Reflections on 2014

It's that time already. Keeping with my tradition from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012  and 2013. Here we go...

1. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  

2. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?  

3. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?  Leaving the kids for a week in France was so hard.   It turned out fine, obviously, but I had so much anxiety about leaving them to fly overseas!  

Miscarrying in August was really hard as well.  It was a rollercoaster of emotion.... going from a surprise pregnancy I wasn't excited about, to being excited and looking forward to another little one, to losing that pregnancy and then hearing so many pregnancy announcements from friends/acquaintances who had due dates the same month.

4. What was an unexpected joy this past year?  


5. What was an unexpected obstacle?   Breaking my wrist at the beginning of the year and needing to have surgery and a couple months of rehab.  Nice, right?  That's what I get for trying to be a fun mom and taking the kids ice skating HAHA!

6. What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before?
  Visited France- for a week with JUST my hubby.

7. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?  A solid financial plan.   It's insane to be in this situation where we're making all of these huge, responsible decisions about what to do with our income.   We have a lot to learn in a short amount of time so that we benefit the most from where we decide to put our money.  Its exciting and scary and frustrating at the same time.   I can't wait to have a solid plan in place so we know what we're doing and when.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?  My MONTLY income surpassing my husbands ANNUAL income.... and giving him the opportunity to resign from his job and work from home with me.  I sooooo look forward to this in 2015!  February... bring it on!

9. What was your biggest failure?
  I don't think that I'd say "failure" at anything... just lessons learned.

10. Did anyone close to you give birth?
 Jessica Tappan had Issac

11. Did anyone close to you die?
  No, thank goodness.

12. What states/countries did you visit?
  Ohio (Great Wolf Lodge), North Carolina (Topsail Island), Idaho and Washington (Silver Retreat), France, Virginia.

13. What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
   August 2: when I returned home from Silver retreat and found out I was SURPRISE pregnant with #4.  August 25: when we returned home from France and I miscarried.   October 11: a follow up OB appt. confirming I was pregnant AGAIN.

14. How did you spend Christmas?
  Christmas Eve we spent with Ryan's family at our house and then we went to Westwinds Christmas Eve Service.  Christmas Day we were home with the kids.  We surprised them with a trip to Disneyland and they were just... oh cool.  Whaaa??

15. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
   I turned 33.  I feel old.... and I'm always forgetting how old I am HAH!   Ryan surprised me by taking the day off work.  We took Amelia to daycare and the boys to school then headed up to Ikea for lunch and shopping!

16. Did you suffer illness or injury?
  In January I slipped while ice skating and broke my wrist- requiring surgery and a plate to repair it.  Other than that, we've been healthy!

17. What was the best thing you bought?
  Our deck and pergola!  We've wanted to build a deck and pergola since we moved in 6 years ago, but never had the money.  We absolutely love it.  It's like an outdoor living space.

18. Whose behavior merited celebration?
  Ryan... for finally quitting his job that has always been a source of negativity for him.    He deserves to be treated better than they treat him, and even though I've encouraged him for months to just quit, he finally did in December.

19. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
  

20. Where did most of your money go?
  Bills, mortgage, a new (to me) truck, paying off student loans. And taxes.  Writing tax checks makes me think GAHH that's a lot of money but OMG that's amazing we can/have to do that!

21. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
  Finally paying off student loans that I was certain would haunt me for decades.

22. Compared to this time last year, are you:

           a) happier or sadder? 
 happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
  fatter
           c) richer or poorer?
  again...  richer ... not just financially, but rich in many blessings!  (is this really my life??)

23. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?    

24. In what way(s) did you grow:

• emotionally?  I have learned so much about myself in this past year.   Growing into just a "business builder" to a leader of 5,000+ business builders has made me realize many things emotionally.  I've grown a bit of a thicker skin.... which you have to do when you are making decisions for many people and not all are going to agree.  I've learned not to take things personally, in both business relationships and personal.  
• spiritually?   Every year I find myself growing closer and closer in my relationship to Jesus.  This year I have to give all the glory to Him... I would not have been able to achieve what I've achieved without relying on much scripture and faith, and knowing that He has everything to do with what is so good in my life.  My goal for 2015 is to become more consistent with worshiping AT church.  It's so easy to become lazy and stay home in pj's! 
• physically?  Oh... this is a sick and sad way I've grown.  Ugh.  2015 requires lots of SMALLER changes.  Please. 

25. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?   

26. With whom were your most valuable relationships?  My kids/husband (always) and also my friends/team.  I wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I've accomplished in such a short amount of time without them.  I've developed so many great friendships over the past year that I never dreamed of having.   I've realized that there are differences in friend relationships.... there are those that are there out of convenience and fun, and there are those that are there to encourage and support you.  I never realized how much I was lacking the encouraging/supporting/I'm-proud-of-you friendships until this past year.

27. Did you fall in love in 2014?
  

28. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?  Nope...

29. Who did you miss?
  I miss Cathy.... its funny how at random times I'll see people in public that remind me of her.  And I wish she had the chance to meet Amelia, and see Hudson grow up, and well, to watch all 3 kiddos grow up and to know them.

30. Who was the best new person you met?
  I have so many.  Denise Dunleavy is one I can think of off the top of my head.  We've known each other online since... 2013?  We met through a mutual online friend.  She became an online friend, then a part of my team at the end of 2013.   We officially met in person in June when we met up at Lake Michigan because we'd planned to room together on the Silver Retreat in Idaho.  She's hilarious, and so fun, and such a great friend, team member and support person.   Annie and Suzanne are also great new people in our lives.   Annie cleans for us once a week, and Suzanne takes care of Amelia.  They're both amazing and so helpful!

31. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?  Easy!  Cleaning. HAHA!  I finally sucked it up and hired someone to come once a week to clean.  It. Is. Amazing.  Even though it is only truly clean for about an hour and then the kids get home and all goes to hell! 

32. What was your most challenging area of home management?  Kids toys!  The boys and Amelia are on such different spectrums of toy play that I feel like we have an abundance of different age toys.   And Amelia's clothes!  I have a slight obsession with her clothes and have not wanted to get rid of any.  And, now that we're having another girl I have an excuse to hang onto it all HAHA!

33. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Worrying about what other people think.

34. What was the best way you used your time this past year?   Traveling with my family, and with my business team.  It's never a waste of time traveling and exploring!

35. What do you wish you’d done more of?  Exercise!

36. What do you wish you’d done less of?  Eating junk.

37. What was the best book you read?
  Gone Girl

38. What was your favorite TV program?
  Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood and now Fixer Upper.

39. What was your favorite movie of this year?
  

40. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

41. What did you want and get?   A camper, deck and pergola on the house, a trip to France and Baby #4.  This year was full of blessings.

42. What did you want and not get?
  Understanding.  Truth.

43. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
  I truly can't imagine 2014 being any more satisfying than it already has been.

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?  

45. What kept you sane?
  Finally hiring someone to clean our house weekly, and hiring a nanny to watch Amelia on Mondays so I have a dedicated work day.

46. What political issue stirred you the most?
  I don't know that this can be considered a "political" issue but there are a lot of parenting things that have rubbed me the wrong way lately.

47. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.
   

48. What song will always remind you of 2014?
    Counting Stars by One Republic

49. How did you ring in the New Year? 

50. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. 

Imagine Dragons:  It's Time
"It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger but then I'll admit
I'm just the same as I was
Now don't you understand?I'm never changing who I am"  

50 reflections from 2013

It's that time already. Keeping with my tradition from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 here we go...

1. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  I did not make a resolution last year, but I do think this year I will make a list like I did in 2011.

2. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?  Deciding to join the Lemon Droppers.  This single decision has changed so many aspects of my life!

3. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?  Becoming a full time work-at-home mom.  Photography was part time for me- and manageable.  I worked a lot at night, and scheduled sessions when I had a babysitter.  My business with Young Living took off at an insane rate and I found myself in the position of a team leader of 400 business people by the end of the year.  Not only did I have my own customers/business members to educate and teach about essential oils, but I also had increasing numbers of business members on my team that I had to help guide into building their own businesses.  I found myself struggling to juggle emails, private messages, phone calls with my other team leaders and taking care of Amelia.

4. What was an unexpected joy this past year?  Getting back into horseback riding.  I never realized how much I missed it!  


5. What was an unexpected obstacle?  Attempting to heal a friendship I never thought could be damaged, and realizing that sometimes people just won't see eye to eye and well, it is what it is.

6. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
  

7. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?  Time. I always want more time.  Don't we all?   I'd also like more patience.  I think I ask for this every year.  I'm slowly getting better.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?  I think going from a Young Living Distributor to Gold Status in 7 months.  My team kicks butt... and we have completely blown Young Living up!!

9. What was your biggest failure?
  

10. Did anyone close to you give birth?
  LeeAnn had Aaron, Katie had Jake, Megan had Benjamin

11. Did anyone close to you die?
 sweet baby Benjamin and Uncle George

12. What states/countries did you visit?
 North Carolina and Florida

13. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
   Not necessarily a date, but event.  In February, my friend and client called me after having her baby boy (who was born with many, many difficult problems).  i knew right away when I saw her name pop up on my phone that the news was going to be grim, and that she was going to need me for something I was terrified to do.  I can't read the blog post about sweet Benjamin without choking up.  I will never, ever forget this.

14. How did you spend Christmas?
 Christmas Eve we went to Lori and Don's.  We had dinner, opened presents, the kids decorated the gumdrop tree.  We went to 8pm Christmas Eve service at Westwinds.   Christmas morning we spent at home.  It was just the 5 of us, and then Dave came by later in the morning.  We had a pretty relaxing day, my dad stopped by for a bit.  For dinner we made breakfast.  Yum!

15. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
   I turned 32.  We were vacationing at Disney World and Ryan surprised me with tickets to Cirque du Soleil.  We ate dinner at Applebees with my mom and the kids, and then Ry and I went to the show.  Afterward we walked around Downtown Disney.

16. Did you suffer illness or injury?
  Nope!

17. What was the best thing you bought?
  I have to say my essential oils!  I'd never have believed they'd work if I hadn't tried them, and I would have been able to build this business without it!

18. Whose behavior merited celebration?


19. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?


20. Where did most of your money go?
  mortgage and bills.  same ol' same ol'.

21. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
  Being able to surprise the kids with a trip to Disney World before Christmas!  I think I was more excited about telling the kids and seeing their reactions at the park than I was actually GOING to Disney.

22. Compared to this time last year, are you:

           a) happier or sadder? 
 happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
  same.  ugh. 
           c) richer or poorer?
  this is the first year I've ever been able to write this... RICHER!

23. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? Becoming a leader, confident and not wavering in my beliefs regardless of what others' opinions are of me.  Letting things that are out of my control go and not beating myself up over it.

24. In what way(s) did you grow:

• emotionally? This year had some challenges that, thank goodness, I was able to take a deep breath and just "let it go".  With age, and time, comes experience.  And luckily, I was able to emotionally realize that there was nothing I could do to change a situation, nor change a persons opinions or feelings and that I wasn't going to let it affect me, nor my daily life.  I'd done it before... lingered on a situation for too long... years even, letting it overcome the best parts of my life. Obsessing.  I am so proud of myself in being able to just say "it is what it is" and know that I can't change anything, so there is no point in letting it bother me.  
• spiritually?   Every year I find myself growing closer and closer in my relationship to Jesus.  This year I have to give all the glory to Him... I would not have been able to achieve what I've achieved without relying on much scripture and faith, and knowing that He has everything to do with what is so good in my life.  My goal for 2014 is to become more consistent with worshiping AT church.  It's so easy to become lazy and stay home in pj's! 
• physically?  Oh... this is a sick and sad way I've grown.  Ugh.  2014 requires lots of SMALLER changes.  Please. 

25. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?  I became much more open to discussing issues and problem solving with others.   With my job now, I am working with thousands of other women, a few leaders of mine, and many I am a leader of.  I have developed some great relationships with these friends!

26. With whom were your most valuable relationships?  My family, first and foremost, always.  And my grandma... she helps us out soooo much.  And probably Jessica Porter.  We really reconnected this year and have grown very close.  She is such a source of such grace, wisdom and has such a way with words, she keeps me grounded that's for sure!

27. Did you fall in love in 2013?
 I fell in love with working from home, that's for sure!

28. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?  Nope.  Hate is a strong word.

29. Who did you miss?
  I missed Cathy a lot.  A LOT.   I found myself thinking of how much I wished she had been able to meet Amelia. GAWD she would have loved her.  And for her to see what awesome, smart and funny boys that Porter and Hudson have grown into.

30. Who was the best new person you met?
  Oh my gosh... this year has brought SO many amazing people into my life... and I've met a bazillion new people.  I don't know that I have a "best new person" though...?

31. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?  

32. What was your most challenging area of home management?  All of it.   Dang.  The older the kids get, the harder it gets to organize things!  And I think our yard... oh our yard has some big time issues.  It's a mess.

33. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? 

34. What was the best way you used your time this past year? 

35. What do you wish you’d done more of?  taking mommy time outs and calming myself down before blowing up at the kids.  

36. What do you wish you’d done less of?  yelling.   I hate when I yell.  Even though it feels good at the time to yell,  I hate how I feel after I yell.

37. What was the best book you read?
  Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst

38. What was your favorite TV program?
  Grey's Anatomy and Parenthood

39. What was your favorite movie of this year?
   Frozen!  Oh my gosh.... loved it.  Makes me want a sister for Amelia so badly.  If Ryan and I had been able to see Catching Fire in 2013, I'm pretty sure that'd rank as one of my favorite movies as well.

40. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't really "fancy" (haha) public figures... but I do love Jennifer Lawrence.

41. What did you want and get? So, so much.  A MacBook!  An amazing barn for Lacey to live at.  A vacation with the family to Disney.  More financial freedom.  Less debt.

42. What did you want and not get?
  Honestly, I can't think of a thing.

43. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
  We have been very blessed this year, and I am not sure I could have asked for much more.

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?   HAHA.  Oh my.   Ok... I work from home.  With a toddler.   I'm sure you can guess what my personal fashion concept is like....

45. What kept you sane?
  Reminding myself that this too shall pass... and that someday I will miss these days.

46. What political issue stirred you the most?
    Gay marriage, and the fact that people think that it's their business to determine how others should

47. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
   

48. What song will always remind you of 2013?


"Tonight You Belong To Me"

I know (I know) you belong
To somebody new
But tonight
You belong to me

Although (although) we're apart
You are a part of my heart
But tonight
You belong to me

Wait down by the stream
How sweet it will seem
Once more just to dream in
The moonlight
My honey I know
With the dawn
That you will be gone
But tonight
You belong to me

But tonight
You belong
To me

49. How did you ring in the New Year?  In the ER... fun times, right?  Ryan woke up around 11 and couldn't breathe (I think he gave himself a panic attack) so we headed to the ER.  It was lovely.

50. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.   

50 Reflections from 2012

It's that time already. Keeping with my tradition from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 here we go...

1. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  I didn't necessarily set "goals" but instead a list of things I wanted to get out of this year.  And some I completed faithfully, and others I didn't quite get around to.  

2. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?  By far, Miss Amelia Jane was the best thing in the world to happen to our family.  I don't know what I did without her in my life.

3. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?  Quitting my job and relying on my photography business to provide my part of the income.  It has been challenging and I know will continue to be a challenge.

4. What was an unexpected joy this past year?   Quitting my job and following a long-time dream of mine to work from home with my babies by my side.   It is not an easy task, and I never ever thought I'd enjoy being home with my kids so much but it has been wonderful.  


5. What was an unexpected obstacle?  Making decisions about medications and dealing with adverse reactions.

6. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
 Became a mommy of a little girl.

7. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?  More time and money, although I know being thankful for what I have and being more intentional with both (time and money) will make it seem more abundant.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

9. What was your biggest failure?
  Keeping up with exercising and scrapbooking.  Isn't this the most common failure?  HAHA!

10. Did anyone close to you give birth?
  Me!!  Jessica had Abram.

11. Did anyone close to you die?
 Hudson's daycare buddy, Birklee Giroux passed away in her sleep just days after her 4th birthday.  We also lost two of our pet rats, Cricket and Atticus.  

12. What states/countries did you visit?
 Sadly, NONE.  This makes me so so sad.

13. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
  April 22 (Amelia's birthday), December 14 (Sandy Hook shooting),

14. How did you spend Christmas?
  Same as always... Christmas day was spent at home with our immediate family.   Dave stayed Christmas Eve and was there for a little while Christmas morning.  My sister and the girls came over Christmas afternoon.

15. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
  I turned 31.  I "thought" we were just going out on a "Birthday Buddies" dinner date with the Huffs, but Katie and Ryan ended up taking Don and I to a SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY.  Awesomeness.  

16. Did you suffer illness or injury?
  Nope, not really.  Other than this lingering carpal tunnel from pregnancy.

17. What was the best thing you bought?
 

18. Whose behavior merited celebration?
  I'm going to say my own.  I struggled with a very negative situation for the past few years and this spring I was able to reconcile with someone whom I thought I'd never speak to, and we have actually become friends.  This was a huge struggle for me, a huge mountain to climb over, a lot of soul searching and forgiveness that had to take place as well as personal growth for this all to happen.

19. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
  Probably some of the very narrow minded Republicans that became very prominent during the election.  I'm not saying there aren't narrow minded Democrats- there are.  But the negativity and inability to try to see the good in things, to not practice what you preach (ie: so many let their political values be guided by their faith/religion yet still bad talk and bash and judge, thus being completely hypocritical).

20. Where did most of your money go?
  This one again?  Same as always.... bills, bills bills.

21. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
  Delivering baby girl, running in the Color Run with Jane, seeing Needtobreathe in concert.

22. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? 
 happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
 thinner, but still fatter than normal.  
           c) richer or poorer?
  Losing my (small) income... poorer.

23. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? 
letting go.

24. In what way(s) did you grow:

• emotionally?
• spiritually?  
• physically?  I lost 30 pounds... does that count as physically growing?   Sadly, I haven't exercised much this year.  

25. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?  I was able to step back and try to see the best in others, to not immediately judge, and try to see things from another point of view.  Trying really hard to look for the best in others, rather than focus on their weaknesses, has helped me tremendously.  

26. With whom were your most valuable relationships?  My husband, kids and myself.

27. Did you fall in love in 2012?
   Of course... always in love with my 3 favorite boys, and totally fell head over heels in love with Amelia.  We all did.

28. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?  Nope

29. Who did you miss?
 Cathy and Ramsey

30. Who was the best new person you met?
  Amelia Jane Barczak!

31. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?   Decorating.   Because organizing is not going so hot and I feel like it is out. of. control.   I can't wait for spring to do some maaaajor de-cluttering!


32. What was your most challenging area of home management?  Clutter throughout the whole house.  With both boys in school, plus all the baby paraphernalia clutter, I'm losing my mind.

33. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?  Matilda Jane resell boards.  

34. What was the best way you used your time this past year?  Any time spent with my kids and husband was the best!

35. What do you wish you’d done more of? Scrapbooking, Project Life and somehow archiving all of my pictures/blog into Blurb Books.

36. What do you wish you’d done less of?  Wasting time on the computer.  (not necessarily spending time on the computer, but using that time wisely for editing pictures, blogging, digital scrapping....)

37. What was the best book you read?
  Hunger Games Trilogy

38. What was your favorite TV program?
 Revenge, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, Real Housewives (any of them),

39. What was your favorite movie of this year?
   Hunger Games

40. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?  Needtobreathe.  I had the amazing opportunity to not only see them in concert, but to meet them backstage.  Amazing.   They are such a humble, Godly group of guys.

41. What did you want and get?  A healthy, happy baby girl.

42. What did you want and not get?
 A full time job

43. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
   Winning that mega bazillion dollar jackpot

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?   Ugh.   Pitiful.  

45. What kept you sane?
  Reminding myself that everything is going to work out just fine, and well, a little help from Zoloft too :)

46. What political issue stirred you the most?
   The election, the negativity towards our President.  I never considered myself a Democrat or a Republican but this election really made it clear what "side" I tend to lean towards.

47. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
  Sometimes it is best to just listen to what God is wanting for you, to trust that His path will take you where you need to go, and that it is okay to let go of your plans because His are always better for you.


48. What song will always remind you of 2012?
  Christina Perri: A Thousand Years  (reminds me of Amelia's birth, and my wait for my sweet princess.)

I have died everydayWaiting for youDarlin' don't be afraid,I have loved you for aThousand yearsI'll love you for aThousand more
And all along I believedI would find youTime has broughtYour heart to meI have loved you for aThousand yearsI'll love you for a Thousand more

49. How did you ring in the New Year?  We spent New Years Eve at home.... Ryan went to bed with a headache before 10pm.   We did "celebrate" with the Huffs earlier in the evening- our crew of boybarians and Miss Amelia went to Artesian Wells for dinner.  Brave-yeah!  Fun- sure.  Love spending time with good friends.   Then we parted ways, took our kids home to bed and I'm filling out this meme waiting for 2013!


50. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. 

Everyone knows life has its ups and downs
one day you're on top of world
and one day you're the clown

well I've been both enough to know
that you do'nt wanna get in the way when its working out
the way that it is right now

I know its gonna take some time
but I've got to admit
that the thought has crossed my mind
this might end up like it should....

I'm starting to believe that
this could be the start of something good.

50 Reflections on 2011

It's that time already. Keeping with my tradition from 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 here we go...

1. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  I didn't necessarily set "goals" but instead a list of things I wanted to get out of this year.  And some I completed faithfully, and others I didn't quite get around to.  

2. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?  Getting pregnant and finding out we were going to have a little girl!

3. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?  I don't know that there has been anything extremely challenging that happened.

4. What was an unexpected joy this past year?   My summer break.  I know that sounds weird, but most often by the end of summer break I'm so done staying home with the kids.  This year I really slowed myself down and made my presence with the boys more intentional and thoroughly enjoyed our summer.  I was very very sad to go back to work this fall.


5. What was an unexpected obstacle?  Making decisions about medications and dealing with adverse reactions.
6. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
 Took both boys on a plane on vacation alone.

7. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?  More time and money, although I know being thankful for what I have and being more intentional with both (time and money) will make it seem more abundant.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?  Forgiving but not forgetting.  

9. What was your biggest failure?
  Keeping up with exercising.  Isn't this the most common failure?  HAHA!


10. Did anyone close to you give birth?
  My friend Stephanie had Evan, my cousin Lindsey had Jayden, and a few other bloggy friends had babies.

11. Did anyone close to you die?
 Sweet Ramsey Kate. 

12. What states/countries did you visit?
 North Carolina,

13. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
 


14. How did you spend Christmas?
  Same as always... Christmas day was spent at home with our immediate family.  I had another sinus infection and sadly slept most of the day.  It was still a nice, relaxing day though.

15. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
  I turned the BIG 3-0!  I can't believe I am no longer in my 20's.  SOOO weird.  I do not feel this "old."   Ryan and I went out to dinner and a movie- we saw the new Twilight movie.

16. Did you suffer illness or injury?
  Oh so many sinus infections... 1 in October and 2 in December.  Other than that, nope.


17. What was the best thing you bought?
  Hmm... I don't know.


18. Whose behavior merited celebration?
  I'm really proud of Ryan for graduating this June!

19. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
  I guess my brother's?   It doesn't necessarily make me depressed as much as disappointed.  Appalled and disappointed.  And sad for him because I think he really lacks the ability to change his life into the direction he needs.


20. Where did most of your money go?
  This one again?  Same as always.... bills, bills bills.


21. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
  Baby Sis!!!

22. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? 
 happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
 fatter
           c) richer or poorer?
  I'd say about the same.

23. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?  Probably my outlook on things- life, situations, people, etc.

24. In what way(s) did you grow:

• emotionally?
• spiritually?
• physically? hahahahahha!  I'm pregnant... I'm sure you can envision the physical changes. 

25. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? Ryan and I grew closer as parents as we tackled some challenges we had with Porter. The parenting class and counseling has been such a wonderful thing for our relationship to help us realize we really are a great team, we really do work well together and we ARE great parents, despite our downfalls and shortcomings.

26. With whom were your most valuable relationships?  My husband, kids and myself


27. Did you fall in love in 2011?
   Of course... always in love with my 3 favorite boys, and falling so deeply in love with baby girl!

28. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?  Nope




29. Who did you miss?
 Cathy and Ramsey

30. Who was the best new person you met?
 


31. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home? Oddly, the toy room.  I love organizing the kids' stuff.  Is that weird?



32. What was your most challenging area of home management?  Probably the dogs.  It has been SUCH a rainy year that it has been awful dealing with letting the dogs out and bringing them inside without muddying up everything.

33. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?  GAH Pinterest!  So many ideas, so little time.



34. What was the best way you used your time this past year?  Any time spent with my kids and husband was the best!  This summer I feel like I really spent time wisely with the boys.

35. What do you wish you’d done more of? Scrapbooking, keeping up on photography bookwork (I have a long road ahead to get ready for filing taxes!) and somehow archiving all of my pictures/blog into Blurb Books.

36. What do you wish you’d done less of?  Dwelling on the past


37. What was the best book you read?
  I love love loved The Help.


38. What was your favorite TV program?
 Revenge, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, Real Housewives (any of them), Flipping Out,


39. What was your favorite movie of this year?
  


40. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?  None.  Celebs are overrated.


41. What did you want and get?  A little girl to complete our family


42. What did you want and not get?
 A full time job


43. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
 Getting hired into a full time teaching position at Bean.

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?


45. What kept you sane?
  Therapy, meditation, and medication.  :)


46. What political issue stirred you the most?
 None, really.


47. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
 



48. What song will always remind you of 2011?
  One Republic:  Good Life

49. How did you ring in the New Year?  We spent New Years Eve at Duck Lake with friends... the Dawsons, Howards and Tappans.  It was pretty low key, as two of us were preggo and one non-drinker.  We had fun playing games and watching a movie.  It was great to be kid-free for an evening!


50. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. 

And I've been a fool and I've been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I'm always dragging that horse around

All of his questions, such a mournful sound
Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues strong
But it's always darkest before the dawn

I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart
Cause I like to keep my issues strong
It's always darkest before the dawn
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/f/flo
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

24 Christmas Questions

I saw this survey on Kimberly's blog and thought it would be fun to do.   I love looking back on these meme type posts and seeing my views of things at that point in time. 

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper!  I always have a ton of gift bags (I have a whole bag full) but rarely ever use them.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Well..... here's the story.  I grew up with a real tree.  LOVE a real tree.  But when I was pregnant with Porter we decided to get a fake tree in lieu of no tree at all (I was 7 months pregnant, student teaching full time and exhausted). Well, that fake tree was pretty darn easy to put up and take down so every year we've used that excuse for not continuing (or even starting!) the tradition of going to a tree farm with the kids to cut down a tree.  Next year.  Next year.  

3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving!  I am always so anxious to get the Christmas season going, but must wait until Thankgiving gets is due attention.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually after New Years.  I am always so sad when Christmas is over... its such a FUN month and I love it!  But typically just past New Years I'm ready to get things back to normal. 

5. Do you like eggnog? I've never had it but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Baby Shivers.  I so so so wanted that doll so badly, and I even had a little drawer all ready for her with some doll clothes, play diapers and bottles and blankets.  Yes, I loved playing dolls.  

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yep!  We have the Willow Tree one and the Little People Nativity

8. Hardest person to buy for? Hmm... Ryan.  Seriously.  

9. Easiest person to buy for? Our kids and our nieces.  I love buying for kids!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?Mail!!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Uhm... I can't really think of any.  

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?I love Elf.  Not sure its my "favorite" but off the top of my head I'd say Elf.  

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?  I shop a little throughout the year, and usually start in November. 

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present? Only at a Dirty Santa party.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas Cookies!  I looove sugar cookies with lots of frosting!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear lights although I always love the large bulb lights, so I plan to buy some of those on sale after Christmas.  

17. Favorite Christmas song?
3 Fav's:  O Holy Night, Still Still Still and Carol of the Bells.  

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We stay at home!  It is usually a really relaxing day.  We take our time opening gifts and just spending time together.  

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Of course!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? 
Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?Kids open pj's from us Christmas Eve.  We do open gifts from Ry's dad and Lori's family on Christmas Eve.  Other than that... Christmas morning. 

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Probably just the clutter.  I have a corner full of wrapping paper and boxes and bows (which I could easily put in the basement and wrap down there but I don't...).   

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color?
My favorite ornaments are our 12 Days of Christmas ornaments from Crate and Barrel.  Ryan's Uncle Dave bought them for us after Cathy passed away.  She always led the group singing of 12 Days of Christmas at our Christmas gathering (we'd all have to pick out a day out of a hat and sing that part).  I love remembering that about her.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Just to slow down and enjoy the magic of this time of year.  Enjoy my kids and really take in their excitement.  Gift-wise... nothing really imperative.  We're saving for a family vacay next year so most of our money/cash gifts we are given is going toward that.  

Hello, Fall!

Today is the first day of fall.  It is a typical, chilly fall day (although kind of drizzly and wet).  


Today I am:
wearing: black yoga pants and a pink t-shirt
playing:  Playing?  Huh?  OH I just read Heather's.  We've been playing lots of Grey's Anatomy Season 7 on tv (Netflix)

wanting:  to spill a secret!

needing:  to finish editing many, many photography sessions!

eating: Chips and Cheese

drinking:  nothing... but really craving Diet Dr. Pepper!!

enjoying: the quiet house.  Porter is in school.  Hudson is at Preschool (Miss Marleen's).  I've been so productive!  I could get used to this.  

not enjoying:  all the laundry that is waiting for me today

daydreaming: of summer returning again

anticipating:  Rachael coming over to see little Cooper... she's bringing Bella to play with him!

Currently

loving : the beach
pondering : if we could REALLY move away from home and set roots in NC
reading: best friends forever by jennifer weiner
anticipating :  spending the next 2.5 days with my boys at the beach with my mom!
cursing : my cracked heels... they hurt!
wearing : black tank and green skirt
deciding :our agenda for tomorrow (beach then waterpark next door then aquarium then beach again!)
hoping: that the next month or two have good news in store for me
eating : gingersnap cookies
planning : things for us to do in Mackinaw in a few weeks
dreading: going back to work
sorting out : oh so many things
wishing :  I could warp back to home on Thursday instead of spending the afternoon/evening in airports

1.Age: 29
2.Bed size: queen
3.Chore you hate:  Cleaning bathrooms
4.Dogs:  Ramsey and Duncan
5.Essential start to your day: Hmm... shower maybe? 
6.Favorite color: green
7.Gold or silver: silver

8.Height: 5’ 3"

9.Instruments that you can play: none

10.Job title: Mom, wife, teacher, photographer, grad student
11.Kids:  Porter (5) and Hudson (3)
12.Live: Michigan
13.Mom’s name: Laura
14.Nicknames: Nic, Nicki-B, Nickiola,
15.Overnight hospital stays: When the boys were both born, and one night a few days after P was born for my migraine.
16.Pet peeve:
17.Quote from a movie:
18.Righty or lefty: Righty

19.Sibling: Two - Heather and Cameron.  And a SIL and BIL (Lori and Don)
20.Time you wake up:  Around 7... although Hudson likes to get up at 6:30 but Porter has been sleeping in a little lately. 
21.Underwear:  Yes
22.Vegetables you dislike:  Celery
23.What makes you run late:  my kids and procrastination
24.X-rays:  Yeah ususally when I get a sinus infection... my doctor is a little overzealous
25.Yummy food you make: Manicotti
26.Zoo favorite animal:  Giraffe

50 Reflections on 2010

It's that time already. Keeping with my tradition from 2007, 2008 and 2009, here we go...

1. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Last year it was to set some "goals" for this year... to get back into shape; to curse less; to yell less and be more patient with my kids.


2. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? I can't say there is a SINGLE best thing, but its been a good year. Probably our vacations/family trips... to Emerald Isle, Chicago, Silver Lake, Custer, two Girls Weekends and DC. I feel blessed we've been able to travel so much and do so much together as a family.

3. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Probably going back to work with both of my regular sitters unable to care for the boys for a couple months. That was stressful, both emotionally and monetarily.

4. What was an unexpected joy this past year? Camping with family. Okay, this isn't totally "unexpected" but we did two LONG camping trips and we had a blast both times. The second trip we had rain all but one day, and despite the awful weather, we really had a great time and made some wonderful memories.



5. What was an unexpected obstacle? Dealing with betrayal and hurt dealt from someone I thought was a good friend. Learning to move on and let go, learning to lean on those who have my best interest in mind. Having to walk away from a 14+ year friendship.


6. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
 Began taking Master's classes. Also went on a Mom/Daughter weekend with my mom and sister.


7. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? More patience and money. And time. I'd love more time.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


9. What was your biggest failure?
 Gaining weight. Yelling at my kids.

10. Did anyone close to you give birth?
 Katie (Adrian Michael) and Jane (Lyla Claire and Jillian Kate)

11. Did anyone close to you die?
 No, thank God.

12. What states/countries did you visit?
 North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC,

13. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?



14. How did you spend Christmas?
 Christmas Eve was at Lori and Don's house. Christmas Day we stayed home, in our pj's. Very relaxing day!

15. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
 I turned... 29. Ryan and I went out to dinner with the Huffs, as Don and I share the same birthday.

16. Did you suffer illness or injury?
 Hmmm nope not really.

17. What was the best thing you bought?
 My 50mm f/1.4. Love it!

18. Whose behavior merited celebration?
 Porter's. He has blossomed so much in preschool this year!

19. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
 Leslie's. I'd never have expected her to stab me in the back the way she did.


20. Where did most of your money go?
 Mortgage and bills. Where else would it go?

21. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
 Christmas Day... seeing the excitement the boys had and how magical the holiday was for them this year.

22. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? 
 happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
 fatter
c) richer or poorer?
 poorer (how do I keep getting poorer every year!?)

23. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? As always, being the best mom I can be to my boys. I'll never be perfect, this I know. But I want to give them the best of me. I don't always do this, and I'll forever be working on this.

24. In what way(s) did you grow:

• emotionally? I think I've become more in control of my feelings/anger/actions. I've learned to let things go and how cliche "not sweat the small stuff."
• spiritually? I've really lacked in this department and hope to grow more in this category this year.
• physically? Zip. Didn't do squat to grow physically. This must change.

25. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? Ryan and I grew closer as parents as we tackled some challenges we had with Porter. The parenting class and counseling has been such a wonderful thing for our relationship to help us realize we really are a great team, we really do work well together and we ARE great parents, despite our downfalls and shortcomings.

26. With whom were your most valuable relationships? First and foremost, my husband and kids. Second would be my girlfriends- the best ever, Katie, LeeAnn and Jane.

27. Did you fall in love in 2010?
 Nope. Already there :-)

28. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
 Hate is a strong word. But there is one person I'm severely disappointed and sadded by, and another person who has done things to make me dislike them very much.



29. Who did you miss?
 Cathy

30. Who was the best new person you met?
 Dot! She was (is) a lifesaver. She has opened up my eyes to so many parenting issues and helped me overcome many obstacles (and many more to come).

31. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home? All of it. I feel blessed to own a home and even more, own a home I love.


32. What was your most challenging area of home management? My office, playing defense to the boys and their messes... and tackling dog hair. UGh.

33. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Hmm probably games on my iPhone. And Facebook. I've been trying to cut back.


34. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Just sitting down and playing with the boys. Doing projects with them. Coloring with them. Building blocks and train tracks.

35. What do you wish you’d done more of? Scrapbooking, keeping up on photography bookwork (I have a long road ahead to get ready for filing taxes!) and somehow archiving all of my pictures/blog into Blurb Books.

36. What do you wish you’d done less of?
 Yelling and making impulse purchases.

37. What was the best book you read?
 Hands down, The Parent;s Handbook. But, DANG sadly I AGAIN did not read for fun. Wait! I read Smotherhood. It only took me about 6 months, but it was a good book! I did get 3 new books for Christmas so I'm going to make time to read them.


38. What was your favorite TV program?
 Real Housewives (any of them), Flipping Out, Teen Mom, 16 and Pregnant, Millionaire Matchmaker

39. What was your favorite movie of this year?
 No favorites, I don't think. I did like these, though. Inception, How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story 3, Salt, Bounty Hunter and What Happens in Vegas

40. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? LOVE Gerard Butler, Ashton Kutcher, Owen Wilson, Matthew McConaughey

41. What did you want and get?
 My kitchen remodel finished!

42. What did you want and not get?
 A full time job

43. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
 Getting hired into a full time teaching position at Bean.

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
 Smooshed. Because I'm at an ultimate high in the weight department. Must get that under control.

45. What kept you sane?
 Medication and knowing that "this too shall pass..."

46. What political issue stirred you the most?
 None, really.

47. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
 Sometimes you just have to build a bridge and get over it.

48. What song will always remind you of 2010?
 Hmm.... Christina Perri "Jar of Hearts"... I first heard it on Sirius Radio on tv and instantly loved the tune. Words aren't too symbolic, but I love her voice.Rihanna/Eminem "Love the Way You Lie"- Eminem reminds me of Girls Weekend in October... we heard it a lot on the radio. And Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow" reminds me of Zumba!

49. How did you ring in the New Year? The boys and I made Shrinky Dinks, we all ate chicken tenders and rice. Ry and Porter played the Wii while Hudson and I played blocks. We put the boys to bed and then Ryan and I watched a movie and I scrapbooked. BORRRRINNG. Its 11:52 as I type and I don't even plan on watching the ball drop.


50. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Hmm... I can think of a few.

Jason Mraz "Live High"

Live high
Live mighty
Live righteously
Taking it easy
Live high, live mighty
Live righteously

Eminem "Not Afraid"

I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand

We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road

But this, by far, is my favorite. Jason Mraz "Details in the Fabric"

If it's a broken part, replace it

If it's a broken arm, then brace it

If it's a broken heart, then face it

And hold your own

Know your name

And go your own way

Hold your own

Know your name

And everything will be fine

And go your own way