A Year in Review

Well, since it is the last day of the year, I for sure need to review it. In fact, I was thinking alot about this post in the shower this morning and what exactly did happen this year. When I was thinking about it a thought donned on me. I have this box....a really cute box that was used to give me a present, in fact, Brittlyn and Teri gave me this box now that I think about it...anyhow, in this box is pictures and filled out bank checks that I either cut from a magazine or printed off the internet AND made a check out to that particular company for the things I wanted. I didn't no anything more than that --- just threw it my cute box and tucked it away so only my eyes could see it when I wanted too. Talk about fun because almost everything I have in that box I now have!! It is the truth!! 2007 has treated our family right! We have had an awesome year.

One of the things that I wanted to happen which isn't a THING at all is-- I wanted a house where everyone gathers. The whole time we lived at Fort Campbell, I never once had a party just for the sake of having a party. I hated when anyone showed up at my door especially unannounced. I hated that house and it showed because I did not take any pride in it at all. Therefore it was all I could do to have the kids birthdays at the house.

Before we left that house to move to Fort Lee (another grimy post house) I told Keith "when we get there, lets be the party house because everyone is going to be in the same bad situation." Meaning everyone will be new and living there for a short time in the same gross houses as everyone else. Well, we accomplished that by far. I was the most excellent hostess always inviting everyone over and having full dinner parties where I made everything. It was fun, really fun and it got the point where Keith and I couldn't even go outside and sit in the carport without people driving by, seeing us and pulling over to join us. One month Keith said we had almost spent $1000 at the rinky dink commissary that month entertaining and that maybe we should slow down.

So I got smart about it. Even though I still love to entertain with full dinner parties, more often I have people over after dinner time to play games and have everyone bring a dish with them. Much more affordable and easier and really just as fun. We still do this all the time since we have moved here. It is a great way to meet people and not have to get a babysitter. So this has been the year of the party for me.

Another thing is that we bought our first house. While it is not in the city I would want, it is still a nice house in a nice area. And I really love it. That would make an awesome year for most anyone.

I got my bed this year- in fact it just came less than a month ago (finally). I have had that bed saved on my computer for a couple of years--- I really wanted it bad. I gave away my old bed so I could make room in my life for a new one. The mattresses were on the floor for about 5 months but guess what=- I can throw away the picture out of my box because the real thing is in my bedroom.

Also in my box was a check written our for private school for the kids--- it happened for Bridger first and Jadyn starts in a week- how cool is that. This school has literally changed Bridger. The teacher just told me that Bridger does so much work it is crazy. She is going to make him expand on his work that he already does to make it more challenging for him. For instance, instead just writing 2 paragraphs for a story- he will need to make it 2 pages or something along that line. His confidence has soared and not once has the teacher ever said- "I think your son needs medication." Amazing. Bridger said he likes this school because he knows exactly what he needs to do before he even gets to school for the day. He knows he needs to accomplished 8 pieces of work a day for a total of 40 for the week. Even when he has missed a day of school, he can still make his goal because he knows how fast he needs to work. That has made all the difference for him.

Another awesome thing that has happened this year is Swanky Graffiti. I just love this stuff!! In fact, in the next day or two I will have a bunch of new stuff in my Etsy shop. I look forward to what is coming up with that and see how I can grow this little company in the next year. The response to it so far has been awesome. People have really given me great feedback. I need to tweak some things but that will all come in time.

As if this is not good enough, my parents (both of them!!) came to my house this year. That has never happened before and we had a blast. It felt really good to have them here even though I had to cry to get my Dad to agree to get on a plane. It worked! ha!!

Here is one thing that is in my box that I don't have yet-- my perfect dishes. Hummmm...I bet that will come together for me in 2008. You can bet on it.

We took a lot of risks this year- put ourselves out there and it worked. It will be hard to top this year but I already have some things in mind. Nothing that I want to put up on the blog yet, but for sure-- it will go into my cute little box! And for sure, you will know when it happens!!

Happy New Year!
Don't you love new beginnings?