I saw this list of 20 Questions to Reflect on 2009 on Simple Mom's blog and documented my answers to add to my scrapbook. It only took a few minutes to complete and will be cool to look back on in future years...you should try it!
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
Adding Baby Jason to our family!
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
The economy has been bad and Mike has been stressed over our finances.
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Opening my “10 year anniversary cruise” gift on Christmas morning.
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
Beginning the year not knowing if and when Mike would find a new job.
5. Pick three words to describe 2009.
Intentionality, simplified, uninvolved (with church for the first time in years)
6. Pick one word your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them).
Pregnant
7. Pick one word your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking).
Stressful (I asked him later and I was right!)
8. What were the best books you read this year?
The only book I read was The Shack.
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
Mike and I continue to learn how to support each other through our strengths and weaknesses and I don’t know what I would do without him in my life. I’ve enjoyed how Ryan has matured since starting Kindergarten and how I see him through different eyes now. And I love how Kaylin and I have had so much one-on-one time together during the day. My closest friends this year were Jessica, Julie and obviously my mom; I turn to them often to share joys and vent frustrations.
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
I’ve really worked on establishing our home as one full of peace and joy. It’s an ongoing process, but one that’s well worth the effort.
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I feel that I have more self-control of my emotions than I did in January. I try to act, not react.
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
I love that we started doing Bible time with the kids this year. They learned lots of scripture memory verses (that they’ve since forgotten…we need to review them!) and I’ve enjoyed spending that time teaching them God’s word. I think that time has helped us all grow spiritually.
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Oh, I’ve grown physically, alright! I gained 30 pounds in 9 months and lost 20 in 2 weeks. I still have that last 10 pounds to go 2 months later…and nothing is more motivating to lose weight than finding out you’re going on a cruise in a week! I’m back at the gym and feeling good.
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
I’ve enjoyed deepening my friendships with friends in my neighborhood: Lori, Ali and Tiffany. I've learned to gratefully accept offers of help from others and it's caused my relationships to grow in the meantime.
15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?
I loved the Spring Cleaning Challenge in May. I was able to organize areas of my house that haven't been touched since we moved in.
16. What was your most challenging area of home management?
Training the kids, for sure. I’ve been very intentional about how I respond to them and how their correction will guide better decision-making in the future. It’s mentally exhausting!
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
The computer. I spent much of the year “bored,” and developed an unusual affection for Facebook Scrabble (Lexulous) as a pastime. I might only play my turn 10-20 minutes a day, but I could have spent that time in the Bible! And checking my games gets me to sit down at the computer and get sucked in. Wow, what an epiphany…
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Taking a picture a day for Project 365 and scrapbooking our memories.
19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
- When the kids know what is expected of them, they behave so much differently. I established House Rules (that Mike and I need to be reminded of as well!) and I need to review expectations before public outings, school, etc.
- Our family needs a compass pointing us in the right direction, so I am thrilled that we finally wrote out our first official Family Mission Statement. It has helped keep me on course.
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you.
This year, I have become more intentional about my marriage, my child-rearing, my home and my goals.
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Favorite Thing about 2009:
Ryan - starting Kindergarten
Kaylin - going to the Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance at church (I clarified that she liked that even better than Disneyland and her princess birthday party and she agreed. Mike was shocked!)
Mike - taking the kids to Disneyland
Katie - having baby Jason and getting to kiss all over him all day...I just love that we're adding to our family!
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