:: 2009 ::

Can you believe we're now in the year 2010? Seems like just yesterday we were about to embrace the year 2000 and were concerned about what would happen when the clock struck midnight! When I think back on those 10 years I marvel at how much life has changed. Major life events for me have taken place in the past decade! To name a few: I lived in Australia for 6 months with YWAM, I became an Auntie (and now have 6 nephews!), I completed my 2-year college program, I bought a brand-new car, I met and fell in love with the man who would become my husband, got engaged, bought our first place in real estate, became a wife, gained a whole new family of in-laws, got pregnant, lost our first baby through miscarriage, got pregnant again, sold our first condo and bought our first house.
There are of course many other events that have happened in the past 10 years, plus all the emotions that go along with a decade of living. I am ever so thankful for the constants in my life - my family and friends who have stuck by me through the good and the bad, and most of all, for my Saviour who has given me much grace, healing and love.

Writing in detail about a whole decade would take far too much time... plus, who would read it? ;) So when I saw a Q&A on my friend Meghan's blog, I decided I would "copy" that to re-cap on the year that has just passed.

Looking back on 2009:

What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Sold our place (condo) and bought our first HOUSE!

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for this year?

I don't think I made any last year and this year will be the start of a lifetime resolution - to be the Mom God has created me to be and to love/raise my children the best I can.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yup! Niki, Crystal, Teresa, Meghan, Elyshia, Laura C, Alison, Nadia, Amber S, Morgan... hope I didn't miss anyone!

Did anyone close to you die?

I didn't get a chance to meet her, but my friend's sweet baby Ella passed away full-term, 2 days before she was born... I feel close to her and can't wait to meet her one day

What countries did you visit?

Just the States a bunch of times. The furthest I went was Palm Springs, California

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Our baby! Should be arriving in mid-late March :) And for Josh to work days so we have more time together and can go to events together. Me being on mat leave will help that too - yay!

What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 23 - the due date of our first baby who we won't meet until we get to Heaven.
July 9 - found out we were pregnant again!
Oct 9 - the day we moved in with my parents, awaiting the finishing of our new home.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Working through the biggest hurt/healing I've ever experienced. Buying a house and living with my parents for months, while married and pregnant :)

What was your biggest failure?

I'm not a fan of the work 'failure' ... can't we just chalk it up to learning experiences and areas to work on? ;) I regret how little Josh and I are involved at our church and how disconnected we've become to the people there. And I know there were many times I could've been a better wife - more patient and accepting and supportive. Maybe I'll add those 2 to my resolution list :)

Did you suffer any illness or injury?

No.

What was the best thing you bought?

Our house! Although maybe I should wait until we actually live there to say it's "the best." I'm also really enjoying our new vehicle we bought "for the baby." :)

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Josh's. He is so wonderful, I just can't imagine life without him.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

I can't think of anyone at the moment. And appalled and depressed... eek! I'm thankful that no one comes to mind.

Where did most of your money go?

Into buying our new house.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Becoming pregnant again!! We desire a baby so much and can't WAIT to be parents!

What song will always remind you of 2009?

"At the Edge of the Water" by Tammy Trent.

Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder (b) thinner or fatter (c) richer or poorer?

I’m (a) definitely happier, (b) fatter (hey, I have a good reason, I'm almost 30 weeks pregnant!), and (c) poorer (again, bought a house)

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Worshiping, exercising, cooking, baking, vacationing, spending time with friends

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying and complaining. Not attractive qualities!

How did you spend Christmas?

With family - Josh's side on Christmas Day, my side on Boxing Day

Did you fall in love in 2009?

Yes - with Josh over and over again, and with our new baby even though I haven't "met" him/her yet!

What was your favourite TV program?

Private Practice is so good this season! And Grey's is always a favourite. I enjoy the Bachelorette/Bachelor, One Tree Hill, Brothers and Sisters, and Glee. Thank goodness for the PVR! I record shows then have them on hand for when Josh works (he works evenings) and I'm at home by myself. I know it'll come in handy when I'm nursing too!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope! Not a fan of hating people ;)

What was the best book you read?

Oh man, I read SO many books, I don't think I could narrow it down!! Karen Kingsbury is my favourite author and I read all her books right when they come out. I've also gotten into Beverly Lewis and other authors who write about the Amish community. Don't know why, but I really like them! I've been dabbling in pregnancy books too, but mostly I look up things online.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Tammy Trent. I went to a conference she spoke/sang at and it came at the ideal time in my life. Her songs really helped me through a difficult time and are a constant reminder of God's faithfulness!

What did you want and get?

Feeling slightly repetitive here... a successful pregnancy, a house, new vehicle...

What did you want and not get?

To be in our new house by Christmas

What was your favourite film of this year?

Again, I see a lot of movies so it's tough to narrow down! "The Blind Side" was so good... and my mind is blanking about other fav's!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 28 and didn't do anything crazy... had a family birthday party on both sides, and Josh and I went to Bellevue for the weekend. I miss birthday parties with friends... maybe this year :)

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Can't think of much... except for, again, to have been in our house already

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Well, I mostly buy clothes that I can wear to work - "business casual." Then I bought a whole wack-load of maternity clothes, mostly in that same category! And some jeans and casual stuff too.

What kept you sane?

Having the most supportive husband ever, through all the ups and downs. Knowing that, through all life's changes, God will never leave nor forsake me, or give me more than I can handle!

What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

hmmm, not so much into celebrity crushes. But I also can't say that I don't swoon along with the other girls over Jake!

What political issue stirred you the most?

Not really into politics either! But I am passionate about the sanctity of life from conception to the grave, being pro-life and seeing pregnant women given alternatives to abortions.

Who did you miss?

Our first baby whom we won't get to know for a long (Lord willing) time

Who was the best new person you met?

Meghan Baxter. Like I said to her, I really believe that God brought us into each others' lives in His perfect timing :)

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

To not fear crying in front of others - God can use a soft heart! And that God is faithful ALL the time and doesn't forget His promises to me.