2012 or "The Year of Change"

Here it is: my review of the past year and how it treated us. 2012 was an interesting year for our family. And instead of doing a huge giant picture dump, going month by month, reviewing our ups and downs; I thought I would just do a questionaire type thing about what 2012 was like for us.

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
Well for starters, I went an entire calendar year with two kids. What a total game changer for me, it wasn't always easy but it was rewarding. Also we moved in with my parents (which I have done before, but this time I brought the husband, two kids, and two dogs). Oh and then we bought a house! And lastly we moved twice within 12 months.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year, instead I focused on one word "APPRECIATE" and I'd like to think that I was able to appreciate life a bit more in 2012. Slow down and soak up the good things and realize how blessed I am. But I know there were days when I chose to wallow in self-pity (living with my parents, life stinks, blah blah) instead of trying to find what I could appreciate. (For the record, while living with my parents wasn't always the most fun thing in the world, it had its up sides.Lots of people to help with the kids, social interaction throughout the day, and the kids relationship with their grandparents getting even better being a few. I am incredibly grateful that we lived with them and were able to get enough money to get our own house.)

And for this year I think I'd like to do the same, but instead I want our word for the year to be "BUILD". I want to build our home, make it a place where we can build memories and build a life as a family. Building is work, and I am ready for it! I spent almost the entire month of January trying to figure out our word for this year so I'm hoping it fits us and helps remind me of my goals!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I had a couple of friends have babies, but no one in my immediate family or anything like that.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
None, I visited a few states around the US but I stayed in country the whole year.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Less changes. I felt like most of 2012 was a time of waiting and transistion for us and I would really like to feel more grounded and less stressed out this year.

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 20th - our baby Andrew turned 1
Dec 14th - Sandy Hook really pulls at my heart still
Dec 27th - we closed on our house


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Besides buying a house, I'd say it was getting a part time job. I have a really hard time doing things for myself, but this job has given me time to be an adult and become something other than mom. It's nice to feel like I'm contributing in some way other than taking care of the kids all day and it's good for the kids to get to spend time with their dad as well.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think I had one major failur that stands out in particular. There were plenty everyday failures: getting frustrated with the kids, losing my temper, not realizing how good things are, getting stuck in the "woe is me" attitude (of which I am kind of prone to when I get upset), and so on.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major, plenty of colds and random virus things over the winter though. One particularly nasty stomach bug that made me wish I was dead, but nothing too horrible.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our house!

12. Where did most of your money go?
House, bills, and kid clothes. What can I say? Those tiny clothes just scream "BUY ME RIGHT THIS SECOND!"

13. What did you get really excited about?
Purchasing and moving into our house.

14. What song will always remind you of 2012?
Nothing special comes to mind

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? I think overall, happier. We are in our own place and I'm working and being active in life. Last year I was feeling very closed in and stuck.
– thinner or fatter? Thinner, last year I think I may have still had some baby weight hanging around.
– richer or poorer? Poorer. We bought a house, remember?

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Being content with life. I spent a lot of time getting frustrated and worrying about how everything would play out in the end.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Getting frustrated, stressed, and angry.

18. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve was at the In-Laws and Christmas Day was with my family. It's been like that since we got married.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
Well I really like Once Upon a Time.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Well I read a lot and always have a hard time picking a favorite.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Christmas music always ranks high in my list of favorites, I am a sucker for a good carol. But I also enjoyed listening to Taylor Swift's new album.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Didn't see many.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent it with family, but a few days before I got a girls night out with a few close friends and it was absolutely the best treat my husband could have given me. I was 26 by the way.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to take off on vacation. I love to travel, but it's usually not in our budget and now with the kids...

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Shabby and sometimes chic mom. Haha mostly I wear yoga pants and a t-shirt. Or jeans and a sweater.

26. What kept you sane?
Praying, Ryan, friends, and seeing my kids smile and get along.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
That waiting and doing things the right way really does pay off.