It's been a great year, 2011. Our first full year of marriage, the hubs last full year of undergrad, and so much more.

I've learned a lot about myself, and life this year.  It comes down to one line that I discovered when I first moved to Chicago, "live your life." As many of you know this has a very permanent place with me. I found a new, but similar quote on Pinterest recently that I think is something good to keep in mind, as well.

My 2012 wish for everyone: 

"Explore. Dream. Discover."

Today my BIL (brother-in-law) commented on a Facebook post that I made saying "enjoy the little victories."

Mallory Silverman

It's a PTO day miracle! I slept 'til 9:00!

 ·  · Yesterday at 9:45am near Chicago

• • Joshua Silverman Enjoy the little victories.
    

    9 hours ago ·  ·  1

So, I thought to myself, "what a good piece of advice." And, here I am at the end of a great year reminiscing about some little victories.

*Reading more books.
*One pound less on the scale.
*Making "friends" with a CTA bus driver.
*Paying off the car. (O.K. that might be a big victory!)
*Halas and Winnie sitting six inches away from each other on the bed.

This is just a snippet of some of my little victories of 2011. What would yours be?

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with the ones they love.

We'll be spending it at "home" in the Mitten.

A quiet afternoon with our little family - perfect.

Well, I've decided just now that girls may not be all that different.

I was forwarded these two YouTube videos today, and found them to be quite accurate.

Episode One:


Episode Two:


I mean, shut up! I know we all like to think we're individuals and whatnot, but maybe we're not so unique after all.

I hope you enjoy this little afternoon treat as much I did! And also, that you only have two days left in your work week like I do!

Happy Tuesday!

Side note to clear up my title for this post:
*Meaning environmentally friendly green, not root for the Spartans.

Well, this year time has really gotten away from me, and I didn't even think about holiday cards until this week. So, you're not going to get one for the Silvermans this year. Sorry.

Instead, I thought I would share with all of you my blog, and wish you merry greetings this way.

Here are some photos that could have been contenders for our holiday card:

Here are some phrases that we could have used for text in our holiday card:

"May your holiday season and new year be blessed with peace, love and joy."

"Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year."

"Our halls are decked, our souls are jolly, we're festively dressed and singing, by golly!"

*All card quotes were found on Vista Print where I would have ordered said holiday cards.

Next year, hopefully, I'll get my act together and take care of this in a more timely manner. Until then, we've had a wonderful 2011, and can't wait to see what 2012 has in store. We hope the same for you!

Hugs,

Mallory, the hubs, and the creatures