… That’s what I have to say about everyone’s awe inspiring responses to my new years fever post!

Now I realize that the gift card played a little part in getting so many of you to play along…. but even if there was a little dangling carrot, it was amazing to see all of you talk about all the amazing things you’ve done.  When I got up on Friday morning and saw all of amazing comments, I teared up a little I was just so moved.  So many really moving accomplishments, and inspiring stories, you are all my heroes!  I can’t tell you how much it meant to me that you all played along with me, and catered to my little temper tantrum -  I officially feel better!

So – as promised here is my own proud list of accomplishments for 2008:

1. I made it through a really exhausting and agonizing  pregnancy/bedrest to give birth to my 4th and final baby boy, Tennyson Wehland Clingerman.
2. G and I made the final decision to complete the baby making chapter of our lives.  It feels good to know our family is complete.
3. We also celebrated our 8th anniversary, and I can say with confidence that we are as in love as we were the day we were married… actually we are definitely more in love today!  Every year gets better and better with this guy, but I swear 2008 was beyond good for us, and we both deserve a little credit (and envy ) for sure!
4. I have kept up with the feeding/bathing/and general caring for of four little persons… that includes keeping a total of 80 fingernails and toenails clipped!  (actually 100 if you count my own… and I do in fact also care for my own self… which leads me to number 5…)
5. I’ve made physical appearance more of a priority.  I’ve always just been a really “low maintenance” easy going type when it comes to my appearance.  And although I do like to embrace my relaxed style, this year I’ve consistently gotten better about actually taking the time to do my hair, and actually put on makeup.  I got my first, and second, REAL hair style, and I am actually  finding myself looking forward to spending a little time in front of the mirror with a blow drier and a big round brush…. our little Shawna is finally growing up.
6. In April I started my first successful, real weight loss program: weight watchers online.  Between April and the end of August I lost over 30 pounds through eating right and exercising.  And between September and now, I’ve managed to keep it all off!  Maybe there’s five or so more pounds to go, give or take, but all in all I am pretty dang proud of the body I’m in today.
7. I started running consistently using the couch to 5k running program, and I made myself proud by working up to running over 2.5 miles consistently!  The winter months have put a bit of a snag in my running regimen, but when I can get out there and run, I am proud to find that I am still running my route and with out killing myself!
8. I have found some amazing new relationships, and cultivated old friendships, I’m rich with real positive relationships in my life, and that is a gift.
9. I’ve embraced some of the freedom of caring just a little bit less about what people with think of me, and caring a little bit more about what I want to do.  Including getting my first body piercing right on my right eyebrow for the world to see.  I love it!
10. I am Learning to love all the parts of who I really am.  I’ve found real personal fulfillment that I  never thought possible.  I can say with out a doubt that I am the happiest I’ve ever been in my life “for reals”. 
11. I grew as a designer tremendously, and probably like tripled my productivity compared to 2007.  I completed the year having created 23 collaborative kits and at least 18 solo products!  Really, really, good stuff too if I might say so my self!
12. (ok… maybe its more like a 11.5)… but also… I take a little bit of credit for everything on this list.  (just a little though g, you probably could have done all that PLUS some with out little wifey distracting you… only I guarantee, it wouldn’t have been quite so fun!)

… maybe I should say… JUST WOW… once again because that feels good!  I really am so proud of everything on that list, and I’m looking forward to what next years list will hold.  As long as it involves growing and changing and learning more about myself and how to be a better mom a better wife and a better me, then I’ll be content…. and you know for the time being an am content.  Who wouldn’t be, it has been a great year.

So… on to the winner of the big drawing!!!

Well we had 42 comments as of last night and so I ran a random number generator, and what do you know it picked right smack dab in the middle comment number 21.

CONGRATS Stephanie!  I’ll be emailing you a Gift Card shortly!

Thank you thank you thank you all again for participating and for getting me out of my new years funk.  I’m so in awe of us all   We really should be so so proud!