2011 - A Year in Review

This is, without a doubt, my very favorite post to write every year. It takes me hours and hours. I love to have this blog to look back on my life and remember the things that have happened to me - the good, the bad, and the very,very ugly - and there have certainly been some of each. It's tough to pick 3-5 of the best for each month, but it's a great reminder for me that, occasionally, I do write something worth reading.

So, here we go. I'll be back in the January 1 vicinity with something new. Before you start, you might want to get a drink - you'll be here a while. Do you remember any of these?

In January I decided that I wasn't going to have a New year's Resolution - but Riley did. I debuted the "Kinda, Sorta Weekly Reader" in which I chronicle the books I read, when I remember to do so. I vowed to make a change. I bought what turned out to be my favorite dress of 2011. I went to Blissdom where Heather took a great photo of me.

February - I had my photo taken by Karen Walrond. I talked about how to be in love with me. (I need to print this post off and read it every.single.day.) I listed some of my favorite things. I walked away from the homework table, and the results were not so good. We discovered exactly who shops at the grocery at midnight - us. I answered 20 questions.

March was a fun time. We lost power four days in a row and I had the longest 42 minutes of my life. We had the stomach flu. Again. And Again. I tried to rid the house of 40 bags in 40 days. I ran the Shamrock 8K with Mackenzie - who then ate 12 metric tons of crap and slept for four hours. My grandma was killed by a negligent driver.

April - I was skooled in the confessional by my daughter. Mackenzie placed second in the forensics tournament and came home with a trophy almost as big as she is. I solved the "fold or tuck" dilemma at the GYN. I witnessed, firsthand, the wrong way to complain. My debit card number was stolen. I listed many ways in which I am far from perfect.We spent Easter Break visiting the beach.

May found me in Chicago for Gatorade. Darth Vader grabbed my butt. We found my daughters in the strangest place. Riley wrote an exceptionally awesome book. Emma made her First Communion. I went to Tucson with my husband for his job.

In June, we were all scared to death when Allegra got her license. My husband insulted me by saying I've got a good personality. I flew to Detroit for Ford, where I lost my camera. My husband was banned from cutting Gabe's hair ever again. I almost got divorced because I decided that I wanted to paint the bathroom.

July scared us right off the bat when Gabriel had an allergic reaction. I got a wild hair and took a two week road trip to see my dad in Texas. Where my kids had a total meltdown. And I spent two awesome days with Kalisa.  Riley screamed and yelled about a pair of antlers. I was able to interview Steve Carrell - and attend the premiere of Crazy, Stupid Love.

In August, I was delighted to be able to attend Blogher. I had more fun there than I've ever had in my life, even when I was scared to death. I worked out with Bob Harper. Riley was lucky enough to go to Surfer's Healing Camp. We prepped for Hurricane Irene.

I was in a slight tailspin in September, and so we took a couple of days off and went to the Outer Banks. I began my black belt training and needed to get a waiver for the run, which was depressing. Home Depot proved that they follow their twitter stream. I was told that I was unapproachable and unfriendly. I got a new office. Riley lost her front two teeth - which are still not in.  And the next two are on their way out as well.

How I love October. It began with a tea party at which I failed, and I confessed to being totally overwhelmed as a parent. We spent tons of time at cross country matches. I shared what I want you to know about fitness. I made sidewalk chalk. I (finally!) replaced my camera. I heard the perfect homily for me.    

November is my favorite month, because it's my birthday month! Even when I make myself a year older than I am for an entire day. I attempted - and completed! - NaBloPoMo, in which I blogged every single day for an entire month. I pondered what makes a good mother. I decided to add charms to my charm bracelet from my childhood. My two littlest had a knock down, drag out fight. We went out for a fancy night and I ended up being sick for two week. Most of the family ran a Turkey Trot for the first time ever. I attempted to take photos for the Christmas Cards, with a mild level of success.

Ah, December. You were just here, weren't you? I attempted to write five things that you might not know about me. I just about gave up with two of my kids. My bed made me crazy in the wee hours of the night.  I celebrate my 22nd anniversary with my husband. I made my black belt. My two girls who share a birthday, but are not twins, had a special day.  Emma illustrated that she had no idea what anonymous meant. My mother told a phenomenal story.

Wow. What a year.

Comments

[Malia Carden]

That was quite a year you had! I hope 2012 is even better!

Love you! xoxoxo

[Lisa]

thanks for all of it! you are a fun spot in my life!

[Kate@SurroundedbyPenises]

Phew! Ready to do it all over again? Happy 2012! :)

[Brandy]

You had a productive and busy year! Wishing you a Blessed New Year!

[Mary Copeland]

I just granted myself the time to read this, and I realized, I need to take more time for me. I know our kids will be in a different school next year. Hard decision for us, but I am certain for the short time we have been there, I have met some folks that I care nothing for and others that I will miss. You are one of those I will miss. I know that God let our paths cross for a reason, and I am truly thankful for his knowledge of allowing this to happen. May you have a wonderful New Year, and Thank you for your friendship.

[Sandra]

sounds like a pretty good year to me. :-)

[UKCraftySal]

What a great post! I re-read some favourites and found a couple that I'd somehow missed.

I wish you a 2012 with fewer dramas, great health for all, continued progress with life's difficulties and time for you. I sense that less laundry would be welcome too!

I'm grateful that you continue to make me laugh and cry, and that by sharing so much of your own life, you make me realise that I'm not alone with the craziness that is marriage and parenthood.

Thank you for everything you've written in 2011, and I can't wait for all you will say in 2012! xx

[exexertyNiz]

phupho aur chachi ki gand mari