Reflections of 2009

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
    This is kind of a cop-out but honestly this year has been so blessed I can't think of a single thing that stands out as the best thing. If you could lump summer all together, that would be the best thing. Lunch every week at the park with my girlfriends and kids, lots of trips to the lake, popsicles, etc. and  I got a new car in the Spring!

2.  What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
     This question, for me personally would have to be adjusting to my life as a working-full-time Mom. My job has been the hardest thing I've ever done - going back to the work force after 5 years being out of it, having to re-train my brain to learn again, and trying to juggle it all with a balanced home life. Not sure I've figured it out yet, but I've come a long way!

3.  What was an unexpected joy this past year?
     Not so much unexpected, but more fully experienced, the joys of being a mom. The realization of how short time is with them wanting me to be around has, I believe, more fully sunk in and I have tried to enjoy them more. Each of the girls is developing their own very different and fun personality, both of which I can't seem to get enough of. They are so much fun. I don't want to take any of this precious time for granted.

4.  What was an unexpected obstacle?
     Sending Sadie to 1st grade for the whole day! I didn't expect it to hit me so hard. I guess it does come back to my job and the fact that her going to school so long deeply cuts in to my time to be with her. (Even typing this is still going to make me cry! I thought I was finally over it!)

5.  Pick three words to describe 2009.
     BLESSED
    STRETCHING
    REWARDING

6.  Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009:
    DIFFICULT
    BUSY
    DINNERPARTIES

7. What were the best books you read this year?
     Shattered Silence, (I can't think of what all I read this year. It was a lot!) I read a lot of Phillip Margolin books, I liked all of them.

8.  With whom were your most valuable relationships?
     Morgan and the girls
     My parents
     My ward friends = my lifelines!!

9. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
    I just recently discovered some kind of confidence in myself that I am kind of proud of. I feel like I can do anything I really want to do. (A lot of that I credit to my husband because it doesn't matter what CRAZY - and they're all crazy - idea I decide to do, he always stands behind me. Wants me to succeed in whatever I do.) I also credit it to my testimony. I know I am so blessed. I have been reflecting so much lately on how fortunate I am to have the husband and family I have now, to have had the family I was raised in, teachers who always showed their testimonies and love to me and  to have ALWAYS had friends old and new who support, love and set awesome examples for me.

10. In what was did you grow emtionally?
      I didn't read this questionaire ahead of time so I have to say, "see above answer." :) If I was supposed to show a different kind of change in #9 it's that I've gained weight, unforunately! Hoping to see that change in 2010.

11.  In what ways did you grown in your relationships with others?
       Although I fail at times, I try to be an easy-going person to get along with people. In all honestly, I have never struggled as much as I have this year at this. I'm sure it's just the pressure and added stress I've been under. Recently, however I do believe I've come back to being myself at least most of the time. (I hope my husband agrees!)

12.  What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?
       Aside from the obvious, mothering my sweeties, my absolute favorite thing is to beautify my home. I have enjoyed doing some crafts the last little while and hope to continue doing those.

13.  What was the most challenging area of home management?
       Um, it's all challenging to me! The finances are super bad for me, first off. And the laundry has always suffered. I truly hate it. Those things have always been the case. Always. The thing that hurts me is working full time has taken a toll on the things I used to do. The house was generally clean and usually dusted. Now I am pretty happy if the counters in the kitchen are just cleaned off - not wiped down! Ack! But I must insert here the Morgan is a hero. I always tell him he's a better mom than I am - he works full time too but has no problem keeping on top of the laundry and cleaning most of the house. Plus he is usually stuck cooking dinner for the kids with my crazy schedule. He's a super hero. Don't let him tell you otherwise.

14. What was your single biggest time waster of the past year?
      Facebook. Is there any bigger time waster for anyone?

15.  What was the best way you used your time this past year?
       Spending every summer minute possible in the sun with my girls!  At the lake or the splashpark or the sprinkler under the tramp.  HURRY SUMMER!

16.  What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
      It's still very hard for me, but I'm trying to learn I can't do it all. (Phew, did I really just type that?) It's okay to have Morgan help me. (This is really hard.) It is not a comentary on what a bad mom and wife I am if he helps me. (Are you reading this babe?) The next thing I have to learn is that it's okay not to be able to do it all! That one is not mastered quite yet. :)