Dear 2008 - See ya!

Things that went down in 2008:

My sister was (finally!) ordained as an Episcopal priest and Lydia and I were there to see it.

We have two fully functional and perfectly lovely bathrooms in our house for the FIRST TIME EVER after living here for 10 years....

Lydia read all the Harry Potter books.

I went to my first (and so far only, okay?) yoga class.

Brit changed hip doctors and is facing more surgery in 2009. But at least this doctor believes him when he says his hips hurt.

We lost Darby to cancer. In March. And writing it out still makes me cry.

We did NOT lose my dad to cancer. He kicked cancer's ass, in fact.

We adopted two new dogs - Strummer and Townes. They are both amazing

Lucy accepted the two new dogs. She's a good girl

I was laid off and had a job offer within two weeks.

We spent our last of many New Year's day at the lake house in Spicewood. The house was sold. On to new traditions!

We spent the second of no doubt many 4th of Julys at my folk's Moss Lake house.

Guthrie has spent cumulitive HOURS throwing rocks into various bodies of water.

Lydia moved up a level in piano lessons.

Brit got back to the work of writing his novel.

We went to Big Bend for Guthrie's 3rd birthday and the whole family is IN LOVE with the place.

I bought a hybrid after my car was totaled on I-35.

Lydia changed schools and is now being given Greek and Latin words in spelling to keep her occupied.

Lydia and I discovered Letterboxing (Google it!) thanks to her new school.

I attended my 20 year high school reunion.

I woke up every morning and said a prayer of gratitude for my beautiful children, and prayed for their continued health and safety.

I got my groove back.

Some of my favorite people got married, and some had babies, and some faced horrible loss and survived. And everyone amazed the hell out of me.

Things I am hoping for 2009:

Teaching Lydia to ride a bike

Getting better about "must do's" that aren't fun, like housework and home maintenance. Ugh.

Good health for EVERY ONE

A more active lifestyle for my cute little family

Camping

A comfortable spot in a church community

Cuddles and giggles and laughter and snuggles

Blessing for us all.