sharing your journey and being such an inspirational and strong person. I don't know that I could do the same. Wishing you many many good days in 2012. I'll be here waiting to read your blog.
A big hug....
Posted by: June K. | 12/31/2011 at 11:14 PM
Happy New Year!!!!
Love,
The Bravo Family
Posted by: Amanda | 01/01/2012 at 12:20 AM
I have to say I love July ..blessings... Lump in my throat . .. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Marybeth L. | 01/01/2012 at 01:01 AM
I wish you ,Ken ,Britt,Kenneth and Ian a Happy New Year my Janelle.May our Lord continue to bless you and your family, may He continue to give you the strength to inspire us through your journey.
Always praying for you...
Sending you my love!
Posted by: eleftheria | 01/01/2012 at 04:08 AM
Happy New Year to you and Ken! I love seeing the year in review. You are amazingly talented Janelle. Praying for your continued healing in 2012.
Posted by: Lynn | 01/01/2012 at 08:25 AM
Happy New Year to you and your family. You contine to be in our thoughts and prayers. All your cards are great! I still love the scripture tag book. I hope 2012 is a great year for you!
Posted by: Terri Moore | 01/01/2012 at 11:55 AM
Happy new year. I enjoyed seeing your top projects--I think my favorite is Feb. Wishing you luck with your steroid reduction. Hugs from San Diego.
Posted by: Joyce Mehrberg | 01/01/2012 at 12:59 PM
Happy New Year and wishing you a better year. All of your cards are just so beautiful, too hard to try and choose just one for a favorite.
Posted by: Kim Heggins | 01/01/2012 at 08:07 PM
Great projects! I love may and June ! Happy new year!
Posted by: Kara | 01/01/2012 at 08:34 PM
Oh I forgot February !! ;)
Posted by: Kara | 01/01/2012 at 08:35 PM
Your cards are beautiful. Your 2011 was filled with joy and trials. I am amazed at the grace you have as you go through your trials. I wish you the very best in 2012!
Posted by: Kristie H | 01/01/2012 at 08:39 PM
Janelle,
Great collection of cards/projects. My favorites are the scripture tag book, bitty bird card. I love the embossing on your cards too.
You continue to be in my thoughts & prayers. More prayers for you tomorrow. HUGS!
Posted by: carol aka krillsister | 01/01/2012 at 09:18 PM
Janelle, what a wonderful post for 2011. Thanks for sharing both personal and card posts. You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. For cards, WOW! I like the house card, the adorable animal card, and the tag album the best. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful talent :)
Posted by: Jessica Davis | 01/01/2012 at 10:12 PM
Although I love them all, I must say May, June, July are my favorites.
I pray that 2012 blesses you with MANY great days! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Teresa | 01/01/2012 at 10:34 PM
Janelle! It was so nice to see your smiling avatar on my blog today :)! Oh these cards match your warm and sweet personality, that's for sure. That house with the flourishy chimney smoke, eeek! How I love it!! Your sentiments in the heart are perfect, and that Everything Beautiful card is just that...purely spectacular! So glad to see you had fun last night with your friends...very best wishes to your for the coming year!!
Posted by: Kelly Schirmer | 01/01/2012 at 10:37 PM
Your ring of tags is so AWESOME and the June card is simple and gorgeous.
Posted by: Eva | 01/01/2012 at 10:50 PM
Happy New Year and many blessings to you in 2012! You are an amazing talent and I loved viewing your projects tonight. I still remember the Christmas card you made WAY back - the one that won in a Papertrey contest - it had a tree and the colors were white and orange, but you posted about the iterations the card took prior to contest entry... That was when I first found your blog and you continue to inspire in so many ways, Janelle! {{HUGS}}
Posted by: Suzanne Dahlberg | 01/01/2012 at 11:01 PM
I remember reading your blog when you were first diagnosed, ands omeone posted it n the PTI board... You sound so positive and upbeat - I really hope that 2012 brings you good health and carries you through to the other side of this journey you're one! Beautiful cards, thank you for sharing!!
Posted by: Meredith | 01/02/2012 at 02:30 AM
Wonderful cards, Janelle! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Leigh Penner | 01/02/2012 at 02:42 PM
Your cards are so beautiful. But not as beautiful as your spirit is. You are so inspiring. I really try not to take anything for granted. Especially the gifts in life that I am constantly given. Whenever I stop by here, I am always humbled by your outlook on life and I love your positivity. Keeping you in my prayers. xo
Posted by: Susan | 01/02/2012 at 07:17 PM
I have you in my prayers, daily Janelle. I am so inspired by your wonderful and upbeat spirit. Yours cards are pretty darn great too! I absolutely love the card with the truck and all those cute heart leaves being towed behind. Thanks for sharing your 2011 story with us all.
Posted by: Cathy Weber | 01/02/2012 at 07:28 PM