December 31 – Core Story- What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.) 


My central story is that of motherhood. Of a wife. Of a sister, daughter, and friend. It is my core. It is what I wake up and AM every single day. It is something that no one can take from me. It is me.


What I don’t want to be my core? My struggle with anxiety. It doesn’t define me, but it sure is a part of my past. As I look ahead into 2011, I am excited at the prospect of redefining my roles as mom and wife. Becoming better, becoming calm, letting go, evolving into a better ME. Here’s to 2011!

December 30 – Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?


The most memorable emotional gift I received this year was peace. And not in a cheesy, world peace kind of way. More like peace of mind. Peace of mind in being a mother, wife, sister, and friend. Peace of mind enough to get through my days without a pit in my stomach about what wasn’t done or how the next day would go. I hope that this gift follows me into 2011.


The most tangible gift? My Nook Color that I received from my sweet husband on Christmas. It is truly amazing, and I love that he spoiled me to get me something I had been wanting for months. What a sweetie!  

December 29 – Defining Moment: Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.


A defining moment of 2010. This post is kind of daunting! 


I think I can safely say that my defining moment was the morning of December 1. We had just made it through Thanksgiving without me having a total meltdown. Brayden was playing so contentedly by himself while I was watching him, sipping a cup of coffee. I was reflecting on the past year (much like I am now!) and realizing just how far we have come as a family. I was realizing that for the first time, I was pretty much just “being” in a moment instead of trying to plan it OR around it. Up until that point, my days revolved around what Brayden “might” do- and as I KNOW, kids are unpredictable. We couldn’t do this because he would need to do this, and what about this or when would he nap?


 I could just kick myself for being so anal about it. 


But it was part of a process that got me to that morning, where I realizedI couldn’t plan everything. I had to live it. And make decisions based on what was already happening, not on what COULD have happened. I was wasting time living that way, and I vowed to not do that anymore. God has my life planned already so that I don’t have to worry. And I needed that reminder to trust HIM- and live for the day. 

December 28 – Achieve What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. 


It really is no secret that I can’t wait to expand our family. Brandon and I have always talked of having 3 or 4 kids, and maybe 2011 will bring us a brother or sister for Brayden. (No, I am not pregnant right now. This isn’t some kind of weird code post where you think I am- I am not, I assure you!) 


We figure that the best things that have happened to us have been in odd years- getting married in 2007, having Brayden in 2009- so maybe 2011 will be the lucky year. We will see. 


I’m excited at the prospect of experiencing pregnancy again, but there are a couple things I am fearful of. For those of you that don’t know, I was induced with preeclempsia with Brayden, labored for almost 24 hours, and then had to have an emergency C-section. As of now, I plan to have a scheduled C-section with the next one- but I am scared that I won’t be awake like I was when Brayden was born. 


More things I want to achieve this year:
Work out more
cut back on drinking pop
read more
write more
“be” more

December 27 – Ordinary Joy: Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? 


One of my most joyful days was a day that Brayden and I just stayed home. We had nowhere to be, no errands to run, and an entire day together. We played, he helped me fold laundry, we picked up the toys in his room, played outside, and just immersed ourselves with each other. I was totally aware of how much of an influence I am on him, and I used it as a huge teaching day. 


I soaked him up- every glance, every giggle, every smile, and every cry.  I relished him when I rocked him to sleep that sunny afternoon, smelling the crook of his neck and letting his baby fine hair tickle my nose. I held him for a lot longer than I normally would at nap time just staring at him. 


It was in that moment that I felt my heart explode with love and devotion for this little boy. And everyday, though not perfect days like that, I try to find one moment like that. It brings me back to that breezy, sunny day when all was right with the world. 

December 26 – Soul Food: What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?


I can’t say enough about that steakhouse in Estes Park. It was incredible. Being on a date in a completely new place, with the most amazing food ever was so relaxing and fun for us.


Brandon’s grandma’s Dutch Apple pie. It is on my list of recipes to conquer.


Hosting Christmas Eve dinner in our home this year with my dad’s family’s traditional meal. 


Sharing ALL of my food with Brayden because he wants to try whatever I have.  

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK: What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?


One day, after a long day of dealing with a teething little boy who wouldn’t eat, nap, play, or even giggle, I had really started to lose every ounce of patience that I had. We had an awful day and I was just at my wits end about what to do. But then I realized, there was nothing I could do to change it. I couldn’t change the bad day that the two of us had shared. It was just part of life, part of Brayden growing, part of the challenge of being a parent. 


And I wasn’t frazzled or anxious. I was calm about it. I realized right then that the laundry, dishes, and anything else on my list could wait. The most important thing was making sure Brayden was content and nothing could get in the way of that. 


I was able to put everything else aside mentally, and just deal with the task at hand. It was a surreal, peaceful, aha! moment. Not to mention, a huge learning experience and epiphany. 

December 23 – New Name: Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?


If I could use another name, just for a day, I think I would have to choose Reese.  It is a simple, classy, sophisticated name. Plus it sounds way more exotic than Julie. 


It’s sassy, sweet, fun, spunky, and classy all rolled into one. I love it. 

December 22 – Travel How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)


We traveled to Estes Park, Colorado in October for 10 glorious days with my parents and my sister. It was incredible. I was nervous at first, traveling with Brayden, getting him to sleep without a rocking chair, and just in general nervousness- but he did awesome. And I actually got to relax!


Brandon and I went to an incredible steak house while we were there. I had the best Prime Rib I have ever tasted. The dessert platter was straight from a catalog, I swear. And it was just nice to have some us time in the middle of a family vacation. 


In 2011, I would like to travel to Nebraska to see my family that has never met Brayden. And maybe to Chicago or St. Louis for an overnight with the hubby. We’ll see!