2013 in Review

I was planning a post to reflect on the highs and lows of 2013 when the lovely Kate, who blogs at www.kateonthinice.com, tagged me in one of her posts and asked me to answer the following questions as a round up to 2013. Thank you Kate; here are my highs and lows of 2013.

1. What was your happiest event?

There hasn't been one event that massively sticks out in my head, as there have been so many, these include:

• Starting the blog
• Lottie's 1st birthday
• Phil and I celebrated 5 years of married life
• Ruby started school and became pupil of the week in the first week; she also played the part of Mary in the school nativity

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

This year has been filled with some really sad events and especially in the month of December when we lost my great uncle, a close family friend and just a few days ago, one of Ruby's classmates lost his mother who very sadly passed away following a battle with cancer.


3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that actually went ahead and did?

I really can't think of anything!


4. Who let you down?

I am very fortunate that I have a very close family and some great friends, some newer than others, and very few people have let me down this year; yes people have said things that I have had to bite my tongue over, but I've learnt to let go and move on. I am not going to mention specifics as those few people that let me down do not deserve a place on my blog.


5. Who supported you?

As I said in my answer to question 4, I have an amazing family and in particular my husband who believes in me 100% and always helps me to strive to achieve my best. He does a great job although I don't acknowledge him anywhere near enough.


6. Tell us what you learned

I've learnt this year that its important for me to rediscover who I am and have some me time, as I feel I lost a part of me when I became a mother; I now have regular evenings out with my mum and quiet days every other month at the lovely Launde Abbey.


7. Tell us what made you laugh

My children always make me laugh with the little gems they speak.


8. Tell us the things that made you cry

Hmm where do I start, I can be quite an emotional person and many tears have been shed both happy and also sad. I cried when Ruby started school, when Lottie turned one and have had way too many tears for my liking when it comes to being in pain with my knees.


9. Tell us three things your child or children did to make you feel proud.

• Lottie learned to walk, although much anticipated!
• Ruby settled into school so well and playing the part of Mary in her school nativity.
• I am proud of my girls for how they are both so loving, and how well they enjoy playing with one another - especially when it comes to tea parties!

10. Tell us the things that made you proud of yourself.

Mmm, I am my own worst enemy and always incredibly hard on myself but I am proud of myself that I was able to be fully awake and even manage to watch my knee operation, it was by far an amazing experience and I shall have to go through it all again in the Summer although I am not looking forward to the recovery and pain.


11. Tell the challenges you overcame

Having my knee operation was a challenge; also, I am still breastfeeding Lottie when I never even thought I would last a day, let alone nearly 18 months!


12. Tell us the things you would like to change about your life in 2014

I would really love to gain some weight in 2014, whatever I do to put weight on, it doesn't seem to make any difference at all - any suggestions would be gratefully received.

I would also love to be pain free, but I realise this is unlikely; as long as its better managed and doesnt get worse I would be greatful.

I would like to wish everyone a very happy new year and hope that 2014 is a year that brings you much happiness in each and every area of your life.