Closing out 2008

I know I've been awful about keeping this updated. But I haven't completely forgotten. I've just kept telling myself, "I'll do it later." Like when I have more time or more to say. Well, here we are at the end of December, and it seems to be a good time to update.

2008 has been a pretty good year for us. It's had its ups and downs, but I think more ups than downs. We started out the year working on a house with Chris' mom and Jim. It still hasn't sold, but hopefully it will soon. It was a relief for us to have the renovations on the house done finally late in the spring of the year.

We attended many weddings this year, from dear cousins to dear friends. We pray that God will bless your marriages in so many ways. It's such a joy to see two people join their lives to each other, and I can't help but remember our wedding already 2.5 years past. It's amazing how time flies. Congratulations Bobby & Judith, Emily & Jeff, Josh & Carlie, Paul & Jessica, Leigh & Donny, Holly & Brad, Su & Bert, and to those we missed or weren't able to attend (Rebekah & Daniel, Michelle & Michael, and Rebecca & Ron)

We've also seen some friends depart and had some routines changed. Swing dance and my Girl's Bible Study just aren't the same anymore! Though we're happy for our friends that are moving on to better things and wonderful opportunities, It's one of the hard parts about living in a college town - but change is a part of life and though sometimes we resist, change isn't always a bad thing.

Our cat, Mello, had some serious medical problems this year, but is now doing MUCH better, we're so happy to report. I took a job late in August at Parkway Baptist Church in a 3 y/o class through their preschool Program (though most of you already know that). Chris has started a new Web Design Company with our friend Dack and we hope they'll soon have some web pages to design.

Thanksgiving was a nice time here in Auburn with my parents, Robbie, Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike, Beth, Gail, and Chris's mom and Jim. It was a big meal followed by a few of us getting out our instruments and playing some Christmas tunes my Uncle Mike arranged for us. That was a lot of fun.

And December's been a whirlwind or activity. For me it's been a few parties and Christmas programs (church and work), and a WHOLE LOT of baking. I love cooking, baking, and candy-making and can't wait to get going on it again. Then came my birthday and our trip to Kentucky (during which the cat stayed in Trussville with my mom and dad). We didn't have a white Christmas, but we did have a wonderful time up there. We spent a few days each in Richmond and Lexington with Chris' dad's and mom's sides of the family (respectively), and spent a few hours over in Louisville with my Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Marc. We stopped back by Trussville to get the cat (and visited with our friend Emily to see her new house - and the work they've done on it is quite impressive), and made it home again last night. We spent some time with some of Chris' high school friends and just took it easy today. We'll probably clean up and take the rest of the week pretty easy (though we may have some friends over for a very low key New Year's Eve), and go back to work next week refreshed.

On my to do list for 2009:

• focus on scripture memory (to find out more on the plan I'm using, go to this site: http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/12/anybody-game.html
• learn to sew and start making more clothes and other items
• learn to cook new and different things, and improve kitchen skills in general
• join a gym and actually GO!
• attend the weddings of some friends (Jackie and Mark & Ashley)
• go to the Bahamas and visit Tamara, Dallas, and Joss
• start learning a bit more about vegetable gardening and maybe get started with that
• put some work into updating the house
• update this thing more often :-)

I know many of them aren't really detailed at all, but I'm working on it. I know this hasn't been a great year for many, but I hope you've all had a happy holiday season and I wish you all a very Happy New Year. Chris and I are looking forward to what it may bring.

~Laura