At the end of the year....

At the end of the year, I like to spend time reflecting on the past 12 months. Was it a good year? Did I do everything I could? Are my children happy? Is my marriage going well? Did I accomplish anything?

When looking back at my posts from this year, I think it's safe to say that 2009 was an AWESOME year for the LaPierre family. Here's why, in my very own Top 10:

1. Mine and Susie's other "third" - Shelley - married the man of her dreams.

2. Chris and I both trained and ran in two half marathons this year. One of those was as part of Team in Training, where our team raised $30,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of Amber.

3. We went on an adults-only vacation (with best friends Susie and Ford) to Jamaica, the first vacation for just the two of us since we were married in 2001.

4. We were able to fly Memere and Pepere down to spend time with Kennedy and Brady while Chris and I were in Jamaica.

5. I donated blood for the first time and became a regular donor. Chris (not afraid of needles in the least) donated like it was no big deal.

6. We become friends with our neighbors by hosting a Memorial Day BBQ, which had all the kids playing in our yard, while the adults chowed down on burgers and dogs.

7. Our sweet son celebrated his first birthday, which showed his Boston Red Sox patriotism (more like his daddy's, but who's keeping track?)

8. Roscoe rejoined the family inside as an inside dog, since he's getting older and his health isn't the best. He's MUCH happier and Kennedy got over her dog-phobia... sort of.

9. Kennedy and I both started school. She went to kindergarten and I started grad school. At the rate I'm going, I might finish by the time she graduates high school. (Apparently I didn't post an update on grad school - I GOT AN "A"!)

10. I have come to appreciate family time more and have relinquished some of my community commitments in order to have more time at home. I will continue to support my community, but for the time being - I want to focus more on making sure my kids are happy and raised with good values and good manners.

So, see what I mean? Awesome year. Truly the best. I'm praying that 2010 is just as good, if not better.