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This was the meme that floated around at the end of 2005. I dusted it off for this year.

1. What did you do in 2006 that you had never done before?

I flew with a child, our daughter Aidan. We went to Chicago in January to visit the American Girl Place. It was a surprise Christmas present from my darling husband. I had a c-section in September, which I managed to avoid the five other times I had kids.

2.Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t make resolutions and I won’t this year. I will, however, make a resolution on behalf of our three-year-old Joel. In 2007 he resolves to embrace underwear as a good thing and regard the potty as a friend.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes. My sister-in-law had a baby girl in March. I had my baby girl in September. I hope the girls grow up to be good pals.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, although with the way 2005 went I feel bad for going out on a limb and typing that word when there are still about 16 hours left in 2006.

5. What countries counties did you visit?

I visited Jefferson, Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Boulder, Larimer, Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, and Mesa counties. I also spent time in the legendary Cook county of Illinois. If I inadvertantly left out a county, I apologize. Maybe in 2007 I will visit another country.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?

A continual sense of peace and courage in the face of trial. I was afraid during much of 2006—would I lose another pregnancy? Would the baby be healthy? How would I manage six children? I hope when worry confronts me I will kick it to the curb in 2007.

7. What dates will remain etched in your memory and why?

January 3, January 22, February 14, March 17, May 13, June 6, all of late August and early September, especially September 8. The rest has been a blur, except for Christmas Day which is crisp. Why? Those were the newsy, knee-buckling days.

8. What’s your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting six kids ready and out the door every morning. Overcoming doubt and fear and not letting the past drag me down.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I think I ate a little too much during my pregnancy. But it was a yummy way to say bon voyage to my former heiny. I’ll get it back in 2007 as deliciously as possible. I’ve done it before.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Late last summer a frozen pork roast dropped out of the freezer and on to the top of my bare left foot. It was fiercely painful, but I laughed through the tears because most of my injuries are goofy. A pack of frozen hot dogs fell out of the freezer a few days ago and I had serious flashbacks. My lower abdominal area is sporting a lovely scar.

11.What was the best thing you bought?

Size Newborn Pampers Swaddlers that I actually got to open.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The kids are good most of the time. Yay, kids!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?

Those are strong words. I feel those emotions every time I read the newspaper. (note: this is the same answer I gave last year)

14. Where did most of your money go?

SuperTarget, the mortgage company, gas stations, and medical offices/the hospital.

15. What did you get really really excited about?

The trip to Chicago, bringing Beatrix home from the hospital, and spending Christmas with both my siblings and their families at my parents’ house. It was the first time we were all together under their roof since 1991!

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?

“Love” by Newcomer’s Home.

17. Compared to this time last year are you?

a)happier or sadder? I am happier. Last year at this time I had just lived through the worst year of my life.
b)fatter or thinner? I am fatter. I’m not embarrassed to admit it. I just am. I’ve got milk to make.
c)richer or poorer? Richer.

18. What do you wish you had done more of?

Smiling.

19. What do you wish you had done less of?

Adding to the worry lines on my forehead.

20. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?

Fondue! Year #12 in a row.

21. Did you fall in love in 2005?

Yep, with Beatrix. Sigh.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

“Lost”

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No. I don’t hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Sufjan Stevens

26. What did you want and get?

A baby and a new vehicle for all eight of us.

What did you want and not get?

A new digital camera.

28. What was your favorite film this year?

I haven’t seen any of the films I want to see, like “Stranger than Fiction” or the sequel to “Pirates.” I saw movies like “Happy Feet” and “Curious George” and “Nacho Libre”.

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I turned 35. We ate out and I snarfed up a chocolate-chocolate ice cream cake.

30. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?

A Snickers bar with the peanuts removed.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion in 2005?

Tents! Elastic! Panels! Adjustable waists! Empire shirts! Bras with flaps!

32. What kept you sane?

God. Hubby. The kids. Other family members and friends. Writing.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Nobody.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Iraq.

35. Who did you miss?

My grandmothers. I longed to place Beatrix in their arms.

36. Who was the best new person people you met?

The baby girls in my life—Beatrix and my new niece.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.

This is what I wrote in response to this question last year: Pain is a teacher, a sculptor, the refining fire. It is the hand under my chin that gently nudges my face up. I’d stare at the ground all day if I could. Instead, I look around and up and see I am not so alone. More than anything I want beauty to come from these ashes. I like that. I revisit those lessons every day.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

How about a whole playlist? If 2006 were a movie, this would be the soundtrack:

“Starry-Eyed Surprise” by Paul Oakenfold
“Melody of You” by Sixpence None the Richer
“Love” by Newcomer’s Home
“Soul Meets Body” by Deathcab For Cutie
“Let Go” by BarlowGirl
“Galvanize” by The Chemical Brothers
“Groove is in the Heart” by Deee-Lite
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
“Blue” by Monaco
“Something Beautiful” by the Newsboys
“Wherever We Go” by the Newsboys
“Remind Me” by Royksopp

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