My yearly update

When I started this blog in 2007, I planned to use it regularly to record my family stories and memories. I love reading other blogs and think they are awesome. Unfortunately, I have not made blogging a priority.

After reading my last post, I am happy to report that most of my goals for last year are the same as this upcoming year. Is this a good or bad thing???

Some renewals for the upcoming year:

1. Give more
2. Keep GOD in my life
3. Follow through on my to-do lists in a timely manner
4. Exercise
5. Take pictures

6. Update my blog

7. Share fun with others

8. Get out of bed earlier and happier

9. Continue learning new speech and language techniques

Some scrapbook goals:
1. Make some digital layouts
2. Participate in the LOM alumni class
3. Spend more time in my scrapbook room
4. Let go of perfection
5. Journal more
6. Use my monthly idea calendar

7. Work in 15 minute increments

8. Have fun

9. Make Tree of Life ornaments

For the last couple of years I have had a word of the year. Last year my word was generosity, and I feel that I worked hard at becoming more generous with myself, my family, and others. This year, my word is FUN. I already feel like I have an abundance of FUN in my life, so I want to share that with others. Most importantly with my immediate family.

During 2008, I went back to work in the field of Speech Pathology. I started off working at a Head Start center and now I am working in a Private Practice, 3 afternoons a week and 2 Head Start Centers 3 mornings a week. This new work schedule has been quite an adjustment for me. I really enjoy working in the afternoons, but I am still getting used to not having my mornings free to frolic and play.

Now on to family life. Lily has really blossomed this past year. She is now in Pre-K at the JCC. Her teachers are Mrs. Arieli and Ms. Wittig in the GanRichment class. She loves all of the Judaica and Hebrew that she learns. She also loves learning new alphabet letters each week. Lily is quite the social butterfly and enjoyes having playdates with friends whenever possible. Her best friend continues to be Lily Rosendahl and they have such a unique, wonderful friendship. Lily loves playing with her dolls and dollhouse. She is very into Princesses and Fairies. Her favorite Princess has switched from Cinderella to Tiana. Lily loves to color and is into making houses, rainbows, and families. Lily is most comfortable in dresses and seizes any opportunity to wear tights. She twirls and whirls around the house. Her favorite TV shows are Little Bill, Olivia, and Sesame Street. In the Fall, Lily started playing soccer on the Maitland Soccer League. She loved the team spirit and running back and forth across the field. She is still learning the actual concept of the game.

Jason continues to work in the Land and Industrial real estate market. It has been a slow year this year, but he strives to do well in this business. He has also been a huge help with Lily this year, while I have gone back to work in the afternoons.

My sister, Andrea gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Emersen Juliet, on November 13, 2009. Cole is an attentive big brother and Lily is the best big cousin ever. She even says she will babysit and change poopy diapers for free.

My passion for scrapbooking, Mah Jonng and having fun have not changed. In 2009, I was fortunate enough to go on 3 scrapbooking retreats with friends and I loved every single second of those adventures. I was able to bond with friends, create, and relax. I can't wait to go away again this May. We have also started a scrapbook group called GIRLS GONE SCRAPPIN and we meet monthly. I love it!!!

My Mah Jonng friends continue to be a huge part of my life and I relish the time that I spend with them on Tuesday nights. This year, I wasn't able to attend every week, but I love knowing that I have friends who I can share my life's ups and downs with and know that they support me whole heartedly.

Jason turned 40 this year and we went on a fabulous trip to Las Vegas. Jason received a Kindle for his birthday and has not stopped reading since. I think he has read close to 40 books in 6 months. If Jason is not playing with Lily or Bodhi, he is reading.

Bodhi continues to be a puppy. She loves to run around and chew on toys and furniture.

My mom got a new sewing/embroidery machine this Winter and has been learning how to decorate burpcloths, T-shirts, and anything else she can get her hands on at the moment. Andrea is also sewing as well. While the girls are playing, my dad is enjoying reading on his Kindle.

My mother-in-law Judi traveled to Australia and New Zealand this past Fall with Debbie Meitin for an adventure of a lifetime. She said it was the best trip she has ever taken. We loved visiting with her over the holiday break and look forward to her upcoming visit in February.

This has been easier than I thought it would be. Maybe I will write again this year. Happy 2010.