New Year 2011 | Reflecting on 2010

2010 has been unbelievable. I have done lots of amazing things and spent the year with all of the people that I love. I am such a lucky girl. Right now as your reading this (remember, I scheduled these last few posts in advance) I am bringing in the new year in Prosper, Haiti. It won't be glamorous, it won't be romantic, but I have a feeling that I am having the best new years eve of my life - on the side of a mountain, sweating, and wearing a t-shirt + tennis shoes. Goodbye 2010 - it's been great & although I'm sad to see you go, I have a feeling your friend 2011 will be just as good even better to me.

Happy New Year Everyone.
Be safe & remember what this life is all about! :)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne!

Here's a recap of my 2010 - Enjoy :)

NYE09 - Bringing in 2010 in LA
I celebrated NYE in the backseat of a minivan in Los Angeles. It was OK though, because the next day I got to go to the Rose Bowl!

[new years eve - 2009]
01 buckeye pep rally on santa monica pier!
02 spent in a mini van in los angeles

[january]
01 rose bowl OSU v oregon. bucks win 26-17.


[february]
01

[march]
01 my 24th birthday

[april]
01 girls trip to myrtle beach with sister, linley, & little ones.
02 april 30th - rip daisy mae

[may]
01

[june]
01 graduated from the ohio state university
02 family vacation to destin, florida.

[july]
01

[august]
01 linley's bachelorette party
02 mission trip to haiti.

[september]
01 linley & brian douglas get married!
02 bella mae came into my life :)
03 get a job!

[october]
01 rip grandma shirley 10.10.10
02 avery alane was born. 10.21.10
03 5 year anniversary of Jamie's passing
04 pumpkin show in circleville! :)
05 alicia's halloween party!

[november]
01 visit brock, haley, & avery in jacksonville, florida.
02 browns v jaguars game in jacksonville!
03 traditional thanksgiving eve at laff's

[december]
01 find out jenny & matt are expecting!
02 my friends ashley & cole get engaged!
03 quick trip to nashville
04 another trip to haiti!

[new years eve - 2010]
01 spent in prosper, haiti on the side of a mountain :)
02 new years kiss? all the kiddos of prosper!

[dreams for 2011]
01 be a better person
02 save lots & lots of money
03 raise money for charity
04 buy a house
05 send money to help prosper!
06 spend time with the ones who mean the most!

Those of course are just a few, but that's enough for now!

I hope you set goals for this new year as well!

Dream big - and always remember - It will never happen if you never try.

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Reflecting on 2009

*Since I am going to be gone a little over a week & the end of another year is upon us, I scheduled some flashback posts to reminisce on past years! Enjoy this blast from the past known as 2009 Recap! :)

NYE08 - Downtown Columbus bringing in 2009!

This is from a New Years post I did at the end of 2009. Here is a look back on the year 2009. Enjoy!

Want to reflect on 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008 with me? :)

new years eve
01 what did you do for new years?
celebrated downtown columbus with my favorites :)
02 who was your midnight kiss?
who else but alicia? duh ;)
03 did you make a new year's resolution?
of course, always trying to be a better person!

january
01 viva las vegas
02 phoenix, arizona
03 fiesta bowl go bucks!
04 corky ree turned 21!
05 obama elected to office...

february
01 alicia's 23rd
02 drew daniel got engaged!

march
01 green beer day
02 jenny's 23rd
03 haley's 23rd
04 spring break in cabo san lucas
05 my 23rd!
06 nathan paul is born 03.29.09 (2 months early)

april
01 anna's 22nd
02 u of l spring game - brock gets awards!
03 haley's bridal shower
04 haley & brock's bachelor/ette party
05 brock signs as a free agent with jacksonville!

may
01 played intramural softball
02 alicia graduates!
03 clipper's game
04 volunteer at the crawl for cancer
05 haley & brock got married!

june
01 osu graduation! congrats anna, allison, & erin!
02 summer break (a whole flippin' week! whoo!)
03 rip farrah fawcett & michael jackson in the same day!

july
01 stacie's pure romance party
02 drew & aimee get married!
03 red, white, & boom downtown (best fireworks ever!)
04 florida to visit haley & brock!
05 haley & brock's wedding reception!

august
01 jenny's bridal shower
02 dollhouse party
03 many weekends boating at brookville lake

september
01 indianapolis for jenny's bachelorette weekend!
02 kenny concert in indianapolis
03 start my final year of college! waahoo!
04 jennifer & matthew get married! congrats mr. & mrs. campbell!
05 rip johnny castle (patrick swayze)

october
01 clevleland for browns vs bengals game!
02 what were you for halloween?
an 80s lady

november
01 osu vs iowa big ten champs! rose bowl baby!
02 ann arbor for osu vs mu game! amazing weekend!
03 epic night before thanksgiving at laffs
04 what did you do for thanksgiving?
spent time with my wonderful family :)
nashville for creekmur thanksgiving
05 what were you thankful for?
my family & friends & all the amazing things i've gotten to do this year!
06 new york city

december
01 hofbrauhaus to welcome dusty home!
02 rip brittany murphy :(
03 girls christmas (last one with jennifer for a couple years ;( she's moving to japan!)
04 5 christmases with my awesome family!
05 georgia for creekmur christmas
06 nashville to visit my daddy
07 california to cheer on my buckeyes in the ROSE BOWL!
08 what are your plans for new years eve?
i will be spending it in los angeles with anna & erin! can't wait!
09 will you make a new years resolution?
of course!

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Reflecting on 2008

*Since I am going to be gone a little over a week & the end of another year is upon us, I scheduled some flashback posts to reminisce on past years! Enjoy this blast from the past known as 2008 Recap! :)

NYE07 - 4th Street Live in Louisville, KY bringing in 2008!

This is a recap I had posted on MySpace! :)

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I cannot believe 2OO9 is 2 days away! That is crazy! This year has absolutely flown by. There have of course been ups & downs but as I sit here thinking back, many of them are ups! Which is definitely a good thing!! I am so excited to see what this next year has in store for me and all the wonderful people around me! I hope everyone has an amazing New Years! It's a new beginning : )

New Years Eve (2007)

01] What did you do for New Years?

4th St, downtown Louisville, with Haley, Alicia, Brock, Teddy, & Clayton!

02] Who was your midnight kiss?

Alicia & Teddy

03] Did you make a New Year's Resolution?

I'm always hoping to be a better person!

February

01] Who was your Valentine?

Lindsay Marie

02] What did you receive for Valentine's Day?

Lots of Lovin'

March

01] What did you do for St Patrick's Day?

Celebrated Green Beer Day @ Miami University but celebrated actual St Patty's Day down in Daytona Beach Florida at a beach party with our soldiers! hahaha

*SB2k8 in Dayton Beach Florida with Stacie, Anna, Allison, & Brittney!

*Celebrated the 1st Anniversary of my 21st! aKa-- I turned 22!

April

01] Did you play an April Fool's joke?

I told everyone I had a new boyfriend. He was someone we met on SB & although he was very good looking, he was a COMPLETE weirdo!! But I got a few people to fall for it so that's all that matters! ; )

02] Where did you spend Easter?

Don't really remember, but I'm guessing with the family!

03] Do you celebrate 4/20?

Nope.

May

01] Finish the phrase, "April showers......"

Bring May Flowers, duh!

*Moved home from Oxford, stayed in Germantown for a month!

June

01] What year did you graduate from high school?

Class of 2004 baby ; ) Hard to believe it's been about 5 years!

*Moved to Columbus & transferred to The Ohio State University! Finally!

July

01] How did you celebrate the 4th of July?

In Columbus with Anna & Allison!! We met some fellas at McFadden's to hang out with and I told one of them my name was Savannah. He kept singing me that "Georgia" song (real original, right?) & so I got annoyed and hurt his feelings when I told him my name wasn't even Savannah. I guess he thought we had something special... haha

*Kenny concert at Riverbend!

August

01] What was your favorite summer memory of '08?

Ahh, too many to remember. It was a good summer in Columbus!

*Dale Hollow with my second family (Sears/Lake)

September

01] Are you attending school?

The Ohio State University<3

*Moved into the Doll House with my 4 lovely roomies!

*Celine Dion concert, seriously-- changed my life! haha

*Blackout 2k8

*Browns vs Cowboys game with Brand

*Dress shopping for Jennifer's wedding!

October

01] What were you for Halloween?

A Cowgirl, Yeee Haw : )

*RiP JNB, 3 yrs

*MNF Browns vs Giants with Philthy

*Obama rally

November

01] What did you do for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving dinner at the grandparents then down to Nashville for the Creekmur Thanksgiving. Went & saw 4 Christmases after dinner : )

02] What were you thankful for?

Everything I've been blessed with. A wonderful family (blood or not) everything I need or want. I'm healthy, I get to experience amazing things, & I just love the people I'm surrounded by! Also, I'm thankful for the men & women serving our country everyday! (You knew I'd have to throw that in there ; )

*Obama was elected President..

*Road trip to Chicago with the roomies! OSU vs Northwestern game!

*Lindsay turned 23!

*Jumped in Mirror Lake

*OSU murdered MU : )

December

01] Do you celebrate Christmas?

Of course! Jesus is the reason for the season!!

02] Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe?

Not that I recall. Not many people have mistletoe these days!

*Entered the 'Light Up the Night' contest & received honorable mention in 3 categories!

*RiP Papaw Sears

*Gatlinburg for a Smoky Mountain Christmas with the Creekmurs!

New Years Eve (2008)

01] What are your plans for New Years Eve?

Going out in Columbus with friends!

02] Will you have a midnight kiss?

Of course. Not sure who its going to be, but I'm gonna have one! ; )

03] Will you make a New Years resolution?

Of course, I have a few this year : )

Random 2008

Did you stay single almost the whole year?​

The entire year. Yeah.

Kissed someone new?

One new person, booo.

Done something you've regretted?

Nothing huge, so that's good.

Lost someone?​​

RiP Papaw Sears

Cut class?​​

Of course.

Were involved in something you'll never​ forge​t?​​

Of course. 'O8 was filled with lots of wonderful memories<3

Visited a different country?​​

Nope, but in 2009 I will : )

Cooked a gross​ meal?​​

I don't cook so, no!

Lost something important to you?

I thought I lost my camera, but then I found it..

Tripped over a coffee table​?​​

haha I'm sure I did. I'm pretty clumsy.

Dyed your hair?​​

Too many times. Blonde, brunette, blonde, etc, etc, etc!

Came close​ to losing your life?​​

No, thank the Lord!

Went to a party?​​

Lots.

Read a great​ book?​​

Lots of great books!

Saw one of your favorite bands/artists live?​​

Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts

Did you meet any new friends this year?​​

Yesum

Did you dislike anyone?​​

Not really. : )

Did you grow apart​ from anyone?​​

Sadly yes. People grow & people change & that's OK!

Do you have any regrets when it comes​ to your friendships?​​

Not really.

2008:​​Your BIRTH​DAY!​​

Did you have a cake?​​

Yes, from my Mamma & my roomie Jess!

Did you have a party​?

With the family!

Did you get any presents?​​

Yeah.

2008:​​All about​ YOU

Did you change at all this year?​​

I would hope so, for the better anyway!

Did you get your hair cut?

Yes.

Were you in schoo​l?​​

Yes, Miami University & Ohio State University.

Did you get good grades?​​

Of course : )

Did you have a job?

ha, no. I'm a loser.

Did you drive​?​​

? uh yeah.

Did you own a car?

Yes, love my Mustang : )

Did anyone close​ to you give birth​?​​

No, but my sister is prego! I'm going to be an aunt again!!

Did you move at all?

Yes, back to my parents from Oxford, then to the townhouse in Columbus, & then to the Doll House!

Did you go on any vacat​ions?​​

Daytona Beach Florida & Dale Hollow Lake & lots of trips to Nashville to see my Daddy.

Would​ you change anything about​ yourself now?

There are a few things, I never want to stop trying to become a better person!

2008 Wrap Up:

Was 2008 a good year?​​

For the most part, I'd have to say yes : )

Do you think​ 2009 will top 2008?​​

Absolutely. Every year gets better & better!

I can't wait to see what 'O9 has in store for me! ; )

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I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane... Tomorrow

Welp. I'm still here. I'm in Ohio, not Prosper. First let me just say that I. Hate. Snow. Ok, that might be a little harsh, but seriously - I'm over it. Mainly because it is the sole reason I am not in Haiti right now. We were flying through New York (don't ask me why we were flying north to head south) and just about all of the flights on the east coast were canceled because of snow. Christmas is over and gone which means the snow can take a hike as well! I was so heartbroken when I got the news! I was so ready to be in Prosper with the little babies! Nonetheless we are leaving tomorrow afternoon. It ended up being kind of a blessing considering I just got home from visiting my dad in Tennessee around 6 PM and hadn't even begun packing! Now, I am all packed and ready to go!

We are flying out of Cincinnati at 7:40, staying the night in Miami, and leaving for Port au Prince bright & early Thursday Morning! I'll be coming home on January 5th! We're flying through Miami around 10 AM and I should be back in Ohio by early afternoon! So excited to be there! I have a whole suit case packed of clothes to take to them! I also have jump ropes & sidewalk chalk - can't wait to play with the kiddos!

Hope you've enjoyed the recaps, I know I sure have! Come back tomorrow for a flashback to 2008! :)

Oh, one more thing! Since I won't be getting back until the 5th I will miss the Sugar Bowl - so it must be said now, LET'S GO BUCKEYES! O - H! I just know they are going to pull out a win! Sad I won't make a bowl appearance this year, but so thankful/happy for the reason why!

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Reflecting on 2007

*Since I am going to be gone a little over a week & the end of another year is upon us, I scheduled some flashback posts to reminisce on past years! Enjoy this blast from the past known as 2007 Recap! :)

NYE06 - Bringing in 2007 at Donnie's

Are you looking forward to the new year? | Of course!

What was the best part of 2007? | I can't pick just one thing, but all of the things I got to do with my family & friends. Traveling, weddings, parties, concerts, etc. :)

What was the worst part of 2007? | Learning that is OK to be alone.

What was the biggest surprise of this past year? | That I am OK and happy being alone! :)

Did you fall in love this year? | No, I was falling out of it!

What are you most looking forward to next year? | All the wonderful memories that will be made with my friends and family<3 (and moving to Columbus!)

Is there anything you are not looking forward to next year? | School.

What will your new years resolution be this year? | If I make one, I guess just to grow as a person.

What will you be doing on new years eve? | Bringing in 2008 with champagne & friends, & hopefully finding someone to kiss at midnight! ;)

Who will you be with this new years eve? | Duh, my bestests.

Who do you want to kiss to see the new year in? | Anyone. It'll be someone different than the last 5 years. Weeeiirrd.

What change would you like to make in your life next year? | Taking school more seriously & making sure I make the effort to stay in touch with the people I love no matter where our lives take us :)

What change would you like to see in the world next year? | For the war to be over & our soliders to come home to their families and friends.

Will this year be better than the last? | I hope so. Life gets better every year, so I'm assuming so!

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Somewhere I have an actual recap of the year 2007 but I could only find this questionnaire I filled out and had posted on MySpace - so this will just have to do! The photo above is from one of my most favorite New Years Eve nights. I always get so excited for New Years Eve and have such high expectations for it and this was one year that actually lived up to it! We were in Louisville visiting Haley & Brock and we went downtown. It was awesome - champagne glass tower, ball drop, etc. It was awesome and a great way to say goodbye to 2007. Come back tomorrow to get a recap of 2008! :)

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Reflecting on 2005

*Since I am going to be gone a little over a week & the end of another year is upon us, I scheduled some flashback posts to reminisce on past years! Enjoy this blast from the past known as 2005 Recap! :)

NYE04 - Getting ready to head to Donnie's to bring in 2005!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
i CAN'T BEliEVE iT'S AlREADY 2006! HOlY CRAP! lOl lAST NiGHT WAS DEF. A GOOD TiME! A BUNCH OF US WENT UP TO OXFORD TO MOOSE'S HOUSE--iT WAS liKE A HiGH SCHOOl REUNiON! i HAD TONS OF FUN (MiNUS BOYS AlWAYS WANTiNG TO GET iN FiGHTS?! HAHA) AHH OH WEll! TODAY i'M NOT SURE WHAT i'M UP TO... ClEANiNG MY ROOM THAT'S FOR SURE & THEN HANGiNG OUT WiTH RYAN<3 GONNA WATCH THE BROWNS.. SO i'M GONNA GO! HOPE YOU All HAD A GOOD NiGHT!! lOVE YOU!

SOME THiNGS TO lEAVE YOU WiTH

RECAP OF 2OO5...

JANUARY
001. NEW YEARS EVE @ DONNiES! WONDERFUl TiME WiTH RYAN<3
002. HEAD BACK TO SiNClAiR... BOOO!
003. COACH THE MiDDlE SCHOOL CHEERlEADERS:)
004. lOTS & lOTS OF POKER NiGHTS!
005. BRAD & JENNiFER SPliT:( lOl

FEBRUARY
001. WHO WAS YOUR VAlENTiNE?
RYAN PATRiCK<3
002. WHAT DiD YOUR VAlENTiNE GET YOU?
ROSES & TOOK ME OUT TO DiNNER & A MOViE.
003. HAMMERJAX liKE EVERY WEEK!

MARCH
001. ME & THE GiRliES WENT TO PUNTA CANA!
002. i TURNED 19!!

APRil
001. ViSiT PHiL @ OSU:)
002. KENNY CONCERT WiTH AliCiA iN lEXiNGTON, KY!
003. NEWPORT AQUARiUM WiTH RYAN<3

MAY
001. STiLL HAMMERJAX EVERY WEEK...
002. KENNY GETS MARRiED!! BOOO!!
003. FlORiDA WiTH MY AUNT!:)

JUNE
001. CORN HOlE PARTiES @ DREW'S!:)
002. HAMMERJAX OBSESSED...

JUlY
001. 4TH OF JUlY WiTH RYAN<3
002. US GiRlS FiND NEW FRiENDS.. HAHA
003. OliVER CAME iNTO MY liFE:) lOl

AUGUST
001. ROAD TRiP TO NASHVillE WiTH AliCiA, KC, & COURTNEY!
002. RYAN lEAVES FOR ANDERSON:(:(
003. jENNY MOVES iNTO HER APT!!
004. AliCiA MOVES TO UD!

SEPTEMBER
001. START SiNClAiR THE HEll HOlE AGAiN...
002. ANDERSON ViSiTS WiTH KAYlA:)

OCTOBER
001. 10.14.05-HEAVEN TOOK iT'S ANGEl BACK.
R.i.P. JAMiE NiCOlE
002. GET MY NEW CAR!! YAY!
003. HAllOWEEN PARTY AT KiDDlE & SCOTTY'S!
004. QUiT SiNClAiR!

NOVEMBER
001. liNDZ iS 20--WHOA.. WEiRD!!
002. THANKSGiViNG:)

DECEMBER
001. RYAN COMES HOME FROM SCHOOl!
002. ME & RYAN'S 3 YEARS:)
003. NEW YEARS EVE UP AT OXFORD!!

WEll--lOTS MORE HAPPENED BUT THAT'S A GOOD ENOUGH RECAP! i lOVE MY FRiENDS & 'O5 WAS AN AMAZiNG YEAR... THEY All ARE ACTUAllY:) SO i'M SURE 'O6 WiLL BE NO DiFFERENT!

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haha, again I say WOW - but, yet so fun to look back! So crazy how we change through the years! :)

I some how have misplaced/lost/never wrote a recap of 2006! Which makes me kind of sad! I don't have a recap for tomorrow! I keep every planner I've ever had so I'm pretty sure I could piece together a quite sufficient list, but I will just leave you with a photo! This was NYE 2005, bringing in 2006 at my friend Michael's house in Oxford! Again, such a fun time! :) Come back tomorrow for a recap of 2007!

NYE05 - Bringing in 2006 in Oxford!

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Reflecting on 2004

NYE03 - Bringing in 2004! (I took a picture of a picture - so terrible quality but a great memory!)

*I am still in Nashville visiting family & will be leaving for Haiti tomorrow. Since I was going to be gone for a week, I went ahead and scheduled a couple of posts in advance! Prayers, as always, are welcome for my safety and the people of Haiti! Thanks!!

This is from a New Years post I did at the end of 2004. At the end of every year I make a recap! Not sure why, but I'm really glad I do! It's fun to look back and reflect! Since the end of 2010 is coming to an end (I'll be reflecting on it New Years Eve - stay posted!) I thought it would be fun to reflect on past years as well! So for starters - here is a look back on the year 2004. Enjoy this blast from the past! :)

(I used to have a Xanga and that is where this was posted!)

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This year has been so awesome! And it's def. my favorite since I'm a part of the BEST class ever.. Class of 2004! I love you guys and miss you so much! I'm so glad most of you are home and I've gotten to see you!

Here's a list of some stuff from the year! I would put more but I gotta head to Lindsay's to get ready and head off to all the parties! Everyone have a safe and fun night! Call me if ya need a driver!

2o04 ReCaP

20o4 iS fiNaLLy hErE!

CoRkY tUrNs 16 & gEtS hEr LiCeNsE! EEKK!!

MaRcH 26th--i'M LeGaL bAbY!

Kenny Chesney Concert with my girls=aMaZiNg!

RoAd TriP...sToP iN NaShViLLe sO aLL tHe GiRLs cAn sEe mY DaDdY!

SpRiNg bReAk 2o04-PaNaMa CiTy bEaCh

Me & Ryan's 2 Year Anniversary...Never thought I would have one of those!

SeNiOr PrOm 2o04-A Night in Heaven..dEf. a bLaSt!

Graduation---cLaSs oF 2o04, yOu aRe SiMpLy aMaZiNg

GrAdUaTiOn pArtiEs... "& dRiNkin gOoDbYe To fRiEnDs..." Gotta Love Kenny

Spending one last summer all together!

TriP tO TeNnEsSeE tO sEe mY dAd!

SaYiNg gOoDbYe tO aLL tHe bOyS wHeN tHeY LeAvE fOr sChOoL

Start school at Sinclair--tHe bEsT tHiNg ThAt's HaPpEnEd tO mE... i SwEaR... :-/

My obession with LaGuNA bEaCh [[the best show ever]] bEgiNs!

My first time voting! BuSh gEts rEeLeCtEd--4 mOrE yEaRs!!

Break up with Ryan, get back with Ryan..It's a vicious cycle

Say goodbye to 2004 tHe bEsT yEaR eVeR!

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Ok, wow! That's so funny/fun for me to read! I have definitely changed as a person! That was 7 years ago when I wrote that! Oh my gosh! (And yes, I actually used to type things like that, upper/lower case) That really was such a fun time in my life and I'm so thankful for the wonderful memories I have, but thankful as well for things not turning out a single way I had planned. Funny how things work out like that. Stay tuned tomorrow to flashback to 2005! :)

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Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, & Hiatus For Haiti!

I can't believe it's finally here! It's Christmas Eve (I should be wrapping presents, packing for Nashville, and packing for Haiti instead of blogging, but I couldn't resist) and I'm so excited! Tonight, I'm going to the Christmas Eve service at our church with my family and then off to my grandparent's for a delicious prime rib meal and lots of presents! More Christmases (2) tomorrow and then heading to Nashville to visit my Daddy! And then - Tuesday I leave for Haiti! It's going to be jam packed with lots of fun things and family and it's going to fly by! This year, I'm going to do my best to soak it all in and just remember how lucky I am and what this season is all about. Going back to Prosper I'm sure will help tremendously with this. I'm so excited to say goodbye to 2010 (such a great year for me) and say hello to 2011 on the side of a mountain in Haiti. It's going to be amazing and I am so looking forward to what this year has to hold. I love you all and hope you have a fantastic time with your loved ones!

Merry Christmas! See you next year :)

P.S. Since I won't be back to blogging until January 5th (or after) I have a few scheduled posts! Every year I make a recap of the year so I can look back, reflect, and remember all of the fun things!  The recaps will start on the 26th with the year 2004! It's going to be so fun (at least for me), so come back and enjoy! :)

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Christmas Card | Cox Family

Christmas tree card done for the Cox Family! Including unique fold over mailing labels! This was the last order of the holiday season and first order printed on my brand new printer! Yes, Christmas came early at Paisley Card Company & I'm so happy! :)

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New Product | Mailing Labels

Unique fold-over mailing label. Fold in half: front features your name and address, and the back has a special touch to add character to any envelope. Order 60 custom labels for $10.

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Christmas Card | North Family

This is the Christmas card I did for my mom to send out to our family and friends! The hardest part was trying to get a decent picture of all of us! Last years picture was so good and it was just a random one we snapped while out at the Germantown Dam. Thanks for supporting my business Mama! You are the best! :)

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Returning to Haiti

Me, Jon, Ricky, Randy, Pastor Steve, Dr. Phil

I know I've already shared and many of you know, but I have been given the opportunity to go back to Haiti! I can hardly believe it. I knew that I had to go back at some point in my life, I just had no clue it would be so soon. The first time I went was back in August of this year and we went to build houses for victims of the earthquake. We were in the village of Prosper and it is safe to say those people stole my heart. They were amazing and they blessed me more than I could have ever blessed them. If you want to read more about that trip, start reading here. I’m leaving in just 12 short days! The time has flown by and I can’t believe it’s less that 2 weeks away and with the holidays coming up, I’m sure the time will continue to fly by!

The reason for this trip to Haiti is to rebuild Pastor François’ home, which was damaged in the earthquake, this past January. During our first trip down, I didn’t know it until a few days after we had been there, but the pastor’s house was actually what we were using to shower in. (I use the term “shower” very loosely by the way). There were a few walls left standing and a tarp was draped across the top to add some privacy. The pastor had been given one of the prefabricated homes that were being built and it was built right next door to where his previous home laid in pieces.

So why, if he has already been given a home are we rebuilding his original home? Well for many reasons actually. For starters, Pastor François is a man in his seventies and he really is the shepherd of that village. Everyday he walks all over the side of the mountain to check on his people. He knows everyone and he knows the needs of his community and he takes care of his “flock”. Pastor François more than deserves the rebuilding of his home and this will also be a home to future pastors of the church who will live their with their families.

Something I learned during my first visit to Haiti is that although the prefabricated homes we were building were made of wood, the most desirable Haitian home is made of cement blocks. Haitians will purchase one block at a time (sometimes two, whatever they can afford) and stack the blocks until they have enough to build a house. It took Pastor François 30 years to build the house (that we used to shower in) and one day for it to come crumbling down. He will never be able to afford to rebuild his home on his own, and that is where we come in.

Thankfully our church family is so generous and giving and we were able to come up with the funds to rebuild his home. Dr. Phil (part of the original group who went) is from Morehead, KY and his church went in on this project with us. Each church set a goal to raise $2,500 because the estimated cost for the rebuilding of the house was $5,000. It’s really exciting and such an amazing and special gift to give to Pastor François right after Christmas!

On top of rebuilding Pastor François’ home, we are going to be stuccoing the houses that were built previously! This is so exciting and something I’ve been quite worried about because the houses we built – as is – will only last about 5 years. With the stuccoing, they will last for about 20 years! It’s just so great because it’s one less thing the people of Prosper have to worry about!

As the departure date sneaks closer, I am getting so excited, but also a little scared! Not about anything that is happening down there – Cholera, election riots, etc. – well, I take that back. I worry about those things, but not about how they affect my safety while I’m down there. I am more worried about how these things have affected the people in Prosper. I just hope that no one has been sick… or worse. I’ve said before that 50% of Haitian children die before the age of 5. I honestly do not know what I will do if one of the children I met has passed away. I just don’t think I could ever forgive myself for leaving them. Now I know in the big scheme of things there is very little I can do for them (since for some reason the government won’t let me bring them all home with me) but I just won’t be able to help feeling a little responsible. I think it will be hard going back because although I got to come home to a nice, cozy house – they are right where I left them. In huts on the side of a mountain. Again, it will be an eye opener and I just hope I’m prepared for it.

That being said, I am so very thankful to have this opportunity again! It means so much to me and I’m so excited to check another item off my 101 in 1001 list by spending New Years in another country! Of course I will journal daily about what goes on and I’ll share all of that with pictures when I’m back!

Lots of prayers please, not only for myself and the group I’m traveling with but for the people of Haiti and all they have to deal with on a daily basis! It still amazes me how willing they are to give thanks to God and be joyful in their circumstances. Ah, a daily lesson. Thanks again for those who have been praying and for those who have supported me! You'll never know how much it means to me!

And, if you made it all the way down here - thanks for reading! :)

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Christmas Card | Merry + Bright

Tonight while relaxing & watching TV I decided to work on some more Christmas cards! This one I did just for fun, but I actually think its the one I'm going to use for my cards! So,  if you receive a card from me in the mail, act surprised when you see it! :)

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Dream House via Road Called Life

I have found the one. The perfect house for me. The only problem? No one in their right mind would give me a mortgage loan!!! I'm not kidding when I say I have fallen head-over-heels for this house! It has so much charm & character & yes, a bajillion projects that need to be done! I love all of the above! The asking price is only $124,900 and yes, I know I don't have even $10,000 to put towards a house but for all the square footage and character you're getting in this house, it's just a shame I can't buy it! And not to mention - the porch is to die for! I dream about rocking in a rocking chair or swinging on a wooden swing drinking some lemonade on a hot summer day. Ahhhh, if only that could happen!!

I daydream daily about paint swatches, fabric, furniture, etc. I cannot get this house off my mind. Although I'm just about 100% positive I will cry when this house goes off the market, I almost wish someone would put me out of my misery and just purchase it already! Until this house is sold I will continue to call it MY house!

It was built in 1852 and it is just so sad to me that a house this old, with that much history is just sitting there empty. Old houses need love and people to live their lives and make memories in them!! It's just not fair that this house (short sale) will probably not sell and then it will be bought back by the bank in a sheriffs auction! Yuck, makes me sick!

So, just incase anyone is feeling mighty generous and wants to get a mortgage loan for me - I will love you forever and ever! :)

PS - I know that picture isn't that great, but I'll probably be sharing more pictures of it soon because as I said, it's always on my mind! :)

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Christmas Card | MERRY

Douglas Family Christmas Card :)

How cute is this family? Seriously. They are also the best neighbors ever - thanks again Brian for shoveling our sidewalk! :) Even better? They are expecting a baby boy at the beginning of April, I believe - so exciting! Can't wait to do birth announcements for him - I've already done them for his big sister Layla and birthday invitations for his big sister Aubrey!

Thanks for your continued business Douglas family :)

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Happy Birthday RCL | Blogiversary 1

Wowza! I can't believe I have been blogging for an entire year as of today! And pretty faithfully, I might add! Quite a bit has changed since I wrote my very first post,  but I'm so glad I did!

Whenever I start a blog or journal, I'm never too sure exactly how well I'll do keeping up with it, no matter how good my intentions are! I have enjoyed blogging so much - whether it's about what I did that week, something that inspires me, or things I've done for Paisley Card Company! It's nice to be able to go back and reflect on this past year and I'm so looking forward to seeing what another year brings! Life gets better every minute, doesn't it?

I hope the small number of you who read my blog have enjoyed it as much as I have! :)

Thanks for reading loves!

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Christmas Card | The Halls Part 2

Just thought I'd share a photo of the actual Christmas card I did for the Hall family! :) It's a standard greeting card that opens up for plenty of space to write a special message to your loved ones! Thanks again for your business Esther and Merry Christmas! :)

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Christmas Card | Making Spirits Bright

Here is the Christmas card I designed for the Campbells! They currently live in Okinawa, Japan and as I said in the post before, Jenny was worried about her cards making it to her loved ones on time so she added on the option to have her cards addressed and sent out for her!

Thanks for your business Jenny & Merry Christmas to you & Matt! :) Miss you guys!

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

Too much to do this holiday season and having a hard time finding the time to sit down and address your Christmas cards? Or maybe you're like Jenny and are stationed across seas and want to make sure you're cards make it through snail mail safe and sound to your loved ones! Either way, Paisley Card Company is here to help! For an extra $20 we will take care of everything - envelopes, stamps, addressing - you name it! Contact Stephanie for more info! :)

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Sugar Bowl 2011 | One Lump or Two?

Well, it's official! The Ohio State Buckeyes will be playing the Arkansas Razorbacks in New Orleans on January 4, 2011! I'm so excited! A little bummed that my Buckeyes aren't headed to the Rose Bowl because of a 3 way tie for the Big Ten Champions! But hey, New Orleans sounds pretty good to me! The 4th is the day I will be getting back from Haiti! Of course I'm already plotting a way to make it to the game! Who knows if I will come out victorious! But I have plenty of motivation! Not only would I love to attend my 3rd bowl game in 3 years and cheer on the Bucks to victory, but the eye candy down below is the icing on the cake! Peyton Hillis is from Arkansas and played for the Razorbacks in college! He possibly could be in attendance at this came, which means - so must I! :) Wish me luck & O - H! :)

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In the Studio | Christmas Cards

I've been pretty busy designing Christmas cards today! So much fun! I haven't done much this weekend but relax and design. It's been amazing! Working full time doesn't leave me much time or motivation to spend hours creating beautiful things on my computer, so it's been great!

This is a card I did for my Aunt Esther! I appreciate her so much for supporting my passion! It means so much to me! :) This was a fun card to do because it wasn't the traditional red & green but I think it still brings just the right amount of Christmas cheer to the table! The photo was taken back in June on our family vacation to Destin, Florida and it turned out to be the perfect one to use on their Christmas cards!

Thanks again, Aunt Esther :)

It's not too late - order you Christmas cards from Paisley Card Company today! :)

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christmas cards | the halls

This is the Christmas card I did for my Aunt Esther! It was a lot of fun because it wasn't the typical traditional red & green, but it still brings lots of Christmas cheer! This photo was taken on a family vacation we took back in June and it worked out great for their Christmas cards!

Thank you Aunt Esther for supporting me in my passion! You'll never know how much I appreciate it! :)

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December One

Oh. My. Gosh. It's here. The last month of two-thousand and ten. I don't even know what to say. This year has been amazing and I'm sure going to miss it. 24 days 'til Christmas. Also insane. Went to a UD Flyer basketball game with my lovely friend Alicia tonight - so much fun. We got to sit in a suite. Whooo - "charge it to suite #4 please". I'm exhausted, but tomorrow is Thursday! I made it through hump day! Ok, sorry for the short, random, choppy post but I just had to post something on the first day of DECEMBER! Have a good week y'all! Love you!

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