1. Getting my job back at TLC. Ok this was technically in Nov 2011 but I started to realize just how big of a blessing this is the past year. It is so nice working for a place that takes such good care of their employees. They have never even blinked an eye through all of my medical appointments and procedures.
2. My cornea transplant. This seemed like a trial in the beginning but the more my eyesight improves the bigger blessing it is for me. Thank Heavens for the donor and their family that made it possible. And so far everything has gone perfectly and is healing ahead of schedule.
3. The first batch of little German Shepherds. Keiko had her first liter 3 days after my cornea transplant. I woke up and Sherry had come over to help me feed the 3 dogs and there they were. She had 4 puppies, 3 boys and 1 girl. They boys were a mini Hoss and the little girl looked exactly like her momma. They were so much fun to play with and watch grow. It also looks like 2013 will see at least two more liters by the end of March. :)
4. The benefit for my brother Aaron. To help offset the cost of his upcoming kidney transplant we held a benefit in Aaron's honor. It was so amazing to see the generosity of so many people. We received so many nice donations to be auctioned/raffled. So many businesses went far and above what we could have ever expected. Then the people that came to the benefit were also so generous. It was a pretty great success all the way around.
5. Anita's visits to Pocatello. Anita is my best friend who loves to travel. She hasn't lived in the same town as me for almost 2 years now. She was able to visit twice and we had a lot of fun while she was down. Very few people understand me like Anita does.
6. Working and attending church with Sara. I have been so blessed to have Sara as the lead teacher in the room I work in. I feel like we get along really well and she was so awesome through all of my medical stuff that past year. It affected her life a lot as well working with subs and switching me shifts so I can go to appointments and stuff. She has also helped me a lot with moving into a new ward. I get so nervous in social situations and having her there at church has made it more comfortable to be there. Looking forward to being roomies in August!
7. Seeing the revolving relationship with my parents. I have been an adult for awhile now but the past year I have seen more of an adult relationship than a parent/child relationship with them. My dad and I have had really good talks the past year that shows to me that he respects my opinion. This has also happened with my mom and I's conversations. What would I do without my parents? They are two of the main people that carried me through the past year. They have probably seen enough of my tears to last them a lifetime. They honestly don't get even a tenth of the credit they deserve. They are the strongest people I know and I hope someday I can have a marriage like theirs and the relationship with my children that they do.
8. Grandma and Grandpa Averys 60th anniversary! With weekends off now I can actually attend family functions. Helping grandma and grandpa celebrate was really fun. I got to see extended family that I haven't seen in a long time. I also got some really cute pictures with both grandparents.
9. Getting to work with all of the little Muppet babies at work. Kids are seriously the best! We had some really great kids in our class the past year. They have a way of turning any day into a good day. It seems like they know exactly when I need that extra little hug or cuddle time. I have been so blessed to be able to work with all of those little one year olds. I doubt I will ever leave this job.
10. My roommates. I have learned things from every one of them. I have been really blessed to have such good roommates. We have a lot of fun together. They have helped me come out of my shell a little more than usual. I look forward to see what new adventures we can get into.
I am so looking forward to what 2013 will bring me. I am determined to make this the best year yet!
