I love the Holidays.  I love wrapping presents, giving them, eating, and spending time with my family…did I mention eating?  As I finished my last gifts, I began thinking about how truly blessed I am in this life, and I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the many people who made my 2012 so wonderful.

First, a special thanks to my Mom, Debra Bailey.  She is an amazing woman.  She is kind, giving, and always, always willing to help. Whether it is picking up the kids when I am traveling, giving Jason and I weekend to send time together, or simply baking us one of her amazing pies, she is always around and always the first to say YES!  I think I learned most of the things that have made me successful from her.   The spirit of Yes as we call it around here is very powerful.  Love you so much Deb!!

My hubby, the famous and great JASON BRANDT, we have had such a wonderful year.  He is so supportive and willing to pitch in.  Yes, not only does he go out to protect and serve everyday; he does the dishes and the trash.  I feel so blessed to have found my love so early in life, and I look so forward to all the things we have to come.

To my beautiful babies, Brylee and Colin, you are my reason for living.  You give me purpose, love, and hope for even better things to come.  I love you both so very, very much.

To my sister, Michelle Hensel, what an amazing lady.  Thank you so much for your unconditional love, encouragement, and free therapy.  But most importantly, thank you for my adorable and lovable Brenna, Cami, and Cade.  XO.

The my friends, my circle of trust and my LG posse.  I love you girls, you make me laugh, dance like crazy, and against my better judgement sing Karaoke.  (And, you still love me.)  I never underestimate the power of a great friend, and in all of you I have found exactly that.  Lots of love to you all.

To my friends in the nonprofit world, what a great year.  Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of all of the wonderful work you do.  I am always humbled by the amazing stories and experiences you share.  Thank you for what you do.

To Sage Nonprofit Solutions,  thank you so much for allowing me to do what I love to do.  What a wonderful group of people to work with.  Most importantly, to my team, I am so lucky to have a team of such amazing women to work with.  Thank you all so very much!

Last but not least, for all of those that are not called out, and I know there are a lot of you and probably someone very important that I missed.  (That’s always the risk of writing a blog like this.) So, if that is you, thank you so much for a wonderful 2012, Merry Christmas, and Cheers to a Happy Happy New Year!

Take-away: Be at war with your voices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.
-Benjamin Franklin