Like many, I enjoy some blog downtime over the holidays to be fully present with my family; but I couldn't resist a good old fashioned blog carnival, hosted by my friend Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife.  She's asked us to take a look over the past year and post the first line from our first post each month, with or without commentary.  In most cases I let the first line stand alone; but in a few instances I couldn't help sharing a thought–two of my favorite ALL-TIME posts were written during 2010!  

Enjoy this posts of firsts, and if you're so inclined, I linked the original (red font in parentesis) so you can see the rest of the story (italicized).

January ~ {There's so much more to a new year than "happy"}  "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." ~ Corrie Ten Boom

February ~ {Psycho deranged elephant doll}  Thumbing through the coupon section in Sunday's paper sometimes leaves me shaking my head in disbelief; particularly when it's less about saving money and more about spending money on something no one actually needs.

March ~ {Flustrated 'splanations}  You know how you can talk about your brother, but Nellie-bar-the-door if anyone else does 'cause you're gonna have to put a hurtin' on 'em? 

April ~ {Love doesn't die.  People do.}  It is the best of times and worst of times that reveal the most of who we are.

May ~ {Warning:  Using this can…grow new body parts?!}  My daughter, 17, suffers the occasional unsightly blemish.  (Note:  The last two lines are what you wanna read…!)

June ~ {*happy feet}  The only completely wordless post I've ever posted.  

July ~ {I just wanna dance the ballet…!}  So, if you happen to be a Facebook friend or follow me on Twitter, you know I'm in Chi-town right now.

August ~ {The generous, very kind gift}  "Mom, there's a rainbow in our front yard!"  (One of the most significant events in my life, not just in 2010, but EVER…!)

September ~ {Amazing and mystifying}  Let's blame it on my youngest son:  now I'm compelled to watch a reality show I had no interest in until the little squirt asked, "Mom?  Wanna watch 'America's Got Talent' with me?"

October ~  {A timely obsession}  Before it should have mattered, my youngest noticed Time.  

November ~ {The first Last}  "Grown don't mean nothing to a mother…."  (Note:  Another of my all-time favorite posts, and if you have teenagers, a strongly recommended read.)

December ~ {Playing with fire}  "To be caught in secret sin is a horrible thing…."