2009

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? Attend a Bronco's training camp, learn how to do canning, serve as Primary President, NOT get pregnant when my baby started to grow up.

Did you keep your new year's resolutions? I did fairly well, actually. I kept most of the resolutions, including dedicating myself to getting our food/items storage stocked up. I stuck with the exercise plan for longer than usual, but that one could always get better.

Did anyone close to you give birth? The only one I can think that lives near me is my friend Melinda. That means I need more of my friends to get pregnant so I have more babies to hold and love!

Where did you visit? San Diego, Western Mexico (on a cruise), Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Omaha Nebraska.

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? A desire and dedication to exercise; more faith.

What day from 2009 will remain etched in your memory, and why? Watching Lindsey swim in her first swim meet. She was so scared to have everyone watch her swim the whole length of the pool, so she would go under water, come up and cry for about 10 seconds, wipe her eyes, and go back under. It broke my heart, but the whole crowd was cheering for her when she finished!

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Starting a book club with fun girls, doing the remodel on the house, keeping my family blog up-to-date and serving in my church calling.

What was your biggest failure? Holding on to some grudges.

Did you suffer illness or injury? No, our family was really healthy this year. What a wonderful blessing!

What was the best thing you bought? Soft carpet that hides all the dirt my kids track in the house.

Whose behavior merited recognition? My sweet friend, Brenda. She taught me by example to laugh at myself (with all my mistakes and inadequacies) more, and be happy every day regardless of circumstances.

Where did most of you money go? Ryan's truck and the house remodel!

What did you get really excited about? Going on a kid-free trip with Ryan (which has been postponed now until next month).

What song(s) will always remind you of 2009? I Got A Feeling - by the Black Eyed Peas, and Already Gone - by Kelly Clarkson.

What do you wish you'd done more? Exercise, eat healthier.

What do you wish you'd done less of? Waste time.

How did you spend your summer? Watching my kids swim on the LHCC swim team, drive from Missouri to many states out west, swim at the country club, watch my oldest two kids perform in the community play, relax, eat, hang out in pajamas until absolutely necessary to get dressed, finish decorating the basement, sleep in, walk the trail with girl friends, laugh and play with the kids.

What was your favorite TV program? I DVR every episode of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, even though I never vote on the program. I'm hoping that if I watch enough talented people, some of their talent might rub off on me!

What was the best book you read? Hunger Games and the sequel, Catching Fire. So good! Also, The Giver, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Book Thief.

What was your greatest musical discovery? Carolina Liar and Taylor Swift

What was your favorite film of the year? I saw a lot of them, but can't remember all the best ones. I really liked The Proposal and Sherlock Holmes.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 32, and I'm sure I did something fun, but I don't remember what it was. Ryan and I usually go out every weekend, so I'm sure we went to dinner and did something else afterward.

What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Having the 12th year of marriage be the best one ever.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Let's see, jeans and hoodies when I'm home, but I like to get dressed up when I go out with Ryan. I am becoming more girly in my old age, but there's still nothing better than a comfy hoodie!

What kept you sane? Prayer, friends, Ryan, my adorable children, chocolate.

What political issue stirred you the most? I'm not horribly political, but I find it interesting to see how "the change" is happening with Obama in office. I'm not happy about much of the so-called good changes.

Who did you miss? Old friends that live too far away, my parents and family, but most of all my two sisters.

Who was the best new person (people) you met? I got to know many people better, but one of the "new" ones would be Shelly. I am blessed with some awesome and fun friends!

What kept you busy? Primary, my kids and their activities, keeping up with the house that is always in some state of chaos.

What did you do to relax? Read, blog, eat out, shop, take naps (when the opportunity rarely presented itself!).

What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009? Wow, I learned a lot this year. That I can't do what I do and be who I want to be without A LOT of help from above, that God answers my prayers through wonderful people he sends into my life, that I need to enjoy each moment with my kids because they are growing up before my eyes, to not take myself too seriously, to not judge others too harshly because we are all trying to do the best we can with what life gives us.