2011

This is my 4th year doing this recap. I don't remember where the questions came from originally but here they are again with new answers for 2011.

What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Started a business!  I became a Scentsy Independent Consultant in September and it has been a great adventure!

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, I didn't make any so obviouslyI didn't keep them.  Of course there are things I would like to do better but I try to improve each day so I don't really do New Year's resolutions.  The thing I'd like to focus on the most is losing the 20 pounds I quickly gained back from the 30 pounds I lost right after Ada was born. Post-partum depression always hits me in right in the gut - literally.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sweet sister Emily - it is such a joy to see her as a mom.

Did anyone close to you die?
No. Isn't that remarkable?

What countries did you visit?
None, unless you count "Peach Country."

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More energy!

What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 16th - Ada was born just hours after Layne returned from Afghanistan.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Successfully (I think) transitioning into a family of 6.

What was your biggest failure?
Oh, the same as always. I am toojudgmentaleven though I am trying so hard not to be. I am prone to laziness and ingratitude. I lose my temper. These are just some of the things I will continue to work on, probably my whole life.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
I broke my toe. Yowza.

What was the best thing you bought?
I can't think of anything. Interesting...

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Without a doubt the answer is Layne. I really think he deserves a parade. He works so hard and yet finds ways to have fun. He had infinite patience for me and the kids and he takes care of us so well. I could go on and on about how wonderful he is!

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Too many to mention.  I think we are in dire need of good role models today.

Where did most of your money go?
Feeding and sheltering our brood.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I am really excited about next year.  This year has been good but I have to admit that I am filled with optimism for 2012 and the adventures it will hold.

What song will always remind you of 2011?
So Small by Carrie Underwood "And when you figure out love is all that matters after all it sure makes everything else seem so small."

Compared to this time last year, are you:
~happier or sadder? Absolutely happier. This time last year I was focused on keeping Ada in my belly until Layne got home.  Life was difficult without him even though I had so much support from family and friends. ;It was hard to sit by and watch others do the things I felt I should be doing.
~thinner or fatter? Do I really have to type the word? I'm technically 10 pounds lighter but since I'm not 9 months pregnant I'm going to have to go with the latter. Sheesh.
~richer or poorer? Richer, in more ways than one.  Our net worth has gone up, as well as Layne's salary (again!) but all of that pales in comparison to the riches we have here in our home.  I feel like each of my kids is worth more than a million bucks and the joy we share is beyond any earthly measure.

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Serving and giving. Looking outward. Counting my blessings. Saying thanks.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying.

How did you spend Christmas?
It was wonderful and deserves it's own post which is hopefully coming soon.  We spent it surrounded by family.

Did you fall in love in 2011?
Oh yes.

What was your favorite TV program?
Thanks to Hulu I discovered Psych, Grimm, and Once Upon a Time. Psych is hilarious. My dad also tipped me off to Kingdom (also on Hulu) and I'm enjoying that very much. 

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I think I may just take this question off next year.  After all, I won't even let the kids say the word hate.  There's no place for it here.

What was the best book you read?
I really enjoyed Agnes Grey and Anne of Green Gables.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't know if you can call this a "discovery" but James likes to sing when we are out shopping and I love it.  A couple of weeks ago he was singing Jingle Bells and we were stopped by so many people who were just so happy to hear his cute little voice singing a Christmas song.

What did you want and get?
A healthy baby.

What did you want and not get?
A home of our own.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Of course I loved the final Harry Potter movie!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to church, had lunch, took a nap, then had presents, dinner and a cake made by my favorite little chefs.  Of course there were other little things but that was the main timeline.  I turned 29 for the very first time!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being closer to family.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
If it's clean and it fits, put it on.

What kept you sane?
Prayer, Layne and the occasional nap.

Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
 I didn't really get caught up in the Royal Wedding but from the little I have seen Princess Kate is so classy and beautiful.  I really, truly wish her and Wills the best.

What political issue stirred you the most?
The role of government and entitlement reform.

Who did you miss?
 All of my family but particularly my sister.  I would have loved to be closer to her this year. Also, my friend Sjauna who is living in Russia and having all sorts of wonderful adventures.

Who was the best new person you met?
Miss Ada Clare!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Patience pays.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"The view I love the most is my front porch looking in."

Make 3 predictions for 2012:
~James will be fully potty-trained.  (He's doing well but not yet 100%)
~We will FINALLY buy a house!
~I will find a way to visit Georgia at least once.