2009 in Review

What a great year 2009 was! I feel so full of gratitude for all I have been blessed with; an amazing husband who makes me feel like a queen everyday (ok, almost every day), my health, my job, a wonderful family, amazing friends, the gospel in my life to guide me and bring me constant peace. I can't wait for all the fun, love and adventures 2010 has in store! In the mean time (while I'm waiting for the fun, love, and adventures) here is a recap of 2009.


Highlights:



Our 1st Anniversary! - 1 year down, eternity to go!



A Big Sisters Wedding!




A Brother's 1st BABY on the way and a Master Degree!



Little Sis goes to Grad School!



Learned a new skill- knitting!



Lessons Learned:


My husband and I are ever practicing the art of communication. I think back on how far we’ve come in the last year and a half and feel pretty proud at the strong foundation we’ve been able to lay before any kiddos come along. I feel blessed we’ve had the time to focus on us, and get our priorities, our finances etc. in order as we prepare to move on to the next phase of our life – family. (not an announcement….still just preparing!). I feel like I've also learned a bit more self-motivation as well as temperance and patience and certainly unconditional love.


Places I’ve been this year:


** Las Vegas ** California- Palm Springs ** Mexico ** Tennessee- Knoxville **

**Colorado- Grand Junction, Denver ** Dallas- Texas **


Favorite New Music:


Adele's Album- Chasing Pavements

Horse Feathers Album- House with No Home

Ray LaMontange- You Are The Best Thing,

Brandi Carlile- Dying Day

Santigold- Lights Out

The Flower Duet- Delibes Lakme


Things I’m looking forward to this year:


My 30's!

Becoming an Aunt

Figuring out a career path with my husband

Preparing for a family of our own some day

Reaching my goal weight

Advancing my knitting skills

A Trip out to DC!


Priorities for 2010


What I read recently in this months ensign pretty much sums up the things I know I should focus on and make a bigger priority in my life. It is a quote from Julie B. Beck, the Relief Society general president about self-reliance. She said, “We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.” There you have it. Luckily we were able to make headway on being prepared for emergencies this year by purchasing 1 year food storage. I need to focus more on always increasing my knowledge. I need to continue to strengthen myself spiritually and keep physical, social, and emotional well-being a high priority. Another high priority this year is to remember to serve others more often....stop being so dang selfish!


We had a very uplifting Stake Conference this weekend, and one main message that hit me loud and clear is that we are not sent here to FAIL. We were sent here with everything we need to SUCCEED and there are lessons in place to cultivate the attributes that will help us ultimately succeed in the end. Don't forget that when things get hard. Don't give into another minute to those little evil thoughts that try to sneak into your mind and tell you you're not good enough or not worth anything. Remember to keep the faith, it has always worked out in the past, and it will always work out again and I was always meant to succeed.


Here we come 2010!




4 comments:

Heidi said...

Great post Oreo! What a fun year, and fun to see it all in a row like that. I can't wait to see where this one takes you guys (and us!).

Rebecca said...

That was a pleasant journey! It was a really good year....and I love your joy in the progress made and your excitement for what's to come! Love

Em and Ty said...

What a lovely recap. That was my favorite quote from the VT message too. My goal is to just get our 72 hour kits together so way to go on the 1 year food supply!
By the way, another thing you are looking forward to this year is visiting us in DC!

The Quayles said...

Loved reading about your year! I also loved being a part of that year!! Hope we can be an even bigger part of each others 2010!! Love you!