Welcoming 2012...

        I could go on and on with my favorite things of 2011 and bullets of projects of 2011, etc., etc., etc., but, more than anything- I want to talk about my life- my personal life, which I don't do very often on this blog, or at all for that matter! 

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        2011 has brought so many new changes in my life- some  , well LOTS, were bittersweet, some heartbreaking  .. and others have been a blessing along this road we travel down that we know as life!

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{2011 started off with a sad note for my entire family}

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January , 2011- I lost my precious Granny to Lymphoma. She was a Mother, a Grandmother to many, and Great-Grandmother to several- and a lover of all children! The girls and I love, miss, and think about her everyday. I smile, and sometimes shed tears when I think of her- or find something she's given me- hear the girls talk about her- looking at photo albums- and have even caught myself dialing her number just to see what I would hear on the other line..... But, knowing that she is in NO pain, and that she is at peace brings a bittersweet smile to my face- bitter because I feel selfish for wanting her here, and sweet because I know she's happy... Rest in Beautiful Peace Granny - We all love you and you live on in each and every one of us!

{{ My Granny and I at Oakdale Baptist Church in Townville, SC , I was around 4 }}

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Late Winter, Early Spring , 2011-  I made a very big transition from Boneyard Cycles, LLC with my brother Paul, who I am thankful for in every way and a great staff who are like more than family to me! My new job was a very big change and a bittersweet one at first. Bitter because I was leaving behind my scheduled life, the life I had known for the past three years with people I love and trust and miss dearly. I moved on to a whole new career- a new adventure with new people and new aspects! And, this is where the sweet comes in - I am in love with my work family- each and everyone of you are unique and special in your very own way! I have had the opportunity to meet and befriend and partner with some AMAZING people! I appreciate each and everyone of you for taking me in and being so kind to me! I know that 2012 will bring a very good year for us! 

{{Me and my Boneyard Family (minus The Fuji)}}

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Summer- 2011- I made a big move- well- a big move for me that is- an hour or more away from everything I'd known for most of my life- I left my little country town behind and moved closer in for our jobs, convienience and better education for our children. We also moved closer to my dear friend, Courtney as well as me moving closer to lots of my friends, Heather, Casey, etc etc etc :-) I love all of you! Although I was extremely apphrehensive at first, this is one of the best stepping stones of the year! I love where we live- it's coming along and we're making it more and more "ours" each day. The children are doing GREAT in school! The work ethic of their teachers and staff is outstanding! 

{{Very first day at their new school, VERY happy girls!!}}

{{Courtney and I}}

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I am so thankful to see another year and welcome it with open arms- knowing that this will be better than the last but, not as good as the next!! Happy New Year Friends, Family, and Readers!! Love and Peace to all of you and yours!!!

Love, hugs, and all that goes along, 

                                            Melissa - (Trashy Betty)