I had been wanting to do one of these types of things, but hadn't really seen anything I liked... until today! So here we go....
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? Hmm... this is hard already! I'm not sure that I have ONE single moment that stands out to me. Every moment that I got to spend being a stay-at-home mom to Bailey has been great. I guess our trip to Baltimore to see the Red Sox play was a pretty stand out event.
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Tyson losing his battle with cancer was hard and my friend Malisa losing her baby Colton. Also seeing my dad struggle with persistent pain, having 2 surgeries this year, and the obstacles that has created for him. But as far as our immediate family of 3, it's been a great year.
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? My sister's boyfriend James, as corny as it may sound. We all love him and I hope he is around to stay. :)
4. What was an unexpected obstacle? It's not a huge deal but it's kind of been an obstacle living as far away from everything and everyone as we do. It's not that far, but far enough to keep me from going out and running around town or visiting others every day, so that I can conserve gas and money. I wish we lived closer so I could be more social with other "mommy friends".
5. Pick three words to describe 2009. New, Mommy, Learning.
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you). Mom, Bargain Hunter
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking). Dad, School, Master's.
8. What were the best books you read this year? Pick one? Twilight series.
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? My husband, obviously. He has been unquestioningly supportive of me and any mothering decisions I have made. He's been such a great support and tries to help me out in any way he can, even when he is so busy with school and his master's.
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? Making the transition to being in charge of another person!
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I think motherhood has made me tougher and more flexible. It used to be that things like cars breaking down or the heat not working would really throw me for a loop and make me really upset. Not so much anymore. I've learned to deal better with life's stresses and try not to get stressed out about the things I have no control over. Having to attend TWO funerals for babies this year has reminded me, in a big way, of what is most important.
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? I think I have probably grown some in the area of prayer, just trying to be in conversation with God throughout the day. My faith has been incredibly strengthened through God's faithfulness in our finances. He has provided in so many ways for us to make extra money here and there. We made it through the year without having to dip into our savings even once, and I really did not think that would happen!
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? Well, in addition to losing all my pregnancy weight, I also lost about 25 extra pounds. This was kind of just a result of being home, instead of working, where I ate a lot of fried food. But I feel pretty certain that breastfeeding has also played a role. It's been nice to finally see a difference in the way my clothes fit. :)
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? I met a new friend across the street who is also a Christian, and I hope to develop that relationship this year. I also made the "mommy connection" with all my mommy friends from church.
15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home? I learned all about couponing this year, and that has got to be one of the highlights of my year. I have gotten great satisfaction from the savings I have gotten from combining coupons with sales. I really feel like I am contributing financially to our family.
16. What was your most challenging area of home management? Keeping up with the cleaning! I've always hated cleaning, especially the bathrooms, but it has been even more difficult since having a baby. I just can't seem to keep up with the cleaning and clutter in the house anymore.
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Definitely facebook. I can say that without hesitation, and I'm really a little ashamed of how much time I have spent on there.
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Investing in Bailey... playing, reading, hugging, and kissing. I've tried my best to appreciate every moment, even the hard ones, because I know this time is passing all too quickly. Before I know it, she is going to be a teenager, going off to college, and being walked down the aisle by her daddy and I will be wishing that I could hold my baby in my arms just one more time.
19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? To appreciate every single moment with my husband and daughter, and to live every day like it's my last.
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you. Living my dream.
