Dear 2008

Goodbye 2008.

It's not that I don't like you. I'm tired of hearing about you. So much happened this year. Matter of fact, so much happened this year that it'll be in the history books for years to come.

2008. The worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Mortgage crisis. Lehman Brothers. Stock Market plunges. Bailouts. US auto industry. Job losses. All of it. Yes, I'm tired of hearing about it but at the same time, I am thankful that the economy didn't hit my family harder than it could have.

Terroist attacks in India. Russia Georgia war. Images I hate to see.

Okay 2008, you did have some things that were positive. I loved watching the Olympics with the boys. Especially watching Michael Phelps win a record 8 Gold medals! Watching Obama's historic presential win -- especially the acceptance speech was something I was glad to see.

2008, you weren't all bad. I mean, I did get to go to Disney World twice this year! Jared and I celebrated 10 years of marriage. In fact, this year as every day passed, we grew closer together.
So 2008, you weren't all bad. But like I said, since we will be hearing about you, reading about you for a long time, I'm ready to put you behind us!

Here's to 2009! For peace, love and prosperity!!!

Looking forward to...

Some people can't wait for Christmas to be over. For me I can't wait until it is here!



This year, I am looking forward to...



...spending time with our family

...eating lots of cookies and candy

...playing games, especially my new Apples to Apples to go

...taking hundreds of pictures

...watching the boys open their gifts

...laughing with my sisters and brothers

...having hours of wonderful, amazing conversation

...eating HoneyBaked ham

...being woke up on Christmas morning by 3 very excited boys

...listening to beautiful Christmas music at church

...making more memories!!!!

Whatever it is that you look forward to, I wish you the best!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas is almost here!

Today I woke up and realized it was December 23rd. I began to panic! I still had several presents to buy. Coupons to use (that expires on the 24th). Food to make-- but first have to go to the store. Presents to wrap. The list in my head continued and continued. So at 8am, I woke the boys up and we were on our way to Florence for some last minute hustle and bustle.

We accomplished alot. Our first stop was the HoneyBaked Ham store. We arrived at a good time as they were only about 10 people in line. By the time we left, the line was out the door. That is one line that is worth the wait! I can't wait to eat the ham on Christmas. Just one tradition we have. After picking up the ham, we went to Best Buy to get a new tv for the family room, then to Dick's where I got some amazing deals and then finally to Target. The stores were crowded but the lines went so smooth. We were in and out with no problems. Of course the boys were well behaved so that helped!

To reward them for being so good, I took them to (expensive) Steak n Shake. Since they need all the calories they can get, they both got a large chocolate milk shake and we all got a "value" meal. $19.67 later and we headed for home.

On the way home Brett said if it didn't start to sleet, it would be a perfect day. I smiled and agreed it WAS a perfect day. Indeed it was. It was a perfect day. I woke in a panic for no reason.

The sleet, freezing rain, ice and bad roads kept me from going to the grocery store tonight. So I get the joy of fighting the crowds in the morning. Hopefully it won't be too bad if I go really early.

Instead of the store, Brett, Nolan and I are laying in my bed watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". A perfect ending to a perfect day.

How did I get so lucky???