Hello 2012!

OK, I know it's about two weeks late, but I've finally gotten around to doing a Happy New Year post. In my defense, 2012 is shaping up to be quite a busy year so far, and I just seem to be finding ways to fill my time that don't involve being tied to my computer typing blogs. Surprising, I know. Anyway, as I sit and reflect on the events of 2011, I can't help but feel such a mix of emotions. It was a tremendously eventful year full of challenges, adventures, excitement, uncertainty and success (and yes, it ended in success!). God taught us so much through the last 12 months and while so many things describe the events themselves, one feeling stands tall above the rest and most accurately describes the place that Cody and I have finally reached after our first year and a half of marriage: we are thankful.

Not only did we face a lot during the past year with moves, sickness and new jobs, but our family and friends did, too. With all of the work that God has done thus far, we can only look forward to what he has waiting for us this year. Week before last, our pastor's sermon in church really hit home, as he said that the number 11 in the Bible is a symbol of chaos and calamity, while the number 12 signifies restoration, peace and hope. Because my "Suzy Sunshine" optimism enables me to focus on the positive, I would just like to say that I have never believed so strongly that this is what 2012 will be for us, and I can already feel the peace and promise after just a couple of weeks.

For your viewing pleasure, here is a photo collection of some of the highlights of the past year in the life of Cody and Brittany Johnson!

 We started the year with a few snow days in Memphis. It was my first (and what I thought would be my last) real, white winter!

 In March we traveled to Dallas for the marriage of one of my very best friends, Rachel, to her wonderful hubby, Joe.

 While in Dallas, Cody got in touch with his Irish roots (or mine I suppose) to celebrate St. Patty's Day.

 My cousin Carissa journeyed to Memphis during her spring break. We took her to all the necessary spots including Beale Street, Bella Vita and Graceland!

 In April, we were blessed with one of the most beautiful spring seasons we've ever experienced. We took advantage of this and the amazing scenery around us and went camping in Hot Springs. 

 We celebrated our first Easter away from family, and did it up right with all the fixin's. Of course we participated in the Johnston track meet via telephone, too.

 Tequila did not make my clothes fall off at the Joe Nichols concert, but it was lots of fun to see a country star in such an intimate setting! This was definitely a fun way to celebrate the hubs' big 2-4.

 One of the highlights of the year was getting to visit one of my very best friends, Janet, in her new hometown of San Diego. She is so strong and has been such an angel to me since I met her almost 3 years ago. 

 June was a love-filled month! We celebrated our first anniversary, the marriage of our good friends Wes and Nicole Toudouze, and my grandparents 50th anniversary. Whew!

 There they are, a true example of love and devotion that I'm so proud to call my Grandma and Grandad.

 In July, we took to the water with a trip to Harlingen and South Padre Island. Kirby even caught her first fish and became a true fishing pro!

 The end of July brought this little angel into our lives, and we'll never be the same again! He's a little bigger now though... :)

We travelled to College Station to celebrate Kirby's departure from the teen years, and to cheer the Aggies on to their first victory of the season.

Cody's family visited us in September and we attended the annual White Sands Balloon Festival, where we took our first hot air balloon ride over the gorgeous sand dunes. What an experience!

 Cody went on his first elk hunt and brought in a big one!

Rio learned to retrieve like the champion hunter that he is. Mom and Dad couldn't be more proud!

 Two of my very best friends came to visit us in Las Cruces. It was Carrie's first trip to New Mexico, and I had so much fun spending time with these girls. We go way back after all!

 We celebrated Thanksgiving in San Antonio with the fam, and were pretty pumped before the Aggie game...not so much after though.

 How ironic that we started and ended the year with snow! The last month of 2011 brought another snow storm, convincing us that crazy weather follows us across the southern US. 

 We took a trip to Cloudcroft to experience the true beauty of New Mexico in the winter. Rio loves the snow, too!

 We gave thanks and celebrated Christmas in Harlingen with the whole Johnson clan. What a tremendous blessing!

My family returned for New Years Eve!

Dad and Cody spent the last day of 2011 at the Sun Bowl, while Mom, Kirby and I did what we do best all year long...shop!

Dad and Rio were spent. It was a great day and a very eventful year!

I feel it only appropriate to close with my favorite Bible verse, which is so perfect for the anticipation of things to come in a new year...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:5-6