Looking back at 2011 with smiles

I can’t say that I am sad to say goodbye to 2011.  It was a hard year full of challenges…. but it was also a year of miracles and blessings.

As I think of the good things that happened this year my heart is full of thankfulness and smiles.

For my Sunday Six today I will recount some of the highlights of the 1st 6 months of  2011 that made me smile.

We brought in the New Year 2011 with our dear Utah Family

 

We were excited to see Ernie’s high school band march in the Tournament of Roses Parade… that was a big honor for Ernie and his band kids.

The most important event in February was Ellie’s adoption being finalized in court. What a special day!!

John and I took a Valentine’s cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada

My 1st herbal tea party of the year was in Feb. Jan was feeling better back then and we spent a day decorating cupcakes for our tea party. That was a lot of fun.

I made lots of sewing projects for grandkiddos including 19 superman capes for Austin’s 6th birthday party, 2 quiet books and…

… a Temple/Blessing dress for our Ellie Mae.

Finishing those projects made me smile.

On March 25th we survived 3 collisions on the 15 freeway in Nephi, Utah on the way to Ellie’s temple sealing. Being in that terrible accident did not make me smile but John and I both surviving surely does. Ellie was sealed to our family in the Temple on March 26th. John and I missed it because of the accident but all the rest of our family attended… that made me smile too.

On April 2nd my doctors let us break the ICU two visitor rule so my family could come into my room for Ellie’s blessing.

I had had a really bad day & took a turn for the worse that day.  I was afraid they would cancel permission for the blessing…but they didn’t. That really made me smile.

On April 15, after 3 weeks in ICU/PCU, I got to graduate to Heritage Care Rehab hospital.  Yea!

My girls brought a lovely Easter dinner to the hospital for me. Smile..Smile..

After 6 weeks in the hospital, I finally got to come home to CA.  Friends greeted us … Even the sign at the front door made me smile…Bob John and I were so happy to be home together.

My hospital bed was all set up in the family room so I could be down in bed but still be a part of things.  That made me smile.

Our grandson, Johnny, made the level 9 USA National Gymnastics Team on May 7th.

I was disappointed that I could not attend Nationals which were held in Long Beach, just an hour’s drive from our home…. but Johnny came out to give me my own specialized “walker-gymnastics' show.” That made me smile.

On May 8th John and my sweet girls made Mother’s Day special. Looking back on these pictures makes me smile. I had a chest full of broken ribs, was bedridden and could hardly walk. Considering the shape I was in… I think I looked pretty good…don’t you? lol

Mindy and the kids made Father’s Day special for John. My heart was full of smiles that John survived the accident and was here with us to celebrate with us.

As you can see, I had lots to smile about during the 1st six months of 2011.

I am thankful for these smiles and many more that I didn’t list here.

What made you smile in 2011 and were the highlights of your year ?

I am sending New Year best wishes your way.

Hugs, Grammy Lura