Goodbye 2009

I just read a good friends blog documenting the past year and I decided that I need to write something about the wonderful things we have experienced these past 12 months. However, I need to point out that our life is not perfect...we certainly have trials and most likely always will. The beauty is that we have the gospel to anchor us and give us guidance to get through each of these obstacles that are thrown our way. THAT is the blessing :)

January: Great anticipation for the homecoming of our missionary, Christopher, who we have missed dearly in our home. His mission blessed each member of this family.

February: Arrival of our missionary! I have often thought of that wonderful day when we saw him come down the escalator in the airport. I remember thinking of my Heavenly Father and how is probably close to how He must feel when we come "home" to him. The scripture "Behold, My joy is full" kept running through my mind. There are just no other words to describe it. All of my children along with my wonderful husband together again...heaven.

March: Can't really think of much happening in this month, but I am sure we had something happen...

April: Greg and I celebrate our 23rd anniversary while Tara & Austin get engaged on that very day. At the time the thought of Tara, my sweet "little" girl getting married made my heart stop. However, 6 minths after the fact, I know that she choose wisely :) Austin is wonderful and they are VERY happy.

May: Preparations for the wedding...AND Tara graduates from high school. She actually finished her coursework early, but decided (with lots of encouragement from Greg & myself) to walk with her class.

June: Tara & Austin are married June 20th in the Draper Utah Temple. What a crazy day. The weather was awful...but everything else was perfect. I told Tara on the way to the temple that the elements could rage outside the temple walls, but that the ordinance was still the same.

July: Trip to Oregon! Greg & I took Josh and Emma and headed for the coast. It was wonderful! We traveled with Mark & Lel and their kiddos and we had a ball...Cannon Beach, Youngs River Falls, Fultano's Pizza, Mo's and the list goes on and on.

August: Back to school! Emma started 5th grade...wow. Where has my baby gone? She is beginning to become so grown up and Greg doesn't like to talk about it ;) Josh is now a junior---C.R.A.Z.Y! Where has the time gone? Christopher & Sam became engaged! Another wedding...

September: I can't remember much about this month...I wonder what we did?

October: Halloween! Emma and her best friend decided to have a party for 15 of their "closest" friends. It actually turned out great!

November: Christopher & Samanatha are married on November 20th...exactly 5 months after Tara & Austin. Another great day. I remember looking around the sealing room and seeing all the faces of people who I love. I especially remember seeing Christopher's best friends growing up in the room with us, along with the bishop they all had before their missions. What a wonderful site to know that ALL of them where there...temple worthy and home from serving honorable missions. Another testament to me about the importance of good friends. That site almost touched me more than the actual ceremony...almost.

December: Christmas! We spent a quiet Christmas with just our immediate family. We are becoming so large now that this will probably be a new tradition.

I think that about sums up the highlights from the past year. I wonder what 2010 has in store for us? Whatever it is, I know that Heavenly Father is watching over us :) Happy New Year!