My Year In Review

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and Their Mama | Making the Most of Everyday | Foxy's Domestic Side

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After | Mishaps & Mayhem of Solitary Life | Nick & Nik

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | Daily Style Finds

Welcome to the last day of 2015.  I know it's cliche, but seriously, how did that happen? Personally, life is going way too fast for me.  Nonetheless, here we are, and it's time to reflect on the year that was with some of my Blended Blog buddies.

Looking back, there were two distinct halves to my year.  The first part was really good, with lots of family time and travel.  The last six months haven't been so great.  My mom's broken arm, my father's unexpected death, and serious illnesses for Grandpa Ed and my uncle.

But woven throughout, during the good and the bad, there has been love. Family, and laughter, and hugs, and love.  And as long as you have that, you have everything.

I thought I'd "borrow" a few year in review questions from my friend Tamara, because she's awesome and she inspires me.

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Yes and no.  I always make a long list of resolutions, and usually end up keeping a few of them.  I got an A in exercising and water drinking, and an F in devotional time.  But I'll make a new list this year, because it's hard to resist making grand declarations when there are 12 wide open months ahead of you.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?  I turned 48 in 2015, and my birthday actually fell on Mother's Day.  It was spent with my family and a delicious brunch.

My brother, captured in a rare selfie.

What do you wish you'd done more of?  Travel.  There should always be more adventure. Less of?  Worry.  Sometimes things are going to happen, and sometimes they're not.  I tend to go to worst case scenario, which isn't doing anybody any good.  

Compared to this time last year, are you, Happier or Sadder?  Sadder. Thinner or fatter?  Thinner.  Richer or poorer?  Richer.  

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015.  Don't take anything for granted.  Tell your people you love them every single day.  Be brave and do it - there might not be another chance.  That's more than one life lesson, but I learned a lot this year.

What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?  The magical ability to slow down time.  Which isn't going to happen.  So instead, I hope for peace and gratitude, and I wish that for all of you, too.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.

Go check out the rest of The Blended Bloggers and see how their years turned out.  Have a safe and happy New Year!