Hello Again...

The clock struck midnight and another year slipped by...

I can't believe 2011 is over. Infact, here we are three days into 2012 and I am just realizing all the things I *forgot* to blog about. As fun as it would be, I don't think I could be a professional blogger. I always forget to actually slow down, take pictures, and write it all down which is horrible considering I'm supposed to be documenting our first (and beyond) year of marraige. So in the interest of time, here is a quick update.

July

I traveled to Fort Worth Texas for the national convention for my jewelry business. I had so much fun and met a lot of new people. It was a busy few days but sooooo worth it! It really boosted my business and lit a fire in me to grow personally and professionally. Plus, I get to wear some GORGEOUS jewelry!

7,000 pumped up jewelry ladies!

As soon as I got home from Rally, it was time for Donna's Bridal Shower. Donna is my new sister in law and married my brother Carlos this past October. We had a great time at her shower and were so happy that her mom was able to come to Tampa and join us!



All the ladies enjoying the Hawaiian themed bridal shower.

September

We started off the fall season with a fun trip to Savannah, GA. We really do love it there and were actually planning to relocate there this month, but as we all know, when we make plans, God laughs and changes them! Even though the big move is no longer part of our path, we still had an amazing time.



Hanging out at the riverfront at the Savannah Craft Brew Festival.

Waiting in line at Mrs. Wilkes'. This was THE BEST meal we've had in Savannah!

We spotted this sign at a Craft Beer Bar called

 "The Distilery" and it reminded us of some of our friends.

Dawson convinced me to try a charbroiled oyster at Uncle Bubba's

and not only did I NOT break out in hives, I actually REALLY liked it!

 I may even have more then one the next time we are there!

Next we had a great girls' weekend in Orlando for Donna's Bachelorette Party and Dawson spent a weekend at St Pete Beach with the boys for Carlos' Bachelor Party, but as it is tradition, NO PHOTOS get posted!!!! :)

My jewelry business was booming in September, so much that I got asked to give my personal testimony at an area training! WOO HOO!



My quote of the day: Who wants to be comfortable if it means being mediocre?

It really was a jam packed Saturday because after this area training, we headed off to a wedding! Our friends Anthony and Courtney said "I DO" in late September at a beautiful ceremony at OLPH in Ybor and a fabulous reception at The Ritz.



Courtney was gorgeous and Anthony was thrilled!

 They are such a beautiful couple!

I thought this was AWESOME!!!!

Marlise and I at the reception.

Dawson and me on the dancefloor.

October

October brought some fall colors to the trees along with Carlos & Donna's wedding and my birthday. It was a hectic month where lots of planning finally paid off! The wedding was gorgeous! Some of these photos came from our FABULOUS friend/photographer Jessica Charles.

**** If you have any need for a photographer, whether it be for a wedding, family portrait, or other event, PLEASE check her out! She is FANTASTIC! And please let her know that I pointed you in the right direction!!!! ***************



Donna getting dressed at my sister's house.

Dawson and me with the newlyweds.



The bride with her maids :)

The next weekend we headed out for dinner and drinks for my birthday. We headed out with some great friends and had a fun time!



Marlise, Me and Kim at O'Brian's

November

On Sunday, November 6, 2011 we hit a huge milestone... our first anniversary! We were so excited! We had a very nice dinner at Bern's Steakhouse in South Tampa and even headed to the dessert room afterwards. As per my usual, I took the camera with me, but totally forgot to take an pictures.

After our anniversary came Thanksgiving and wow, what a production! Dawson and I took charge and roasted a turkey as well as deep fried a turkey! The rest of the family chipped in with sides and dessert. Again, I didn't take too many pictures, but did manage to get one of Dawson cooking his bird.



Flip flops and a tank top. Not exactly safety gear...

The fried turkey smelled amazing!

My orange and rosemary turkey brine turned out pretty good.

My homemade cranberry sauce

All in all I think that our Thanksgiving was a success! We had plenty of food and made lots of memories with family and friends.

December

December started off with setting up and decorating our tree.



What a cute little tree!

Because of the success that I am experiencing in my jewelry business, I won a "Diva" Award and got to go on a special trip for Diva Day! It was fabulous! I had a great time hanging out with some awesome jewelry ladies at breakfast, then later at a pottery painting studio.



All the beautiful Divas at breakfast!

Later on in December we went to a few holiday parties and celebrated Christmas with our family and friends. Turns out Santa was VERY good to both Dawson and me! We both got new cars! I got a super cute Turbo Beetle...



It's sooooo pretty!!!!

And Dawson got a B.A. Mustang! He absolutely LOVES it!

So what more can I say about 2011? It was a blur and a good year. I can't wait to see what waits for us in 2012!

- Edith & Dawson