Reflection

2013 was a good year for us.  

Nothing earth-shattering happened.  

We didn't win the lottery.  Or swim with the sharks in Indonesia.  Or complete an Ironman.  

But in its own quiet way, 2013 was really good to us.  

My job was renewed for another 2 years.  J started kindergarten.  We enjoyed a fabulous vacation in Florida.  Husband completed all his professional licensing.  Everyone stayed healthy all year.

All good.  

Specific to me, I had surgery to fix my wonky ankle and am now back to my normal activity levels.  I comfortably wore a bathing suit in public.  I completed several moderately rigorous exercise programs (Chalean Extreme, Body Revolution, C25K).  I read for pleasure more than I expected to.

2014 is looking to be a good one, too.  

I have a handful of personal goals I want to accomplish, and it's looking like there are a few things on the horizon that could be significant for us as a family.  

For me, the following is on my Goal List:

1. Remodel the Kid's Bathroom.  Floors, paint, light. 
2. Caulk & touch up all the trim in the house.
3. Buy & install new pantry doors. 
4. Run a 5K race. 
5. Organize the laundry room. 
6. Replace all the doorknobs. 
7. Organize the kid's schoolwork/ artwork. 
8. Go through each room of the house, organizing and purging.  (This is the one that is most needed, and least likely to get done).
9. Buy 4 new bras.  
10. Read at least a book a month.  

Wishing you a joyful and prosperous 2014!

  

Reflections On A Year

I've spent the day thinking back over the events of 2008. It seems like January 1, 2008 arrived much longer than just 365 days ago. Here is what I remember from this past year:

January: A busy month, filled with travel (to Nevada), and lots of work. I vividly remember Big Daddy's birthday, as I was desperately sick with the stomach flu. Sorry you had to make your own cake!

February: Big Sis turned 4, began ballet lessons and started preschool. My girl is growing up so fast.

March: Big J arrived! We became a family of 4, and it's been full speed ahead ever since! We also sold our house & breathed a huge sigh of relief when that trial was over with.

April: My maternity leave ended all too soon, and it was back to work for me. Grandma & Grandpa H also came for a visit, and we had a great time catching up with them and passing around Big J.

May: Finals time, and preparation for Big Sis' ballet recital.

June: Grandma & Grandpa E came to visit & we had lots of fun with them. The Iowa floods came, and we took a long weekend to go to Chicago. We visited with family, enjoyed the zoo and the aquarium, and ate delicious Chicago-style pizza.

July: A wonderful 4th in Des Moines - a neighborhood parade, fireworks, and time with friends. I also started my Baby Bootcamp exercise class & began travelling the road back to better health. Big Daddy also went back to school after an all-too-short summer break.

August: A birthday for me. We also spent lots of time outside, enjoying the mild summer weather.

September: Back to school for Big Sis, and training to run a 5K for me. Big J cut his first tooth.

October: A trip to Nevada to see Grandma & Grandpa E. Ran the Race for the Cure and raised $500! Caught walking pneumonia.

November: Weaned Big J, and I left him in Des Moines while I spent 2 nights in New York City. It was the first time I left him for more than a few hours & it was HARD. My car attacked me & I have the scar to prove it. Bought a new car.

December: Lots of preparation for Christmas & travelling. Excitement getting to Oregon & an enjoyable Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa H.