End of The Year Wrap-Up 2008

As the year is coming to an end, I thought I'd post a 2008 year end wrap-up. This past year started out with our children and grandchildren all home. It was a wonderful way to start the year.



Brandon moved out to the Midwest sometime during the spring. We miss him so much! He must be extremely homesick during this holiday season. I say that because he's been calling home every night. He's learning to cook, and he's loving his new found hobby. The most exciting news is, he was baptized this September!



We have two new grand babies this year. Aaron & Lisa had a baby girl in June. She's much loved by her five older brothers and sisters. Mitch & Andrea had a baby boy in October. There is another baby we are claiming as ours too. A baby can never have too many grandparents, can they? He's so cute. And he's such a happy baby, he just makes me smile when he's in the room. His mommy was recently married. and we wish their little family the very best.



We were blessed to make the trip to Oklahoma, so we were there when Andrea's baby was born. We were there for Chris & Jennifer's babies first birthday! We were able to see her as she was learning to walk. She was very unsteady on her feet when we first go to Oklahoma. When we left, she was toddling all over the place. We spent time with many of our friends and lots of family.



We took a little road trip with Rick and Susan this year. We headed down south to their vacation property, located somewhere high in the Ozarks or Quachita mountains. The view from their place is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! Then we took the scenic drive from Mena Arkansas to Talihina Oklahoma. We did a mini-hike up through Robbers Cave State Park, and stopped at all the little lakes, and places of interest along the way. It was a wonderful mini vacation with our old friends, with a lot of great new memories.



Drew was baptized this past summer. He is considering moving to Oklahoma, but I think he is going to live here until after the graduations (Chels & Taylor both graduate this June). Drew's flew out to Oklahoma at the same time we did, so he could spend some time with his girlfriend and her family. She is here now! We picked her up at the airport last night.



Taylor started his senior year of high school. He was elected as his class ASB president. It's been a super busy year so far. Presidential Election year! His government projects have been very time consuming. To add to the stress, the seniors have a senior project they must complete. Taylor's project was one I didn't quite get at first, and I wasn't sure was safe at all, but he insisted on pushing through with it. He built a hydrogen cell as an alternative fuel source. When he told me how it exploded the first time he tried it, (YIKES!) I was sure he needed to do something else for his project. Something safe. Build a computer. He is good at stuff like that. Noooo.... the hydrogen cell it is.



There has been quite a bit of sadness through the year, with the loss of loved ones. But over all, it's been a year full of blessings. The kids didn't get to move out here, but they are all employed. I'm thankful I don't live in the good ol' days... I can spend time with my children via webcam, text messaging, and phone calls. We all have food and a place to live. I'm thankful for the health I have... even though I'm not 100% yet, I'm not bedfast, and I have a lot to be thankful for.



I'm looking forward to 2009! I wish you all a blessed New Year!