January
Not only was it the highlight of my month, but probably my YEAR! I got to be in the delivery room with my best friend as she gave birth to her second son, Grant. Her husband was deployed in Afghanistan so we had him on Skype and the doctors let me document the whole thing in photos. It was such a life altering experience!

February
In February I reached my weight loss goal and dropped 13 pounds and nearly 4 pant sizes! It was the first time in my life that I set a body transformation goal and actually achieved it by exercise and eating healthy. Proud to say that it’s been 10 months and I haven’t gained one pound back!

March
In March I spent a week at the beach with some of my beloved family members. I got to wake up to my nephew’s laughs every morning and run on the beach with my sister. What a wonderful week it was.

April
We booked our wedding location! Back in April it seemed like March 2013 was SO far away. Now it is a whopping 68 days away.

May
In May I was diagnosed with a baseball sized mass on my right ovary which turned out to be a Hemorrhagic Cyst. I gave her the name Tamara, and she was a real bitch. For 5 months, I couldn’t do any physical activity or lay on my belly. It hurt to sneeze, drink caffeine, sit up, everything hurt! I had to miss out on The Warrior Dash with my friend, so she saved me a medal and surprised me with this:

June
My sweet nephew, Liam, turned one! I had no idea that a little baby was capable of making me feel so much love. I just adore this child.

July
My best friend from high school got married and I was honored to be one of her bridesmaids. I’m terrible at keeping friendships going when long distance, but Britt and I have lived long distance since 2005 and as much or as little as we talk, not much changes. She is a good egg.

August
I celebrated two years at my job! In addition to keeping long distance relationships thriving, I also have a hard time sitting still when it comes to jobs and houses. I like to constantly uproot and see what else is out there. Two years in the same job was HUGE for me! And I still like it (most days). Helping adults get through college and start their dream careers has been really satisfying and exciting.

Okay I have two events for August. Isaac and I went to this awesome island in South Carolina and spent a few days relaxing on what I called “swiss family robinson island.” We biked everywhere and got a break from reality. It was wonderful.

September
My best friend’s husband returned from his year long deployment and I was honored to capture their beautiful reunion! (more pics here)

October
We booked our honeymoon. Hellllloooooooo gorgeous. 9 days here? I think I’ll survive.

November
Thanksgiving with my family is always a highlight of my year, but this year was extra special. Some of my family members from California and Arizona made the trip to the east coast and there were 14 of us crammed into a gorgeous cabin in the mountains. We ate too much, played games, drank, and enjoyed each other for a week. Nothing better!

Also….I was freshly pressed in November! It was one of the most exciting things ever, and it has allowed me to discover so many new blogs and talented writers. It also reminded me how many people struggle with anxiety. I have kept in touch with several of the people who commented on that “Irrational Fears” post, it has been an exciting journey.

December
Christmas with the in-law’s was fun as always! Some of my highlights?

Isaac came into my room 2 minutes before we had to leave for Christmas Eve service dressed like this. He said he was ready to go because he put a tie on, so the footie pajamas were now classy. Tears. Tears of laughter.

My mom and I accidentally bought Isaac the same present, oops. Great minds think alike?

Thank you to all of my readers for your thoughts and comments throughout the year. Also, thank you to my friends and family (and especially Isaac) for allowing me to share your stories and post your pictures. Blogging has been such a fun way for me to document my feelings, random happenings, funny stories, sleepwalking escapades, and life in general. It would not have been the same without you! Hopefully I didn’t piss off too many of you 😉

Looking back through all of these pictures, I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. Can’t wait to see you all in 2013! Have a happy and safe new year!

-Courtney