The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. – Thomas Paine
As I took down our Christmas decorations yesterday, I thought about my year. As always, it was full of ups and downs, sweet memories and milestones, moments I wish could have lasted forever and days that I would never want to relive. All I could think is I hope 2012 has more of the same. Well maybe a few more ups than downs.
One of the many reasons I love having a blog is the chronicling of my life, which in large part revolves around my sweet boy, Lucas. Letters For Lucas is a place where I can share my thoughts and receive an abundance of support, no matter what the subject matter.
My 2011 recap would not be complete without mentioning my weekly series, Letters For You, which I launched in September. I am so proud to host this series and I’m constantly overwhelmed by its warm response.
This year, I attended my first two blog conferences and was finally able to meet many of the women that have meant so much to me in the blogging world and am pleased to now call IRL (in real life) friends.
I enjoyed going back and re-reading my 2011 posts and had a lot of fun choosing these photos and my favorites, all that I feel sum up my year.
Click each photo to find my favorite Letters For Lucas post from that month.
Please enjoy and however you choose to ring in the new year, be blessed.
Linking up with some of my favorite bloggers and their awesome, I-wish-I-had- thought-of-that link ups:
Happy New Year, everyone!
Alison@Mama Wants This says
May 2012 make your dreams come true, Tonya. Happy New Year!
Tonya says
Thank you and the same to you!
Robin @ Farewell, Stranger says
What an absolutely beautiful collection of photos! I’m so glad I got to meet you this year and got to know you through blogging. I have high hopes for 2012 for both of us.
Tonya says
Bring it, 2012!!
So happy to have met you too. xoxo
Chibi Jeebs says
What a gorgeous boy! 🙂
Tonya says
Thank you, he’s my pride and joy!
Sherri says
I love these!! Look how Lucas has changed…much love to you my dear friend!
Tonya says
What a difference a year makes, huh?
So happy you got to meet him. 🙂
Amy says
Beautiful collection of moments captured! Your little man has beautiful eyes…so cute.
Tonya says
Thank you! I’m more than a little in love. 🙂
Katie says
Tonya, this turned out GREAT! What lovely pictures and memories! I hope 2012 is full of more ups, less downs, and tons of fun for you!
Tonya says
Thanks, Katie! I only spend 5 hours on it… damn WordPress.
I hope you have a terrific 2012!
Jessica says
Happy 2012 to you Tonya. I hope everything you wish for comes true in the year.
Tonya says
You and me both, friend!
Kimberly says
I hope that the new year brings everything you wish for.
Tonya says
Thank you, same to you! xo
Samantha at ShesNotBroken says
Love love love the shark costume!
Tonya says
Isn’t that cute? Old Navy! He made a great shark.
Happy New Year!
Shell says
I have loved getting to know you this year. And hope we can get to meet this year!
Tonya says
Me too and I would LOVE to meet you in person this year! All the best. xo
Jessica says
What a great look back, I can’t believe how much Lucas has changed. It’s been so amazing getting to know you this past year Tonya, looking forward to more in 2012.
Miss Marina Star says
Look at you taking down your decorations and being all productive. I seriously just got the decorations down this morning, and the ornaments put away this afternoon. Our tree is all naked in my living room waiting to be recycled.
I’ve neglected cleaning my house AND my reader, but am glad I finally got around to seeing your amazing photos from 2011. I’m excited to see what 2012 holds for us.
Leah says
Wonderful pictures! I love that I was in 2 of them!