Saturday, December 31, 2011

Tomorrow is 2012: Year in Review Pt. 2

Mama says of 2011, "It was the best of years, it was the worst of years." I completely agree and as I get older, I find that each new year is so. 
 September
The month started with our church's family camp and ended with school. We also went to the fair, but Clara didn't have a performance this year. I went to a different campus this quarter and will miss it very very much, as well as all of the wonderful new friends I've made.
Just so you know, we're NOT related to Ms. Tattoo Sleeve

They each won a prize :)
October
I started piano lessons! I've been wanting to learn for five years and I've finally started! My wonderful teacher is letting me borrow her gorgeous keyboard while I find one of my own. I'm hoping to get an actual piano, but I know that on my budget, a keyboard will probably be more realistic. :)
The instrument in my care, next to my guitar
 Of course, there were Candlelight Tours! It's our biggest first-person event of the year.

"Ambition Palmer"
  
"Jocasta and Felicity Palmer"



"Rosette Palmer"

Me as "Fidelia Palmer"

November
School, school, school. I settled into a routine and grew to love it.

The cooks of Thanksgiving dinner.
The week before Thanksgiving, we found out that my grandpa had cancer. The doctors encouraged us to come and see him as soon as we could. We said goodbye to him the Saturday before Thanksgiving and he went to be with the Lord the next Tuesday.

December
On December 2nd, I found out that my mama had cancer. She has malt lymphoma. She's just completed a round of antibiotics for some other health issues and the doctors say there's a 50/50 chance of the antibiotics putting the lymphoma into remission. If not, she'll start radiation in the spring.

It's settled in a bit now but is still so surreal. It's put a bit of a damper on the holiday season, not to mention making finals harder to study for. However, we're surrounded with loving friends and family who have been giving us wonderful support.
 
We both passed the quarter/semester with good grades :)

Christmas came and went by so fast. It's such a wonderful time. We made freshly squeezed apple cider, cookies for Santa, and watched many, many Christmas movies.

Tarquin and I cutting apples for cider

We cut and cored 20 lbs of apples!
Last year, I had a friend who was spending his break brushing up on his math skills in preparation for the quarter. I laughed at him at the time, but now I admire his wisdom! This break I'm working pages of worksheets to prepare for chemistry, which I finally (after two quarters) got a spot in. It's been a year since I've worked with those nasty little compounds and reactions, so it's a good thing for me to be occupying my time with.

Yes, it took a very very long time to get this picture


Recently we've been doing sort of a modified Paleo diet for Mama, so the whole family's joined in and we've had some amazing new recipes.

The remains of a BLT burger with Spicy Cajun Fries

Burgers and tomatoes on the stove-top grill
Which reminds me that it's time to go clean that kitchen!

I've learned a lot this year.  I got a job. I got a haircut this morning that turned out to be a disaster. I've gained experience, wisdom, and insight. I've lost a lot too.

I hope that you've seen the glory of God this year, and that you may know his blessings in 2012.

Happy New Year! Here's to 2012!




3 comments:

Carilyn said...

You got a haircut?! I think you will look cute... =)

Weird the first thing girls would notice - hair. :/

=D

Happy New Year! I'm praying for your mom and family.

Stephanie Ann said...

I love your dress! It looks great on you.

Sophia said...

Thank you both!