Year in Review

2013 Year in Review

I have completed this review for the last 6 years now & have decided to do it again. I am doing it mainly for myself :) & future posterity. It has been fun to look back & read what was important & fun in our lives.

1.What did you do in 2013 that you have never done before? 
I ran a half marathon. NEVER, EVER in a MILLION years was that EVER going to be on “My to do list.” I signed up and trained for it and I completed all of my long runs prior to the half. My only goal was to run the entire thing without stopping and that I did! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I am so proud to be able to say that I have run a half marathon.

 

Another “never done before” moment was sending all of my boys off to school, all day long. Brody is in first grade and this is the first time in my parenting career that I have had  all of them gone… all day long! At first, it was weird but here we are, half way through the school year and all feels normal.

 

 I also sent my first born off to high school this year. Tanner is a freshman. We are half way through the school year and it is still crazy to me. Tanner loves it. I, on the other hand am slowly getting used to the idea.

2. Did you keep your 2013 New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2014?

 

I do make resolutions each year! As I am sitting here typing this out. There are a few that I jotted down for 2013. While I may not have been perfect at keeping them, I strive really hard to remember them and work on them.  I am happy with how my year ended in regards to those resolutions. I will be making some new ones tonight! It is part of the yearly tradition. I am one of those people who likes to have goals/something to think about and work towards.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2013? 
As part of my Relief Society calling at church, I keep tabs on the ladies who are having babies and then make sure that we help with meals when those sweet babies arrive. We had 13 babies born into our ward this year! It has been so much fun to see and welcome those adorable babies.

4. Did anyone close to you die in 2013

My Moms cousin, Nancy passed away! It is never easy to lose a loved one. My heart aches for her hubby who is still here on this earth without his sweetheart.

 

5. What countries did you visit this year?
This is the same answer as the last 6 years. None. Heck, I didn't even get out of the state of California this year. I am NOT the world traveler…maybe someday.


6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
A real vacation.


7. What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

 I have thought and thought a ton about this question. I can't really nail down a specific date.  As I have been scrolling through our 2013 photos, the one thought that kept going through my head was  that we lead/live a fun, wonderful life. I am very thankful for the blessings, challenges and moments that are etched in my mind...forever.

8. What was your biggest achievement this year?
Training for the half marathon mentioned above and then actually running it. My boys are very active in sports, all year long. I had to get up and start my long runs at around 5:45 am on Saturdays just so I could complete them before anyone ever woke up! So thankful to have had my friend Stephanie to train with!With 4 boys playing sports at the same time, John and I are always dividing and conquering.

9. What was your biggest struggle this year?
My biggest struggle this year was getting to the gym each morning! I did really well getting there for most of the year. I attended the 5 a.m. class and did really well. Once the Fall months hit, I kind of fell apart. Not sure why, but it was hard. I did stop attending the Cardio Blast class once Tanner started school/seminary! I wanted to be home each morning to see him/send him out the door. He would leave the house @ 6:15 a.m.(m-f) and would not return until about 6:15 p.m.(m-f) each night! Our family  dynamics changed a little bit in 2013 and that was hard.

 10. Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2013?
I had a foot injury after I ran my half (not related to the half). That seemed to slow me down a bit. It was painful. With time and some time off from running, it healed on its own.

I also lost 3 toe nails due to all of my running/training. They were seriously the most disgusting things I had ever seen and had to keep checking with my friends who are” runners” to make sure I wasn’t going to lose my entire toe!

Garrett was bitten by what we think was a spider. We originally thought it was a mosquito bite except that is kept getting larger. He and Brody had been out back playing/moving the boards from our old fence al around the yard, building ramps, etc...  The bite area hurt, it was hot and it was spreading! After two visits to Urgent Care and some heavy antibiotics, it started to feel better. Poor guy! When Garrett is in tears, you know it is bad. He is one tough cookie!

11. What was the best thing you bought this year? 
Running shoes were/are at the top of my list. Brand new shoes every three months is a must for me. Sounds silly, but each pair (except one) were really my best investments this year! I have learned that I become very attached to my shoes and have a hard time parting with them!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? 
Tanner had an awesome 2013 year! He left/graduated 8^th grade with straight A’s (having even taken advanced math and Advance Lit.). He received a special award at the end of 8^th grade for that and a physical education award. He just finished his 1^st semester of high school with straight A’s. He had a heavy load   (Biology, Spanish, Algebra 2 and PE) and kept the straight A’s. He attended seminary for the first time (6:30 a.m.) and did not miss a day nor did he ever once complain about having to wake up so early. ! He played football and trained hard every single day! He did it all with a smile and we are so proud of him!

Carter did really well too! His 7th grade semester just ended and he pulled straight A’s, too! His flag football team had an undefeated season(a 1st for the 7th graders ever) and he even scored the most touchdowns while playing quarterback. He works hard at everything he does and it shows!

 

 

Garrett earned an award at school for Respect. His teacher said that this is the most important character trait that they focus on all year long. He also said that he could count on Garrett to do the right thing. Super proud of him.

 
Brody is loving/thriving in first grade. He has learned how to read and it is awesome! I love to hear him read everything and anything! Big props to him!

 

 13. Whose behavior disappointed you? 

I don't talk politics very often. I have my opinions, thoughts, and beliefs. I was honestly dumbfounded(for a lack of a better word) at the entire launch of the Obama Care plan/website. I was dumbfounded and actually kind of sad at the lack or remorse on the Presidents part. This has been his platform, his big push and when the day comes to unveil it, it flops. They were clearly not ready to launch it  and they did. The Presidents behavior and lack of responsibility were/are disappointing to say the least!. Boo that!

14. Where did most of your money go? 
This answer will NEVER change .
SPORTS! SPORTS! SPORTS! SPORTS! FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! These boys of ours play hard and eat us out of house and home

AND

The new fence in our backyard that our neighbor insisted HAD to be fixed the first week in December! We joked with the boys that they were all getting a new fence for Christmas!


15. What did you get really excited about this year? 
Oh my goodness! This question always takes me the longest to answer. I enjoyed and was super excited about so many fun things throughout the year. Here we go!

a). Going to the SF Giants game with our family! They won with a walk off and there were fireworks out on the Bay afterwards. So loved this memory!

b). Completing my first half marathon. I said I was going to do it and I did! Thankful I was able to train and run with Stephanie! She made it all bearable!

c). Back to back John Mayer concerts. The “other” John hasn’t been out on tour in a few years and I knew I wasn’t missing his concert. I got to see him here, At Sleep Train and then we caught him at Shoreline two days later. It was awesome!

 

d). Continuing to exercise and stay healthy. This has become my reality and is just not a phase. Sure, I may have my off days but I know that I need t get out there and move even when I don’t want to!

e). Tyson and Gina’s wedding. It was such a joy to see how happy they were! So glad we got be help them celebrate their big day!

 

f). Annual Moms Gone tired weekend at Dillon Beach with awesome girlfriends. Such a great escape!

g). Watching Carter and his entire 12 year old team do their thing. They took the District 54 title and almost had the section title. Super proud of that team and their love of the game!

 

 h). Super fun TRAIN(with Gavin DeGraw and The Script) concert with friends at Sleep Train. Seriously one of the best concerts EVER!

 

 ). Celebrating 17 years of wedded bliss at the Maroon 5(with Kelly Clarkson) concert. Never disappointed with a Maroon 5 concert!

j). Carter turned 12 and became a Deacon and received the priesthood. It was fun to have Grandpa Randy, Uncle Tyson and Gina here. Super proud of Carter and his choices.

 

k). spending 4^th of July on the shore of Lake Tahoe at our favorite beach.

 l.) watching Tanner play football for the first time. The look on his face when he scored his very first touchdown WAS awesome!

 

 m). the return of Buster Posey, our Elf! The little boys love this holiday tradition. It brings so much joy to our little guys.

 

 

n). watching our SF 49ers make it all the way to the Super Bowl. They lost the game but we still cheered them on and don’t love them any less. Hoping they go all the way this year!

 

 

o). fun date nights with friends.

 The Briggs

 The Krupp's

The Jones

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2013? 

I fell in love with hundreds of  new songs this year. I LOVE music. I am always looking for new, fast paced songs to add to my running play list. Here are a few of my favorites from 2013:

The entire Phillip Phillips album – LOVE it!
Say Something - A Great Big World
Treasure - Bruno Mars
Can't Hold Us - Macklemore
Counting Stars - One Republic
Brave - Sara Bareilles
Next to Me - Emile Sande
Dark Horse - Katy Perry ( a family favorite, the louder the better).
*** I love the entire Katy Perry album!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, much nicer or richer?
I am happier for sure! There isn't time to be anything but :-). I am always striving to be kinder. Hopefully others feel that I have been nice/kind to them as our paths have crossed.

18. What do you wish you had done more of?
Taking the time to record our life! I want to be better about writing it all down. Whether I do it on our family blog or take the time to actually write in my journal, there is room for improvement. My friend, Amanda gave me a journal that is called a ONE LINE A DAY – a Five Year Memory book. I am super excited to start writing in it today!

 

19. What do you wish you had done less of? 
Thinking about and wanting to scrapbook and NOT doing it! Besides the grandma calendar pages, I have not scrapbooked in over  a year. sad!

20. Did you fall in love this year?
Yes. With my hubby! This too ,is an answer that never changes.  I love John so much and am so thankful that he is who I get to enjoy this ride with. He is my EVERYTHING!

 

 I am also in love with these amazing boys of ours! I am constantly in awe of the lives they lead and the young men that they are! Super examples to me and they constantly remind me that this is what life is all about!

 

21. What was your favorite TV Program in 2013?
I am not a big TV person. The shows that I record are Ellen, The Voice, X Factor, The Biggest Loser and Nashville. Oh, and if I happen to catch Shark Tank on a Friday night, I will totally watch that. I am a big fan!

22. What was the best book you read this year?

I finally jumped on board and read Divergent by Veronica Roth! Loved it! I am getting ready to dive into the next book in the series! The good thing about waiting so long to read it is that I don’t have to wait for the next books to come out! They are out and ready for me.

23. What was your greatest musical discovery this past year?

Randy Roundy is a new artist for me. I have downloaded a few of his songs and love them.


24. What did you want and get this year?
Maybe a little silly but I really wanted a Polar FT4 watch. It is a watch that tracks calories burned, your hear rate and the length of your workout time. John bought it for me for my birthday and I love it!

 

The other item that  I have been wanting for years is a Kitchen Aid mixer. I guess I always thought it was too expensive and wondered if I would really use it. I seriously don’t know how I lived without it for so long! Hands down, it was one of  the best purchase of 2013.

25. What was the best movie you saw this year?
Lee Daniels' the Butler and Frozen were my favorite movies in 2013. The Butler really made me appreciate the good in people in this world. Those who stand up for others and want to make a difference.  The Butler reminded me just how far our nation has come in terms of race/equal rights. While I don’t think we have it down perfect, it is so much better that it was back then.

 

 Disney hit out of the park with Frozen. Such a cute movie and the music was fabulous!" Do you want to build a snowman???"  We took the entire family to see it and even the older boys enjoyed it! Two thumbs up for both movies!

26. What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn? 

I turned 39 this year. One year, actually 10 months away from turning 40. It is the BIG 4-0 and I am actually looking forward to it! 40 is the new 30, RIGHT??? My birthday landed on a Sunday this year. I had ward council at 8:30 a.m. and then rushed home to have a Relief Society Presidency meeting! After that, we headed to church for 3 hours and then we finally made it  home. John and the boys spoiled me with dinner and a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes –YUM! I do have to mention that my Mom and sister, Amber came up the day before and we had a girls day! We went to lunch and shopped at all of my favorite stores. Perfect birthday weekend!

 

27. What would have made your year more satisfying? 

My year was pretty amazing. The only thing that I can think that may have made it more satisfying would have been to let others negative comments/unkindness roll off my back instead of dwelling on them. There just isn’t room in life for people or their negative comments.

 Oh, and a vacation to somewhere new and exciting would have been fabulous!

28. How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year? 
Simple, trendy and comfy! I do love a good accessory (necklace/bracelets/earring) to match my outfits. I love to shop and do so often. I love finding a bargain. I am always on the hunt for new, fun clothes!

29. What kept you sane this year?
Workouts, family, John, friends, my Relief Society Presidency, power walks with my friend Stephanie (aka friend therapy)…sprinkled with a few naps along the way.

 

 

30. What celebrity did you fancy the most? 
Fancy is once again not the word I am looking for. I am going to use the word ADMIRE.  I will say that I do admire Robin Roberts from Good  Morning America! She battled a horrible rare disease and did so with total grace. She let the world in on her journey and shared. In turn, she helped so many people through their own ordeals/battles! I think she is pretty amazing.

31. Who did you miss this past year? 

I missed my sister, Amber(and actually my entire family). Amber lives in the Bay Area. It is not far away but just far enough that day to day life keeps us from getting together as often as I would like. She works full time and has 3 boys of her own. Life, family, jobs and sports keep us from getting to together on a regular basis. I miss her but am so thankful for texts, emails, FB and cell phones!

32. Who were the best new people you met this year.
I actually met Lori last year but really go to know her this year. I met Lori at church. I met her  on the very first day she and her husband attended our ward. She is so sweet, kind, helpful, talented and just down to earth. She and I think a lot alike and she has been such a good friend and a good sounding board. She is organized and a g- getter. I am so thankful to have her in my life. She is wonderful.

P.S. - Lori is in the middle. Stephanie (on the left) is an awesome friend too.  I have known her  for 10 years.

33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year:
It is a lesson I have heard/learned many times over. It is one that I constantly felt like I had to put into play this year. The lesson I learned is just to put a smile on my face and live my life. The  saying “turn the other cheek" comes to mind.  I know how to behave and how to treat others and it was something I worked hard to do this year. It is not always easy but in the long run, I felt better about myself and the life I live.

Whew...that was a lot for one post. It was fun to re-read my answers from last year. It is a great way to record my /our year, in one spot. Give it a try...you'll be happy to have it recorded…something to look back on and see where you have improved and where you might still need help! I hope each and every one of you have a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year. May 2014 bring you LOVE, HAPPINESS, and great JOY!