Recently, I saw a few of my bloggy friends joining in a new sort of hop over at Joy’s blog, “I Can Say Mama”.
She decided to give us all 40 questions to answer in her “Wrapping It Up 2013” hop and I thought it would be fun to join in.
So sit back and read on, possibly learn something new or get a recap from us for 2013, and find out what is in store for 2014, too.
And please also take a look at my year in review video montage at the end of this post.
1) Gained or lost weight?
Gained a few pounds at the end of the year, but still not overweight by any means, but my doctor would be happy that I am now right around my target weight for my height. Yes, sadly running after two kids 16 months apart has meant me sometimes forgetting to eat a meal here or there and only snacking sometimes leading me to be 105 lbs at 5’2″ and having my doctor tell me while I am not underweight, I could totally stand to gain (even giving me permission to eat Haagan Das ice cream!). Well, last I weighed myself last week from all the holiday eating (struffoli, cookies, cheesecake, oh my!), I am now 111 lbs!
2) Predominant feeling in 2013?
Pressure from working non-stop with this blog and design company, too. Not that I am complaining, but just realize now I need to allow myself time off and not to indeed put so much pressure on myself, because I become grumpy and overtired.
3) Predominant feeling for 2014?
Hope. I truly want to think all things do lie ahead for us in the upcoming year now.
4) Something you did for the first time in 2013?
Be featured in a book (more on that later) and start up my own web design company with J9 Designs. If you need any blog designs or transfer, I am happy to help!
5) Something you did again in 2013 after a long pause?
Read a whole book in less then a week and am trying to read more now as a result. With blogging, as I said in an earlier post, book reading took a back seat to blog reading this past year, but last month I did try my best to rectify that.
Emma’s Secret, by Steena Holmes
6) Something you unfortunately did not do in 2013?
Go away on a real vacation. Hoping to change that up this year, too.
7) Word of the year?
Peace Out (courtesy of Lily!).
8) City of the year?
Sadly my own town was it for me this year, but again hope to get away a bit next year and change this one.
9) Hair longer or shorter?
Longer and I just keep growing it, but do get trims every few months.
10) More or less money spent?
I don’t think I spent more, but I did treat myself with GLOSSYBOX.
11) Highest mobile phone bill?
Been so long, I truly can’t remember. I think when I was in my twenties, I had a bill almost $300 from going over my minutes at the time not realizing it. But now, I truly have a pretty good family share plan with Kevin that I still get my teacher’s discount with and my bill is pretty much the same monthly, because of this.
12) Hospital stays?
None, since 2010 and when I gave birth to Lily.
Last Time I Was In The Hospital – 2010 Giving Birth To Lily
13) (Fallen) In love?
Since July 2003, I have been in love with Kevin and we actually just celebrated 10 years of being together this past year.
14) Most called person?
Kevin, usually is the number one person I call when he is at work during the day. Followed by my parents and then next my brother.
Still Calling Him The Most After 8 Years of Marriage!
15) Whom did you spend the most beautiful time with?
Kevin and the girls would get this honor.
Spend Most of My Time With My Gang!!
16) What did you spend most of your time with?
Blogging and designing. Sorry, but work got me more then ever this past year, but again I am a work in progress and trying to totally rectify this now.
17) Song of the year?
Still has to Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. Seriously, I still can’t get enough of this one.
And a second runner up would be Roar by Katy Perry, because Lily loves singing this song and her whole face lights up when she hears it. See she heard it first at soccer and now whenever she does indeed hear it, she will tells us, “That’s the song from soccer!”
18) Book of the year?
So, I can’t help but say The Mother of All Meltdowns, because I finally got to contribute to an awesome book with so many amazing writers/bloggers alongside of me.
The Mother Of All Meltdowns
19) TV show/movie of the year?
TV Show – The Goldberg’s (seriously the 80’s never looked better!)
Tuesday Nights Definitely Bring Laughter Now from Them!
Movie- Frozen, because I cannot begin to explain how fabulous the music, storyline and special effects were. And as Emma says, “Can we get the DVD, yet?” Seriously, know it is still int he theaters, but cannot wait to get a copy for our home to watch over and over again!
Olaf – Is Still Our Favorite!20) Insight of the year?
Donating to those less fortunate is truly not only a kind thing to do, but the right thing, as well. During the year, if the kids get new toys or clothes, we always go through with them what they have and donate what they no longer need or use. Well, recently, when I got my new handbag from Kevin for Christmas, Emma proceeded to tell me, “Mommy, you should donate your pocketbook, because you are no longer using it and someone could.” I felt proud that she connected this and that we have taught her this lesson.
21) Three things you totally could have done without?
- No air conditioning in a 100 degree heat wave (but then I would not be a contributing author)
- Lily being sick with a high grade fever on Halloween.
- Being without electricity for two nights the week before Christmas, because the person who set up the electrical in our part of the house (many years before my parents even purchased the house) used aluminum wiring instead of copper. Thankfully they caught it in time and we did not have a fire rip through our home, but still true inconvenience.
22) Most beautiful event?
Both my girls starting pre-school this past fall together.
First Day of Pre-School
23) More short-sighted or more far-sighted than 2013?
No eyes issues that I know of.
24) The most dangerous thing you did?
Sorry, but not living on the edge enough I suppose here and truly couldn’t come up with much on this one.
25) The most expensive thing you bought?
The new Playstation 4 for Kevin to surprise him this Christmas.
PS4 – Kevin’s Surprise Christmas Gift!
26) The most delicious meal or food you ate?
The one that comes to mind is the one I had when we went out to dinner by ourselves last month (sans kids) and we re-created at home, too now. It is a goat cheese, tomato, honey smoked bacon panini. Out of this world and will try in the next month or so to share the recipe here.
27) The best party?
We had two. Emma’s 4th birthday party at our local gymnastics place and Lily’s 3rd birthday party, which we had catered in our home for all of our immediate families.
Emma Gymnastics Birthday Party
28) The most important thing you wanted to convince somebody of?
I just want my husband and kids to know truly how much I love them and would do anything for them.
29) The most beautiful present you gave to somebody?
Kevin would tell you his Playstation 4 was it!
30) The most beautiful present that somebody gave you?
My Christmas gift this past year that Kevin and the girls gave to me, which was a new Michael Kors tote and matching checkbook wallet!
Michael Kors Tote
31) The most beautiful sentence someone said to you?
Before kids, I would have to say, Kevin telling me he loved me and even saying “I do” at our wedding. Then, when I had my kids, I couldn’t wait to hear the word, “Mommy” come out of their little mouths. Now there are times, I may here it too much in one day (especially when they are upset or whining), but still “Mommy, I love you” has to be the absolute best!
32) The most beautiful sentence you said to someone?
Along the same lines, I would have to say all the times, I have told both Kevin and the girls, that I love them is truly up there in my book.
33) How will you celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Kevin has to work New Year’s Eve Day, so we will be staying home. I bought mini cocktail franks, crescent rolls (will be making pigs in a blanket for us), party rye and even cheeses. We will totally be enjoying that feast and maybe even playing some board games together as a family.
34) What will you have for dinner?
Not sure yet, but Kevin mentioned something about quiche. So total possibility right now.
35) What drinks will be in your glasses to clink?
Might have to be Bailey’s!
Can never go wrong with Bailey’s!!
36) Will you ignite any fireworks?
No real fireworks here to be honest and just too cold out for that now here in NY.
37) What are you going to wear? Comfy or glamourous?
Probably comfy, but not sure yet to be honest.
38) Did you have any resolutions for 2013? And how about 2014?
I am honestly not a resolutions type of girl, because I always feel they get broken most of the times anyways. But I will say, I consciously trying to take a little less time out on the computer with blogging and designing and spending more quality time with my family in the evenings and weekends now, too.
39) What are your wishes for the new year?
I honestly just wish for a great year for all of us. Might sound a bit naive and childish, but just hopeful for all of us to get openly the best this year.
40) In one word: 2013 was…
Quick!
Enjoy my year in photos in this video now:
Happy New Year & see you all in 2014!
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massholemommy says
I would kill to be 105 lbs LOL. I am also 5'2", but I am a little bit over that 105 mark….sigh.
My recent post New Year’s Funnies
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Robin and seriously I have always just been petite, but still I did indulge a bit too much the past few weeks. I am having one last hurrah tonight and then back on the wagon so to speak!! 🙂
April (@100LBC) says
Love this list. I’m so totally going to do it! That is so cool that your daughter is learning the lesson of giving, especially this early!
Janine Huldie says
Yay and so happy you are going to do this. And also happy that we are teaching our kids some great values with donating!! 🙂
nothingbythebook says
Looks like a fabulous, full year. May 2014 bring you both more adventures and more tranquility. I am so glad to have "met" you in 2013. Jane
Janine Huldie says
Jane, thank you so much. Wishing you a very, Happy New Year and I feel the same way. So happy that we met and became bloggy friends!! 🙂
eddy says
So nice to back reading your posts again Janine and this one as endearing as ever!!The run up to Christmas was very hectic but well worth all the preparations.
This one I like and share as always Janine and I wish you and your beautiful family a wonderful 2014.
Lots of love from Wales.
Eddy.
Janine Huldie says
Totally missed you Eddy, but trust me I have been on a more relaxed schedule here too with the holidays. Wishing you a very, Happy New Year once again. And lots of love to you, too!! 🙂
Katherines Corner says
My beautiful bloggy friend, what a wonderful post! I am happy we are friends an I send you hugs and happy new year wishes!
My recent post 2014 A New Year and Time Management
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Katie and I am very happy we are friends here, too. Hugs right back at you and Happy New Year again to you and your family!! 🙂
ginnymarie says
I totally agree that 2013 was quick! It just flew by! #20 is so sweet. I hope that I'm teaching my children the same values that you are!
My recent post What’s Your Resolution?
Janine Huldie says
I know Ginny, it was so quick. And I think you totally are teaching your kids great lessons, too! Happy New Year again my friend!! 🙂
Kerri says
I love that your feeling for 2014 is hope. That is just beyond wonderful and fits your insight perfectly. Oh and Frozen? We took the girls, yest both girls. They loved it!!! I see a Disney on Ice show in our future next year.
My recent post So long 2013
Janine Huldie says
Kerri, I thought Disney on Ice or even Broadway. I seriously could not get over the music and even had to download the soundtrack from iTunes with my gift card I had. And trust me both my girls are more then obsessed and in love, too. Thank you seriously for all your kind words always and just want to say Happy New Year to you one last time today!! 🙂
Billybuc says
A wonderful post and look back, Janine. I am so looking forward to 2014..great things ahead. Happy New Year my friend.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Bill and totally agree about 2014. Happy New Year again to you, Bev and your family, too!! 🙂
Rosey says
Ollllllllllllllllllllllllllaf!! My new man, I love that little guy.
I know I said it before but those little shoes are cute as can be on your girls.
Lots of great things going on with you last year, wishing you more of the same next year!! How fun that it's almost next year. 🙂 It's gonna be a good one for you and your book, that's my prediction. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
I know we love Olaf here, too. Seriously, I have the soundtrack now and my favorite song is him singing Summer! Thank you again so much for all your support on our book and your continued friendship, too. Happy New Year and wishing you a wonderful 2014, too!! 🙂
notinjersey says
great post and so glad you had a wonderful year!
My recent post It’s Okay #12
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dara and Happy New Year again!! 🙂
Kristi says
Love the photo of you in the hospital with Lily!
Happy New Year!
My recent post Answers to Random Questions about 2013
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Kristi and still love looking back on those photos! Happy New Year to you and your family 🙂
realhousewife says
Sounds like you had a great 2013 and I wish you and your family the very best 2014!
I chuckled a few times because I guess as moms, we think alike and have the same kinds of stuff going on. I also got a gorgeous new bag for Christmas…it's cream peacock leather and I just adore it! I love MK too…want one of those flashy shiny bags in the silver he makes!
I also got Rye Bread and dill dip for the table! Haha…so funny:))) HAGD J!
Janine Huldie says
I love that we think alike and seriously will say that I love flashy shiny bags by MK, too. And your bag sounds awesome, too! Seriously so glad you and I are friends. And so want to wish you, Dave and the girls a wonderful New Year and the best in 2014 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
This was so much fun! And that video montage is awesome!!!
I love that Blurred Lines song, too – makes me smile!!!
And – #20 about your girls already catching on to helping those less fortunate is so very cool!!!
Happy New Year – enjoy your family time tonight!!!
My recent post An End and a Beginning
Janine Huldie says
I loved making the video and uploading it for all to see. So many of those photos seriously make me smile, so for me it is truly so fun to watch over and over. But thank you for watching and really glad you enjoyed it. I am also happy that Emma seems to have learned that lesson through us and can't help but make me a bit proud, too. And Happy New Year once again to you and your family tonight, too!! 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
I think your Blurred Lines post was one of the first of yours that we connected at!
And good lord – 102 pounds! Granted before kids I was 105 pounds and I'm 5'6" so I miss those days of being told to gain weight.
Happy New Year!
My recent post Extreme Makeover: Life Edition.
Janine Huldie says
I so remember that and seriously so happy we did connect on that post. And I am closer to 105 on a good day, but right now I am way over 110 and haven't weighed myself in a week since I really started indulging. Tonight we are making homemade Grandma Pizza, pigs in a blanket and more. So, one more night of over indulging for sure now. Happy New Year to you and your family once again!! 🙂
writingpaddad says
Loved it! Do know more about you now! You're an awesome wife for getting your hubby Playstation 4! Happy New Year!
My recent post My Son Is My Copilot
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Justin and Kevin totally was so surprised. I am so not good at keeping things from him, but I totally got him on this one! And Happy New Year again to you, too!! 🙂
clark says
hey Janine
just a quick 'Happy New Year' to you and the family from the Wakefield Doctrine (and thank you for being such a supportive friend in the occasionally crazy blogosphere)
My recent post ‘The January Evening Post’ the Wakefield Doctrine ( supply your own clever subtitle using one of the following: clever, ‘that’s why I like this blog!’ ‘wtf!’ )
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Clark. I have been meaning to tell you I got the t-shirt you sent me and just love it. Pink seriously is still and will always be my favorite color!! And also want to wish you and your family a very, Happy New Year!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
You are sooooo right- 2013 was Quick. Too quick!!! I love your photos and can't believe you and Kevin have been together so long!!! I love it. You seem like such a well matched couple! Happy New Year, Janine!!! XOXO. I look forward to knowing you more in 2014.
My recent post Thankfulness Over the Holiday & a 2013 Review
Janine Huldie says
I am glad it wasn’t just me and just can’t believe how quick this year did go. And I am so happy we did get to know each other this past year and also look forward to getting to know you better in 2014. And thank you as always for being so kind to me!! 🙂
Lisa @ Golden Spoons says
Love your answers! MOAM was most certainly a huge highlight of my year, too!
My recent post Tuesday Ten – Year End Countdown
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Lisa and seriously MOAM really still just makes me so happy for this past year and makes me smile. happy New Year again!! 🙂
Kristina & Millie says
All I can say is the more I learn about you the more awesome you are 🙂
hey hey….
My recent post Happy New Year Everyone!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much and I truly feel the same about you, too!! 🙂
Amanda Love says
Happy New Year Janine! I just recently met you but it seems like I've known you forever. Love all the answers and the photos, especially the one of the girls first day in school. Can't wait to read more and see more in 2014. All the best to you!
My recent post 2014 Toddler New Year Resolutions
Janine Huldie says
Happy New Year to you, too Amanda. And seriously just so happy we are friends, too. Can’t wait to Lear more about you in 2014, too!! 🙂
Sara says
Happy New year!!!! When I saw Robin Thicke perform during New Year's Rockin Eve I totally thought of you and your love of Blurred Lines. Hope you have a happy and healthy 2014!!!
My recent post Most Popular Posts for 2013
Janine Huldie says
Happy New Year to you, too Sara. And I totally missed Robin Thicke, but I did see Billy Joel and even saw Milly Cyrus and Jenny McCarthy all over Donnie Walhberg lol!! ;(
Sandy_Ramsey says
Holy cow! You're teeny, tiny! I'm 5'10", though…so lots of people are teeny, tiny to me! I still have not listened to Blurred Lines…anytime I see the words I can only see that hideous suit and Miley at the VMAs. I may have to give it an objective listen! Love Roar, too! Nikki and I sing that as loud as we can in the car! I know you had a busy year but it looks like you still had some fantastic moments. I hope you get the chance to slow down a little now and enjoy your beautiful family!
My recent post Blogging By Numbers 2013
Janine Huldie says
I so am Tiny, Sandy!! But seriously though I still can't get enough of Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines either and the girls and I also sing Roar while driving pretty loudly! Thanks so very much for being a wonderful friend and can't wait for more of your wonderful blogs posts this year! Happy New Year to you and your family again!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Okay when and if we ever meet I'm not taking a picture with you and your teeny weeny self 😉 No fair to the ice cream. Beautiful purse! I've eyeballed that a few times. And yes 2013 FLEW by! Happy New Year Janine.
My recent post Win, Lose or Draw…
Janine Huldie says
Kenya, either way I would love to meet you and trust me for my height I am petite, but definitely not skinny and I am short, too if makes you feel better. Happy New Year to you and your family again 🙂
anothercleanslate says
I certainly HOPE you get that trip in 2014! I need to check out the show The Goldbergs.
My recent post Happy New Year and a Sephora international giveaway!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Kate and seriously the Goldbergs never cease to make me laugh. So, I highly recommend it!! Oh and I am so reading The Fault in the Stars (I think you had originally recommended) and can't thank you enough for helping me get back into reading this past year 🙂
tiffanigoff says
Sounds like you had a great year and I love that you gained weight and are happy about it. Lucky you! Happy New Years! xoxo tiffani
My recent post TT and her new sleeping habits…
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Tiffani and it is weird, but I do like my body with the few extra pounds, but know I will be doing some toning as we head into spring, but not going to try to lose any weight if possible. Happy New Year's again!! xoxo 🙂
cgacad says
you and kevin have been together for 10 years? i did not realize. i guess i just wasn't really doing the math. that is serious longevity!
Janine Huldie says
I know Catherine. Sometimes I can't believe it myself!! 🙂