Reminisce with me!

As the year 2012 comes to a close, I thought it only necessary that I write a few thoughts on what the past year held for my life and in the lives of those I love. It's safe to say that this year was unlike any other in the lives of those who surround me, as well as for my own, in that it brought many changes and experiences that were only for the better. Personally, I found 2012 to be one of the most challenging years mentally and emotionally. Each and every experience brought with it a new insight into what it looks like to grow up and discover who I was made to be, without comparison to anyone else.

With many exciting adventures that carry beautiful memories with them, I cannot look back on the year 2012 without thankfulness in my heart. In this blog I am including pictures of my top 10 most memorable and precious moments from the past year.
Enjoy them and remember from Cummings' quote above that I am simply a young woman who is growing up, reaching for the courage to discover who I really am.


Number 10:
Becoming a big sister for the first time :)

I love my Little, Caitlin SO much! You are such a blessing to be able to mentor and love on in Pi Phi! You are a gift that the Lord gave me by granting me a little sister for the first time, and I am always so blessed by your beauty, kindness, and sweet spirit.

Big-Little Reveal Day!

HOWDY!

Firedance!

Number 9:

Being in a great church where I am blessed to teach children's music every week!

Some of my precious kids in the children's choir with their musical Christmas tree art projects!

Number 8:

Making new friends in all places.

Incredible Holly and I at the Opera in Paris!

My stud Firedance date, Sean!!

My spiritual encourager and comic relief, Kyndall :)

Number 7:
Living with 3 of the most amazing, hysterical, and beautiful roomies I could ever ask for!

BME House roomie love forever!!!

 Number 6:
Celebrating the long-awaited marriage of my brother, Justin and my new sister-in-law, Abby!

The Bride and Groom :)

The Bride and Bridal Party

The stunning reception tables

Number 5:
Living a ridiculously crazy and beautiful life with my fellow Pi Phi Angels 0:)

Sing 2012-"Mad as a Hatter"

Firedance 2012

Number 4:
Spending quality time with my amazing family, who have had many changes happen throughout the year. One of these changes has been the blessing of my niece, Quinn who has definitely been spoiled by all of us most of the year :)

All together for Quinn's dedication!

Quinn's first trip to the swimming pool this summer!

Auntie Em and Quinn on Christmas Eve

Quinn's First Birthday Party!

Number 3:
Loving my choir family at Baylor with each and every moment we are able to share together.

In front of Independence Hall. (Jonathan and Blake may be making a vulgar gesture?) :)

The girls before our Fall concert!

After seeing Anything Goes in NYC!

Some of us exploring this campus while on choir tour!

Number 2:
Being able to do life with some of the most incredible friends in the entire world!!

Seeing Kristen Chenoweth perform in Dallas!

What happens when ZLAM and PPL meet :)

At the beach in Galveston!

Meeting the Swingle Singers! It was literally a choir nerd's dream!

Cheering on our Bears at a football game!

One of the best guys I could be blessed to be friends with!

Because this picture is worth too much not to include.....

.......and finally........

Number 1:
Experiencing the most incredible trip abroad to live in Paris for a month! Not only that, but I got to experience it with my best friend, Erin. No doubt this is something that I will never forget, and it allowed me to appreciate the things I have here in America, while giving me so much insight into how other people in this world live. I think about this trip everyday and I long for the day when I can return back to it. Until then, some of these pictures will have to suffice :)

What a joy it was to spend time with these girls!

They made the experience SO incredible!

An outing in London!

The Opera Garnier literally took my breath away....

The entire study abroad group atop a Chateau in the Loire Valley!

Me and Erin in front of Sacre-Coeur!

Nothing says Paris more than La Tour Eiffel

We really liked jumping pictures :)

An incredible piece of history and architecture.

Giggling at Holly in the gardens at Versailles :)

As I scroll through all of these pictures I am overwhelmed once again by the amount of joy and goodness that the Lord has blessed me with this year. It is hard to imagine how anything could top the experiences I was given in 2012, but I am certain that it is just the beginning of the many incredible things yet to come in my adult life.
I am also certain that in each instance of 2012 I was able to come closer to attaining courage in understanding the person that I am made to be; and that alone is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
:)

Until 2013,
Emily