It's Been A Year

A year ago today I found out that one of my mission companions, Kristy, was murdered by her husband. I thought about her a lot yesterday, hoping that her family felt our love for them, and their daughter, sister and friend. I can't believe it's been a year. I look at my kids, especially my boys because she has two boys, and am grateful I'm here to see them grow up. I hope that her boys will know one day what a wonderful mother they had, and I pray that they will be able to have the life she would have given them. She would have been 31 yesterday so happy birthday Kristy and know that we all still think of you and your family.

A NEW YEAR

I hardly ever do just a journal entry but I don't have any pictures to go with this. We had a great New Years Eve. We went to my sister-in-laws for a family party with Jared's family. We played games and ate, and ate, and ate, and talked, and ate some more. It was so much fun. I actually stayed up to see the new year come in. I am so excited for a new year. As you all know it's been a rough year for us, and I am looking forward to putting all of that behind us and starting over. I don't think I've ever look so forward to a new year like I am this time. I'm grateful for the lessons learned, the trials we overcame, and the strength found that I didn't know we had, but I'll take those lessons, and be happy to leave the struggles behind. I know I'm dreaming if I think this year won't bring it's own challenges, but I'm glad to be out of '08's. I hope this year brings all of us the things we're hoping and dreaming of! Happy New Year!!

CHRISTMAS DAY

We went to my parents house for Christmas day. It was a lot of fun. We were the only ones there so we got to be all alone with them, that never happens. The kids were happy to have their undivided attention. By that I mean, Emma talked so much to my Dad that he fell asleep in his chair, and I'm not quite sure she even noticed! We played games and ate way too much! Needless to say it was much quieter than the night before.

TOO MUCH EGG NOG, i mean the good stuff

I had to put this picture up, I thought it was so funny

Chirstmas Morning

Here we all are opening presents in the morning. Santa was very generous, and the kids got everything they could imagine. It was a lot of fun this year. The anticipation bottled up in Ethan and was so much fun to watch him bursting at the seams. It brought the fun back into Christmas. Grady was excited although he wasn't sure why he was. Emma was bursting too, and I've never seen her run to go to bed. I love Christmas Eve. We can always get a great night sleep. We are so grateful we were able to have a wonderful Christmas. It wasn't as big as some years have been, but I was happy to see our kids were grateful for everything they got. They got less stuff this year, and seemed happier. It reminded me of a Christmas I had ad kid where we handmade all of our gifts. It's one of the best Christmas memories I have. I'm thankful it was more about the thought than the gift. Thank you to everyone for your Christmas gifts, cards, and well wishes. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Christmas Eve

Jared's family has a Christmas Eve party every year. It's so much fun. Emma and Ethan each have a cousin their age so they have a blast, as you can see in some of the pictures. It's always hard to get them separated when it's time to leave. We wish they lived closer!!! Grady loves hanging out with Grandma Bowers. It's always a ton of fun to be with them, and it always reminds me how quiet my family is. Ha!

Christmas Outfits

Don't they look so cute in their new outfits. I love Grady's hat!