20 Questions for 2013

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

I would have to say Christmastime.  We actually relaxed.  Sure there were some chores and cleaning done, but mostly we just chilled and let the kids chill.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Well, we were told that Marley's teeth are going to have to have the same fate as Logan's.  Before that could happen, we tried just pulling one.  Apparently, she's allergic to the sedative they gave her, and she turned into a demon child.  It was pretty un-fun.  Because of that, we are waiting for taxes to do her teeth all at once like Logan's.  :(

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

I drove ten hours to Atlanta with a girl on my Thirty-One team, and we got along great!  Seriously, I wasn't expecting it, and it made the whole round trip really fun!

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

More health problems and more financial problems.

5.Pick three words to describe this past year.

Recovering, Prioritizing, Progressing

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your year.

Spiritual, Accomplished, Better

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their year.

Better, Hard, Progress

8. What were the best books you read this year?

The Temperament God Gave You, The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse, The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art Bennett

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

God

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December this past year?

I accidentally peeked at my answer last year.  It's the same.  I'm more aware.  I'm really trying to be more patient and kind and stop the judging.

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I think I've become more laid back.  I've let loose from my control grip a bit more.  I still want to have control of situations, but after the initial anxiety when I don't, I'm learning to let go.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I took my first steps into becoming a Carmelite.  I received my brown scapular.  My favorite quote from my Carmelite book in explaining what a Carmelite is..."We seek the face of God so that others may seek Him."

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

My hair.  I have embraced the curl, and my hair is EXTREMELY long.  

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

I realized a lot through my friendships this year.  I noticed that some things needed changing.  I have a co-dependent personality, and this seeps into my friendships, and I can't have that.  It makes me too vulnerable.  I've learned that I need to rely on myself more and on others less.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work both professionally and at home?

Since part of my job is homeschooling the kids, I think I did an exceptional job at signing us up for our co-op.  It has been wonderful.  Thirty-One is falling by the wayside I'm sorry to say.  I wish I were more successful at it, but it seems like it's ran it's course.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work both professionally and at home?

The most challenging is always this house.  It's small, and we have a lot of stuff.  It's hard making sure something goes out when something comes in.  I am not a naturally organized person.  I think I just did my work challenge on the last question.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Again, it's the computer.  If I wanted to be more specific, it's Pinterest.  I love that thing.  I cannot lie.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

I did my random acts of kindness for my birthday again this year.  I think it's going to become a tradition.  Other than that, praying...hands down.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

I'm doing ok.  I tend to see all the negative things I'm not doing right instead of the things I might be doing ok.  I've been allowed to see some things that make me feel better about some things I'm doing.  For example, I worry that my kids aren't getting enough God.  Then I see them memorizing bible verses, offering to pray for someone who's having a hard time, or bringing their money to the poor box at church.  Instead I see that I'm not celebrating Saint feasts.  Hopefully this will continue to be my growth in the new year.

20. Create a phrase or statement that best describes 2013 for you.

I can't create one, so I'll borrow one.

"There but for the grace of God, go I."

Happy 2014!