2011 - The Highlight Reel

2011 was a great year for the Simpsons!

Let's take a look at the highlight reel, shall we?

In January Jack turned three and had a superhero party.

We also changed our breakfast room light from brothel to classy.

In February, Chris and I took a trip to Ikea in Atlanta and Ikea-fied our playroom.

In March, David turned seven.

That is still unbelievable to me, and now he's almost eight!

We also redid our hallway bookcase so it's more like a built in than a shoved in.

We also replaced the hall light with a fantastic light that used to hang in my great grandmother's house in New Jersey.

In April, Henry turned six.

Again, seriously?  Six?  Didn't I just bring him home from the hospital?

We had a joint birthday party for David and Henry.

Our first joint party ever, and probably not our last.

In May, we replaced our back door with a new one.

We also got two scary (at the time) diagnoses about David, and started seeing our amazing Ms. Dana, which was the start to a new way of life for him and really for all of us.  We've all come a long way since then.  In a good way.

We also painted some of the playroom, but I wasn't brave enough to paint the whole thing!  I'm really glad I didn't, because I love it with just one wall done.

I also made a chalkboard out of a hideous Goodwill painting.

In June, we added a screen door to the back door.

We planted some flowers, and prettied up the patio a bit.

We also replaced the glass in our front door from a so-not-my-style-stained-glass to a simple piece of clear glass.

We also announced that we were starting the process of adopting a little girl!  

In July, my obsession with our outside plantings continued.

We started the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol, and have been doing it ever since.

We also started our adoption blog, The Simpson Six and officially committed to adopt this sweet girl.

In August we painted the guest room.

David and Henry started their new school.

We also started Coins for Katie, which has been the most amazing experience for our family.

It has taught us more about people than we could have ever anticipated.

We had a fundraiser yard sale (and lemonade sale!) and raised over $1,500 for our adoption expenses.

In September, I came out of my cake retirement for a very special girl.

I also redid a lamp from my mother-in-law's basement.

In October, the boys ran their first race, and our amazing friends raised over $1,500 for Katie.

Also in October, Henry got glasses.

And David got an IEP.

We also carved some pumpkins and got our trick or treat on!

In November, I gave thanks.  For a lot.

I got some old silver and made a burlap wreath.

We ate some turkey and had much for which we were thankful.

In December, we went to Opryland with Gigi and Henry was in a play.

We made gingerbread cookies, and we decked the halls.

We had an amazing Christmas, and David and Henry can both ride their bikes with no training wheels!

Jack still needs his training wheels, but he does so well!

We have been very blessed this year - we've had good health, great friends, and amazing support on our adoption journey.  We hope 2012 brings our sweet girl home to us.

Best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy, safe 2012.

I'm linked up to Southern Hospitality,  Tatertots and Jell-o, The Blooming Hydrangea, and Thrifty Decor Chick.