2011 wins and opps

On our walk yesterday, Jered and I discussed things that went well this past year and things we look forward to in 2012. Along with that discussion was a list of what we'd wanted to accomplish last year and what on that list was fulfilled. I thought to post part of that list here :)

Wins:

1. New House!! We love our new place out here in the wild west of Shawnee. Esther, at church this morning, was commenting on how loud the fireworks were last night and she couldn't sleep. We had no fireworks. Out here, we fell deeply asleep by 9:30 and woke up at 7:30. Ahhh, 10 hours of sleep. Now that's a holiday!

2. Two new vehicles. Our shinny black Saturn and our trusty pick-up. They're both new to us in 2011 and thus far, working out so nicely. It's been a pleasure to have a reliable car and the convenience of a pick-up all at the same time!

3. Target. Thus far, the promotion has been a huge blessing. I'm not a fan of working till 9p on Christmas Eve and in general, corporate America is not my cup of tea at all. However, I greatly enjoy my job and the people I work with. This in itself is a large part of the blessing.

4. Jered's raise at work. The church really blessed us this past year with a sizable increase in Jered's pay checks. This was a huge gift to him and also meant a lot to him as a validation of everything he's been doing with the youth.

5. Renters in our Hannibal house. Also huge. No more paying so much on a house nobody's living in. Now, it can be a blessing to another family.

6. New tires in time for winter. A huge Thank You to my provider husband, Jered, for covering the cost to get all 8 of our tires replaced in time for winter. That's part of the deal when buying used cars. . .
7. Running my first 5K.

8. Running a first joint 5K with Jered.

9. Taking our Missouri tour last summer. Very cool to hang out with Aimee and Robyn and roam in the countryside.

10. Celebrating our 6-year anniversary by camping in Oak Grove. It was rainy, but we stayed in a Kamping Kabin and it was good.

And now for some opportunities for 2012:

1. Spent waaaaaaay too much on advertising for Artistic Imagery. We spent nearly half of our total income this past year just on advertising. Definitely rethinking things in that department anyway. . .

2. Raised our AI rates for weddings. It's high time we put ourselves up for what we're worth.

3. While we're on the subject, new lenses!! Yes!! Let's get them!

4. Credit cards can be a blessing in hard times. Um. Let's pay them all off, shall we?

5. Being able to give more. How nice to go beyond just tithing and actually be able to be a financial blessing to those around us and far away.


It's good to set our sights on the next year and thank God for all His provisions and gifts this past year. Being on 2012. Amen!