2008

It's always fascinating to me to look back on a year. Though the days sometimes seem long and challenging, the years as a whole seem to go by quickly. Looking back, the good usually outweighs the bad and it's fun to reflect. Here are my highlights for this year.

Top 5 for 2008

5- Vacations: We've never been able to go on vacations before. We've always come home to visit our families for Christmas and at other times, (which has always been great by the way families!) so to be able to take some trips this year has been a lot of fun. We went to Washington, Europe (Phil and I), and Disneyland and really enjoyed that time together with each other. Now we understand why everyone does it!! (The boys and I started a change jar today for our next Disneyland trip. I can't wait until Phil sees it!)

4-Sports & Fitness: Jacob has become a much better athlete this year. It's been fun to watch. Both boys played soccer and T-ball and now know what a football is, so that is exciting! Micah tags along with the rest and I'm sure will be our football player, if we have one!! I ran a couple of marathons and have continued running with some great friends (exercise and therapy at the same time - can't beat it!) Phil has enjoyed some bike riding with friends. We love being outside and trying to stay fit.

3- Family Time: Besides having the option of going of vacations, we now get the added benefit of seeing our families so much more! It has been great. We love being close to grandpas and grandmas, aunts, uncles and we LOVE our cousins (I even get to run with one of my cousins - something I never imagined would happen!) It's been a lot of fun.

2- Education: As educators and students! Phil has been able to give many lectures and even participate in international conferences as a lecturer. That has been exciting and something he really enjoys. I finally earned my bachelor's degree and enjoyed taking a few classes to finish it up! Ben started kindergarten and Jacob is doing great in the 2nd grade.

1- Religion: I have the greatest calling right now: The primary chorister!! I have really enjoyed that this year. The kids are great and one of the things we all remember from primary is the songs. So it's great to be a part of that!

The other awesome thing has been reading the Book of Mormon with the boys. We have been reading all year and have one chapter to go. We always tried to read the stories, but to be reading the real thing this year has been exciting for me. Now, I know they haven't gotten a ton out of it (you can probably picture how our scripture study goes...but we ARE trying!!), but I love hearing them say "now it came to pass...", they are beginning to know the stories and we're trying to develop the habit of reading the scriptures. I know that as we continue to study together and separately, their testimonies will grow. I'm so grateful to have the gospel in our home to help us raise our boys!!

Here's to 2009!