Friday's Joys

Readers, 
I decided to share what I sent out to my family and friends over
the holidays. So many of them replied asking that I place it where they
can share it with their friends too. I thought our Friday's Joys
would be a good idea since it's a big list of joys for me.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you back here on
Sunday for The Simple Things!

Dear Friends and Family,

As it has been my mother's tradition for as long as I can remember to send holiday cards out, I've decided to send my own quick e-version and not skip out on it this year.

During December, it was my last semester at the University of Utah and the busiest finals I've ever experienced. December flew by too quickly. I had a steady diet of macaroni and cheese and tomato soup with a few hours of sleep along with lots of studying and working. So you'll have to excuse me for sending an e-mail this year even though I am a big supporter of sending mail. I enjoyed so many of your cards and family pictures. There just was not enough hours in the day!

2011 was hardest year of my life with four family members passing away including my grandfather, but along with hardships come many blessings. My husband Kevin received a wonderful job offer in Tucson, AZ and in May we moved to a sweet little community of Rancho Sahuarita just south of Tucson. My favorite part is the warm weather and easy access to swimming pools, running trails, and the gym.

Then in early June, Kevin and I separated and I decided that it was best if I let him work out his issues. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do by far and headed home again to Salt Lake. 

Despite my challenges, I have decided that I am the luckiest girl ever! Why?

+I came home to my loving family. 

+I have three sweet nieces. Katelyn (6), Madeline (11 months), Aiden (2)

+Aiden sometimes woke me up in the morning with "Weesa!" Followed by "JUMP!" Meaning jump on the bed, which made me laugh every single time.

+I had the amazing opportunity to nanny cute Paislee (18 months) on the days I didn't have class. We had adventures all over Salt Lake together and could be regularly found at the library downtown.

+My heart melted every time Paislee would say, "Sa, Sa, SAA!!!" Love that girl.

+On my hardest days, someone would always call, visit, write, send a text, e-mail, etc. 

to make sure that I was okay.

+People came out of the woodworks for me. Literally. I saw friends, family, teachers, 

professors-from every stage of my life, some that I hadn't seen in years.

+I made some amazing new friends.

+I had the opportunity to serve other women who were in my same

 situation, sometimes their situations were even worse than mine.

+I volunteered at Washington Elementary as a tutor for first graders, it was wonderful 

helping them improve their reading skills.

+I accomplished several things that I've always wanted to do such as run a 5K and 10K.

+I finally decorated and donated a Christmas tree to Festival of Trees. 

What a wonderful project to help Primary Children's Hospital.

My tree "Star of Light"

+I tutored three great junior high kids. Two of them are from Haiti and I loved listening to their stories.

+I finally (yes, finally it only took seven years with a three year break) graduated with a 

B.A. in Mass Communication.

+I took a Portuguese class and and remembered how much I love Brazil.

+I have continued learning more about photography and it's definitely a favorite hobby.

+My blog has grown a lot this year. 

+I receive weekly e-mails from my younger brother Mark a.k.a Buddy who is serving his mission in the Philippines. He comes home in April and I am counting down the days.

+I have learned to stand up for myself and express what I believe.

Now, for 2012? What's next, you might ask?

I hope to become the best me!

+There will always be more coming as far as blogging goes.

+Kevin has made significant progress and I have moved back

to Tucson to work things out. I don't believe in throwing away a marriage.

We'll see what happens and I know it will work out for the best.

+I am going to start a Master's Degree in New Media Journalism.

+I hope to still have so many amazing opportunities to give and serve those around me.

May you and your family have a blessed New Year! 

Don't forget how much I appreciate you and everything that you have done for me.

Much love always,

Lis

"She turned her cant's into cans,

and her dreams into plans."

~She

P.S. I happen to love giant balloons along with a fabulous friend who loves to take 

pictures and so for my 26th birthday, we did just that.