2008 In Review

New Years Day
2008

Like so many others last year, I did this list. It sums up a year by a list of questions. I enjoyed reading my list last year that I thought I would try it again. Some answers are the same, and some different.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? I watched our oldest son Jared be baptized. Learned scout lingo such as the word akela.

Jared and Dad right before his baptism

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I pretty much stink at it and can't say I kept any, but have a few in mind for this year.

My cute nephew, Ashton, 4 months.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Two very close friends, my sister and a few of my nieces.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No.

5. What countries did you visit? None, unless you count watching the Olympics on television.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Some loans paid off. Definitely get my food storage in order.

Utah, January 2008

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? My car accident last February. Our first getaway ever without our kids to Utah.

8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year? Running 13 miles last week for the first time in my life. I never in a million years thought I could run that far. Snowboarding and surviving the sale of our first home.

So long San Antonio. Sniff, sniff

9. What was your biggest failure? Not following through with our commitment keeping a dog. It was just too much responsibility, not to mention Weston's allergy factor. We found him a GREAT home. I think it was best for both of us.

Bones
December 23, 2008

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Stress fractures in my feet is that really an injury?

11. What was the best thing you bought? Doug bought me a Canon 50D SLR and two upcoming photography classes in 2009. So excited!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Doug finishing up 11 years of education. Enough said.

Fellowship dinner, June 2008

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? How greedy OPEC is. The hike in gas prices was enough to make you sick! Thankfully they have currently come down, but I am sure that will change.

14. Where did most of your money go? Moving, furnishing some of our home, shutters throughout the upstairs, loans and good ol' Uncle Sam himself.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Buying our home and having a basement. I LOVE having a place for my kids to play with their friends.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? So many! The songs that come to mind are Chris Brown Forever and Coldplay Viva La Vida. Those are the two that lift me up, if I am dragging.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
 a) happier or sadder? 
b) thinner or fatter? 
c) richer or poorer?

a) Happier.

b) A little fatter. I'm 10 pounds heavier. How's that for being in better shape? Apparently running causes an increase in size.

c) Same. I would have to say the same as last year until Doug becomes partner in the group.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Do I dare say blogging? I look back a few years ago and enjoyed ready my daily events. Something I totally slacked on this year.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying about what other people have and I don't. I sometimes get myself in a vicious cycle doing that.

20. Did you fall in love in 2008? Yep. Learning to take photos on anything other than automatic.

The most handsome subject, Doug

21. What was your favorite TV program? I would have to say Heroes. It's the only show I look forward to each Monday.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Still not a hater.

23. What was the best book you read? Um.... do magazines count?



24. What was your greatest musical discovery? The piano would have to be at the top of the list. Sinking 3 i-pods to one computer. Duh, I know. It was life changing in our house.

25. What did you want and get? A house, and my camera.

26. What did you want and not get? I secretly hoped my car would get totaled so I could get a new one. Did I really type that?

27. What was your favorite film of this year? Quantum of Solace. Daniel Craig oooolala. Maid of Honor was a close second.

Taking Angie to the airport the day after my birthday.
Having a hard time holding back tears!

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 33. Doug was still in San Antonio, but I had the next best thing, Angie, to celebrate it with me in Arizona.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being able to take a dip in the pool in my OWN backyard. There is always next year right?

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? I am not much of a fashion expert. My closet consists of denim shorts, denim jeans and Shade t-shirts. Did I mention denim? How boring is that? Thank goodness for cheap jewelry to spice things up.

Just me, being me. Ha!

31. What kept you sane? I am not sure if I am EVER sane, but definitely my husband, family, close friends, and YOU. Now, it's your turn to do the list!

Happy New Year Y'all!

SPT--Blasted Bank!

I am fortunate enough not to suffer from sleep deprivation, migraines, or any other annoying illnesses. BUT, when the time comes I suffer from a bad case of PMS. I am irritable, annoyed at anything and everything, weepy, etc. On most occasions if I make a conscious effort, I can control it. The bad thing is if anything sets it off such as my experience today, I make mountains out of molehills.

Thank you James!

Today started out with the half glass full. I slept in until 8am, my boys came and cuddled with me until I was forced out of bed by the phone ringing. You would think this was when things started to turn, but no, it was just James confirming his appointment that he would be over in a jiffy to fix my fireplace (another post all together).

Good as new, our very first fireplace

The fireplace was fixed in a matter of 30 minutes, (how I wish it was working last week when the temperatures were nearly freezing outside). But, it now functions properly until the next time we need it. My kids were angels today. My two older boys invited friends over which kept them happily entertained. I even tackled the upstairs cleaning my shutters and dusted. I then proceeded to sit down to pay a few bills. Annoyance #1. I noticed that one of them was sitting on the desk with a due date on the 5th. I sort of panicked because I am NEVER late and avoid late fees like the plague. Anyway, I clicked a few buttons realizing after the click it was coming out of a bank account that we no longer use. AKA NO funds available.

No biggie, I'll call the bank and fix what I just did. Um, the bank was useless and explained that once that is done nothing can be undone unless I want to pay a stop payment fee of 40 bucks. Excuse me?? Let me get this straight a click of a mouse by me can not be fixed by the click of a mouse from the bank even though everything is done electronically? Yet, another reason I think banks are scam artists! They suck every dollar out of you or find ways to ding you on EVERYTHING. Oh, and if that account bounces or goes into over draft that is a separate set of fees. Gimmie a break! Did I mention I accidentally paid that bill twice?

When it was all said and done I was advised to head down to the bank and deposit the amounts I didn't have in the old account. I loaded up the kids (with friends) thinking all would be good, plus I could head over to Sonic for a MUCH needed Diet Coke. I proceeded to pull up to the drive thru-teller not realizing it was extremely tight not to mention super narrow. (I was trying to avoid curbing the tire) in the midst of saving my new tires I managed to not quite turn sharp enough and plowed into a standing pillar of bricks!

I know it's just a car AND it's cosmetic, but it broke me down to tears hearing the crunch as I backed my car up. I went away thinking if only I wouldn't have clicked that stupid mouse today NONE of this would have occurred. Grrr.@#$%^!!..... I'll spare you my second annoyance perhaps for another day. I think that was enough complaining for one day! There is always HOPE for a better day tomorrow right?

Meh!

NUMB3RS

If any one were to ask me what my favorite number was my immediate response would be 27. Twenty seven has been my favorite number for as long as I remember. It partially started when I was young and also happens to be the day of the month I was born on. As I got older special events that happened in my life actually also fall on this date. Truth be known I NEVER planned any of them, they always just seemed to fall on the 27th. In case you were wondering here are just a few:

My birthday: July 27th
Day of my baptism: September 27th
Day I went through the temple for my own endowment: November 27th
Day Doug and I got married (the only day the temple was open: December 27th.

Do you see a pattern? With numbers on my brain this brings me to the current energy drink I have been taking. I am by no means one of those people who take vitamins, believe in supplements (I know bad) but my friend Julie insisted I try this supplement, so being a big girl I did. And you know what? It actually has made me feel pretty good. I won't lie, the taste isn't fabulous it reminds me of REALLY sweet grape juice (not my favorite). However you are only required to drink 1-2 ounces, which is partly why I don't mind it.

The other name for it is Exfuse. I had never heard of it until moving here, but apparently it's pretty big in Utah. It has definitely helped me through some of my longer morning runs. Last Monday Amber and I tackled 11 beastly miles. I used to be able to run solo, but my running partner has definitely made it more doable.

Official time: 2 hours 6 minutes
Mileage: 13.1 baby!

Today we ran a half marathon!! The good news is I feel pretty good, except for a little soreness in my ankles. The disappointing news is I don't have a cool shirt OR a medal to support around my neck. I did celebrate by getting a FREE pedicure (given to me at my favorite things party). It definitely hit the spot on my TEN toes.

13 Magical Years

Late Saturday afternoon we packed up, cleaned and loaded the car to head home. We had intentions on staying another night, but going out without our kids for dinner seemed a little more like an Anniversary then staying an extra night.

The snow already gone just miles down the road

Down the mountain we came and just in time for our favorite stop to keep us all content until we arrived back home.

Now that makes us ALL happy. :)

Doug and I both decided that December has to be the absolute worst month to celebrate an anniversary. By the time it comes around each year it gets jipped being so close to Christmas not to mention no funds are left to celebrate our special occasion.

Ahh, aren't we so cute?

We settled for dinner and strolled the mall. Even though it was just like an ordinary date night, we still had a fun time together. Afterall, being together was the best part. Come next September (our new anniversary date) we hope to go some place exciting and adventurous. Doug tells me he had plans already brewing in his head. (Let's hope!) Thanks for 13 years of a wonderful marriage. The scary thing is in another 13 years our baby will be driving a car. Now, if that doesn't make you feel old, I don't know what does. Happy 13th Anniversary babe. Love you to pieces!!

A Taste Of Cold

With Christmas landing on a Thursday it allowed Doug to have a full 5 days off of work. I think this is the first time in history he actually had that many days off in a row without taking vacation. I thought it would make him a little crazy being around that long (he actually really enjoys his work, which I am SO grateful for) We decided to take a spur of the moment trip up to the cabin so the kids could actually play in snow. Weather reports of snow were expected all week up north so we were certain that the cabin would have some fresh powder to play in. We left late Friday afternoon with a packed car full of warm clothes prepared for white winterland.

My boys hanging out with Uncle Dean

We arrived in Payson, then into Pine all to see melted ice along the road. I'll admit we all had a sense of disappointment since the kids REALLY wanted to see and play in snow. Luckily, 5 more miles is all we needed and we hit snow at last in Strawberry, AZ. The Clouse cabin is up on a hill, so the kids had a complete driveway for sledding all the way down.

Weston was by far the most dare-devish one.
It didn't phase him riding down the mountain like this. Crazy kid.

Taylor and Jared heading for the homemade mogle.

Jared catching some air

We bundled the kids up, but obviously not enough it wasn't more than 10 minutes before Jared came in the house screaming bloody murder that his hands burned. (Note to self...I guess we really should have invested in some GOOD gloves). Once that issue was resolved he was back to himself and was back outside with BETTER gloves this time to keep his hands warm and dry. Incident #2 happened with Weston. I bow down to all of you who live in this stuff all winter. I was exhausted doing it for just 2 days!

Bundling up for the umpteenth time
Love those cabin hand me down gloves (I think they are from the 70's)

As for me, I decided to stay indoors (where it was 60 degrees--still FREEZING to me) rather than braving the outdoor, 18 degree icy snow weather. I am pretty much a snow snob when it comes to that type of weather. If it's not powder or I am not on a lift, it's not to enjoyable in my book. We consumed probably a gallon of hot cocoa in a two day period. We ate, bundled up by the fire, ate some more, and relaxed. All and all we had a great time, Just to show you how much fun Doug had, here is his personal sled ride. Yet another reason I just LOVE this guy!

Christmas Day

As every other family across the nation we opened our one and only Christmas Eve gift (new pjs) I wanted to do our self timer in front of the tree, but Doug insisted the couch. I think next year will definitely do the tree. (I am not particularly happy with this shot). But, it works and captures our cute happy family so excited for Christmas to come.

Each year our kids normally get two big gifts along with a family gift. This year all of my kids wanted a bike and a bike Christmas it was!

Due to our late arrival the previous night I thought for sure my kids would sleep in. Normally, they roll out of bed around 7am (even in Christmas pasts) This morning my 11 year old (who normally sleeps until 9 or later preceded to wake everyone up at not 6, but 5:30am! And because I am such a mean mom, we didn't open gifts for another hour.

The big family gift this year was an x-box 360 bundle that included guitar hero. And yes, my 3 year old received a Nintendo DS. He pretty much skipped Elmo, and went straight to wanting electronics. Sad, but true. I guess that is what happens when you have older siblings.

Christmas in our house was pretty much done by 7:30am. This year we carried on our annual tradition of making a huge (conference style) breakfast. My mom and Doug's parents joined us this year. Later that day we took the kids to see Bedtime Stories. It was really cute and a definite must see! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

My 4th batch of rolls in two weeks

Trying to train for a marathon and Christmas FOOD items don't really seem to offset one another too well. Over the past few weeks the junk not only keeps piling due to generous friends and neighbors, but I can't seem to keep my hands away from it.

Funny, my 5 year old can't seem to stop doing this either (but that is a different post all together).

Each year my in-laws set up two trains that go around the Christmas tree. My boys never do understand look with your eyes and not your hands despite our desperate pleas of "Don't touch Grandpa's special train" One of these days I think it would be worth investing one for our own family. They seem to add that extra magic touch to the Christmas season.

The Angels
Jordan and Taylor

This was the first Christmas Eve we were able to be here for the annual grand kids nativity. I am not sure my kids fully understood, but I think they acted our their parts pretty well. Even if they did look more like Muslim children.

Weston, Luke and Austin (Wisemen)
Aubrey (Mary) Bret (Joseph)

Aaron and Jared ( The Kings)

After dinner and a quick Christmas program we headed over to the Hughes' for a small gathering and opening gifts. This was the first year we all drew names and I think it worked out pretty well, not to mention you were only responsible for one couple's gift. Nice. Janet and Aaron drew our names and treated our entire family with movie passes and a box full of treats (each person getting their favorite). Doug and I drew my brother Justin, I think he was thrilled to get a new ipod shuffle.

Papa and Grandma Hughes

My dad and Susanne continue to get things I would have never even thought of. I suppose that is why he claims and is one of the best grandpa's around. They bought my older kids each a pogo stick and my little boys some sort of nerf bazooka gun. At any rate they loved them both. Thank you! My kids were pretty thrashed by the time we were done. Since it was so late we opted to bathe them, (hence the funky hair) throw them in the car so the man in the white beard could come pay our house a visit.

Grandpa Stan, Susanne, Jared, Luke, Weston and Taylor

Fa, la, la, la, la........

We have been decking the halls around here pretty much 24/7. Tree trimming, holiday shopping, baking and eating. Occasionally, we have thrown in a few extra activities allowing me to forget the laundry, remembering to date my husband and mostly to have fun. You've all heard the saying you can choose your friends, but NOT your children. I think the same can apply to your neighbors. When doing the research for your home you look at the architecture, size, yard, schools, and the pros and cons how it will be THAT perfect fit for your family. We definitely prayed, fasted and went to the temple over the house we are living in. And then, well took that jump with pure faith in hopes it would all turn out okay.

Backing up.....we moved at probably the worst part of the year (okay DID) with temperatures reaching well into the 100's. Let's face it, we live in a blazing state during the summer. Doug and I were a little weary moving in not knowing if their were going to be kids on our street let alone having nice neighbors (you know the kind you dream of having?) The summer proceeded and we still never really saw a sole outside (not even to get the mail or mowing their yard). Late September came and a few ladies rounded up a potluck at the park with our entire community. It ended up being that "ice-breaker" I truly think all of us needed. So after living in our house for nearly 3 months we discovered that just on our street alone their were 3 kindergartners one even being a buddy in Luke's class!

Mark, Heather, Jenny and Doug

Friday night we were invited by our neighbors/friends down the street to join them for dinner and a movie. We all know how difficult it is to find a couple that is compatible with both spouses. Like us, they moved at the beginning of July. (from Utah) It's been a lot of fun getting to know them. We look forward to future date nights along with an upcoming (hopefully very soon) game night.


Each year Doug and I try and take some sort of "treat" or goody around to our neighbors and close friends. I am not sure "treat" would necessarily describe what I gave out, but it sure did top the ideas for EASY. Because I am such a Sonic ice connoisseur I thought why not share it? We pulled up for our weekly happy hour stop and ordered 14 bags of Sonic ice. I had pre-printed up labels and had ribbon in the car (since time wasn't on our side). Tied it around the bag and voila Christmas snow!

I think some thought it was a little odd, but I did get a lot of good feedback. We all know that THIS ice makes all drinks happy!

Annual Snowflake Sprint

Fortunately my kids have settled in much quicker than I ever expected at their elementary school. They have ALL made some great friends. The best part is they are all just down the street or a short bike ride away. Today was their schools annual snowflake sprint. The physical education department organized for the entire school to run a mile around the surrounding neighborhood. How fun is that?

Cole
Landon, Luke, and Magnus

The let the older kids start first (as you can see from the photo) and the kindergartner's were the the last to start (since they actually ran a shorter distance). I thought for sure it would get a little crazy. Afterall how in the world can you contain hundreds of students in a neighborhood? I was also a little concerned about the weather as it was predicted to rain, but we were spared. Just look at these white puffy beauties with sun breaking through. Yet, another reason we love Arizona.

Ready set run!

They had a water station set up midpoint for all of the kids. I was actually surprised how under control the whole event ran. They had teachers sporadically along the route to make sure kids wouldn't bolt and cross the roads where they weren't supposed to.

Thayne and Jared

Since I chose to run with Luke, I didn't catch up with Jared until afterwards. This is him with his best buddy Thayne. These boys are really inseparable.

Mikayla and Taylor

And of course I found my little social butterfly near the end strolling (not running) and chatting with her friend Mikayla. At the end they handed out popcicles for all who particpated. What a great way to get all of that excited energy out, especially on the last day before a 2 week break!