I Seriously Need To Run Faster!

Katja's been playing a little tag, and because she's got wayy longer (and thinner) legs than I do, I couldn't outrun her. I tried but she still got me (I think she pulled my hair, but I'm not sure!). So here it is, the Ten Years Meme Tag!
Ten years ago, in 1997

1. Gave birth To Alex--9 pounds 14 oz, 21.5" long. I'm supposed to list three things here, but honestly, that was my year. No moves, no transitions other than a baby, nothing. Not even a new car!

Five years ago, in 2002 (this one's hard, guys; the worst year of my life)

1. Buried my father, who died unexpectedly at 59--I loved my father with all my heart and I know despite his many mistakes, he loved his girls.
2. Four months later, buried my sister, Jamee. If you know me at all by now, you know the depth of my grief.
3. Worked my way in and out of anger for many reasons, some of which I have never touched upon here, and not sure I ever can or will.

Three years ago, 2004

1.Jamee's husband remarries. I only want the best for him, for the kids, yet I fell into deep despair with this. It was too early for me and I couldn't handle it. I didn't attend, and feelings were hurt where they weren't meant to be. But I couldn't do it. Now, definitely I'm strong enough.
2. Last time I saw my little sister--this is a very long sad story. I continue to hope she will be part of my life, but that hope is fading into more of a knowing in my soul that she will not.
3. My family has crumbled by now and I cling to God, John and the kids, my wonderful friends, church family and in-laws. I begin to teach myself to view family not by the blood we share, but by the tears and laughter we share.

One year ago, in 2006

1. We had moved the year previous and were settling into our new neighborhood.
2. Two of my children are in high school and John and I learn (sometimes the hard way) how to parent teenagers.
3. I have an hysterectomy and quit smoking (but then you already knew that!)

So far this year, in 2007

1. I began my first blog--and haven't stopped blogging since!
2. Met up with both Cat and GiGi--how lucky can a blogging girl get?!
3. Begin my journey into homeschooling our son, Alex (that 9lb 14oz baby!).

Yesterday

1. Drove my work in the carpool (a 2.5 hour endeavor)
2. A little housework never hurt anyone--not saying I did or didn't do any.
3. Typing--did some typing (should be working on that now too!)

Today -- It's My BIRTHday!

1. Homeschool
2. Birthday lunch with my favorite SIL Debbie!
3. Church for dinner, study (make fun of Cat a little) and back home to type again.

I'm supposed to do tomorrow & next year, but I'm afraid unless God has another directive, it'll be boring--typing and probably a nursing home visit with Mr. John. Then more typing! Next year, I pray our lives will continue to be blessed with friends we love, family we love and a life that is being lived out with meaning and purpose--with a lot of fun in there somewhere!

I'm going to tag a few friends I haven't tagged in awhile: First, FAQ--haven't heard from here in awhile. Eileen, entertain us! And finally...hmmm.....Misty, have you done this one yet?