Happy New Year!!
My annual accounting for the year:
What
did you do in 2011 that you’ve never done before?
Took prescription medications daily that I will have to take daily for the rest of my life.
Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next
year?
I think my only resolution last year was to "keep calm and carry on"- I must have managed that somehow.
Did anyone close to you give
birth?
My bff Suzanne had Hayley the day before I had Elaina- and that is super fun as we share what is going on with them. I have had several girlfriends too- Laura, Kim, Ally, to name a few- and lots of girls!
Did anyone close to you die?
My sweet grandfather in June. Heartbreaking- I loved him so much and though he lived a great life, it was so sad to say goodbye. I think about him all the time- he was very special to me- and my kids adored him. He is very much missed.
What countries did you visit?
I am not sure I even left the house much in 2011!
What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I would like to have more satisfaction in the simple things. I would like to have more
time to savor moments with my kids.
What date from 2011 will remain etched in your memory and why?
5 April- our sweet baby that completes our family was sent down to be with us. We
adore her- she is all we could ever ask for.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Stayed partially sane as a mom of 4.
What was your biggest failure?
Not staying more sane as a mom of 4.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
It has been better than 2010 for my illness- but some days it is still not fun dealing with
new challenges brought on by this disease.
What was the best thing you bought?
We paid off the van- does that count?! Yipee!!
Where did most of your money go?
I have 4 kids, remember?!
What did you get really, really, really excited about? Having another baby and not
having to work! ha ha (outside the house, that is!)
Happier or sadder?
So much happier!!
Thinner or fatter?
Thankfully much thinner thanks to nursing a chubby baby! I am down to what I weighed
before I got sick in the beginning of 2010- I am hoping to get a little thinner because
when she is done nursing, I will put a few back on and because I am in my late 30's, I
will have to work really hard to keep it off- so eat baby, eat!
Richer or poorer?
Depends on the day and my mood! No, we are fine- we are fortunate that we were
able to have the deck built and finish all the projects we wanted to for last year- we
just finished installing new 2" blinds throughout the lower level - that was the last
thing...for now!
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Sleep. I am learning to live on less- but man, do I wish I could have slept more!
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Whining. But good luck with that, right?!
How did you spend Christmas?
One of my favorite Christmas's ever! We were able to have both of Dana's parents
here this season and having Popi on Christmas morning and the week after was
so wonderful the kids have that memory and they are still talking about it- I am
thankful he was able to come and be with our family - it was more memorable than
I thought- and so grateful are we. Plus it was Elaina's first Christmas and man is she
cute and fun!
Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes, with a baby girl and more in love with the other 4 people in our home- I could
not imagine life any other way.
What was your favorite TV show?
I really like some new series that started this year- Once Upon a Time and I still love
The Good Wife.
What was the best book you read?
The Help- LOVED every page and the movie too!
What was your greatest musical discovery of 2011?
I can jam out to Train, Colby Calliat, One Republic- there are some really great artists
out there this year!
What did you want and get?
Santa brought me a new lens for my camera- I LOVE it and cannot wait to use it with
some fun pics!
What did you want and not get?
I pretty much get what I want! ( A HUGE ha ha inserted here!!)- just kidding- I really
wanted a stress free holiday season, but we can't get it all, right?!
What was your favorite film this year?
The only movie I made it to- and totally worth every penny- Breaking Dawn for sure!
What did you do on your birthday?
Dana took me to breakfast at First Watch- my favorite, then we went shopping and
then out to dinner at Abuelo's - the kids stayed with my parents, except for Elaina of
course.It was a wonderful day!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If we would've gone on vacation somewhere. But planning for this summer's vacation
already!
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
The beginning was maternity clothes, then came comfy yoga wear, now new jeans and
cute shirts that hang better, but will only last a few more months! I am savoring it
while it lasts!
What kept you sane?
My answer is the same every year- Dana- he and I have grown a lot this year and he
has helped me through all our challenges this year- I love him more every day.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I am following Mitt Romney's campaign this year and am fascinated with what potential
this country can have under different leadership.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Senate Bill 5 that was thankfully defeated here. I do not disagree that changes need to
be made in this arena, but there were not enough good things in this bill and until
there are better choices, I will be anxiously engaged in defeating it!
Who did you miss?
My friend Suzanne who moved away. We spent a ton of time together when she lived
here, but now it is mostly on the phone. I also miss spending time with my grandma
whose memory of me is fleeting. She brings me joy just thinking of her and my mind
is filled with only good memories. I hope to spend quality time with her this year.
Who was the best new person you met?
Elaina.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Life is too short - trying to take keep it simple and spend quality time with those I
love. Trying not to get caught up in drama and stay grounded. I learned to live more
like my Savior and draw closer to Him. I learned to not take the small things for
granted and to really listen to the Lord, who knows me better than I realize. I love
Him.
