A look at our year....

January: Matthew and I went to Disneyworld for my 25th Birthday. I was 10 weeks pregnant.

February: I was in my last semester at Brenau. I was getting very close to finishing my masters. Very hectic month balancing work and school.

March: I learned how to sew.

April: I was getting bigger by the minute. Celebrated the Death and Resurrection of my Lord and Savior. Almost done with Grad school! It was also the last few months of my small group. We had been together for 7 years. We still have survivor nights though.

May: I graduated from Brenau. The Baby showers began.

June: The Bead board began for Ella's room (thank you Korey and Matthew) and our house was painted. Finally! We also had more showers

July: Showers and Orlando with Mom, Emily, Bella, and Lisa. I had to miss Jekyll though. So sad.... Lane and I taught two classes this month for Hall county on Writing and Reading Workshop. (Too funny...we decided to avoid ppts at all costs.) I also got a haircut that I absolutely Hated! (glad it grows fast)

August: Ella Reese Strickland was born!

September: We got news that Ella was a CF carrier and possibly had CF. We had to go down to Egleston to get her tested. We would have Praised Him either way, but are very thankful that Ella does not have it. It will however effect her children, because it is a genetic disorder. I also experienced postpartum depression. (blogging about this later) I am very blessed to have such great family and friends. I had such a huge support system during this time in my life. My mom lived with us practically for 5 weeks and my husband Matthew was more loving than ever.

October:

Ella had her first visit to the pumpkin patch. I sewed a ton, went to Amiacola falls with Bethany, Visited Natalie in Louisville, watched a lot of Lost, Celebrated Matthew's Birthday and trick or treated for the first time.

November: We hosted our first mystery dinner party. It was a ton of fun. The "Aunts also came to visit." (Shealy, Jessica, and Melissa)

December: Christmas baking, Cookie exchanges, Ella's first cousin picture with Santa, First Annual Ornament Crafting Party, plus more baking.

Christmas Eve: We always go down to Matthew's parents house and celebrate on Christmas Eve. Ella was sick and very fussy. Unwrapping presents took like 4 hours. It was so nice once she finally settled down and we could enjoy each others company. We ended the night at Waffle house. I hope it is a new tradition. It was a lot of fun. I am so thankful for that side of my family, couldn't ask for more.

Colorado Christmas: My family met in Colorado on the 28th. We had so much fun at Estes Park, Downtown Fort Collins, White Christmas dinner theatre with girls, bananagrams, spending time with one another and of course waking up to an amazing view and great breakfast.

It has been such a fun year. Can't wait for 2010.