Reflecting on 2008

Reflection Questions for 2008

from Simple Mom

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? one thing? that is so hard... my relationship with my kids and my husband improved from the year before. We all got more sleep and more exercise which created a feeling of well being and less crankiness. I guess I could sum it up by saying the best thing was more teamwork.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? very very close to getting a divorce after a fight with my husband - we are mending the pain and sticking it out on a continual basis

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? our 3rd baby is on the way (no we were not trying - we are just super firtile)

4. What was an unexpected obstacle? my husband becoming his own boss; the economy crashing; not agreeing with the choice of US President; accepting the fact that I really am pregnant and you can not control the way you feel (extreme nausea and inability to workout for a long period of time)

5. Pick three words to describe 2008. INSPIRATION, DEDICATION, CHANGE

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2008 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you). busy, running, cranky

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2008 (again, without asking). stressful, successful, busy

8. What were the best books you read this year? Perfect Weight America, The Vaccine Book, The Mentoring Mom: 11 ways to model Christ for your child

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? my quickly changing little boys, my husband, and of course my Lord - without these I would be nothing

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? journey back to fitness, running for the first time ever, accomplishing goals I never thought possible, and almost reaching my goal weight (oops, I got pregnant)

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?2007 was a funky year and definitely one I would describe with the word depression. 2008 was such a different year - marked by more sleep, more happiness, more Joy, more confidence, and more cooperation and teamwork in our marriage. It was a huge emotional improvement from the year before.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? it blessed me beyond measure to watch my son Jackson come to know and love the Lord; the Lord teaches me daily through the boys and my marriage

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? I lost 20 lbs and 3 sizes and got my 6 pack back

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? relationships with coworkers deepened; reconnected with old friends; more teamwork with my husband; became a Bible teacher to my son

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home? singing praise songs with the boys, reading Bible stories, hearing sweet prayers of a 3 year old

16. What was your most challenging area of home management? POTTY TRAINING, LAUNDRY, and managing a strong willed and tempramental toddler (Owen) with patience and love but firmly disciplined.

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

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? laughing, playing with, and teaching my babies; good conversations with my husband; worshipping the Lord; inspiring others to be healthy and fit; getting fit myself

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? happiness is a choice; real Joy comes from the Lord despite your circumstances; being organized and consistent makes everyone happy; with God all things are possible; manage your time wisely or you will have none

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2008 for you. CHANGE (see Christmas letter for more about change in 2008)