Happy New Year!

Wow, it is unbelievable that 2008 has come to an end. It sure was a crazy ride wasn't it? Despite the economic turmoil and other difficulties the year faced, Mike and I feel blessed to have another year of marriage, parenting, and family under our belt. We have been contemplating what the year has brought us and we are overwhelmed by the multiple blessings we received. First and foremost, Mike's initiation to the Catholic church made the most significant impact in our lives. We were spiritually unified as a family and entrusted ourselves to the hands of God. We became aware that our life as a family is in God's hands and we trust that everything that happens in our life is his will. I saw a dramatic change in Mike, in how he approaches spiritual life and how he handles everyday problems and occurances. I've said this many times, but he NEVER ceases to amaze me. Sure, we have our little fights (normally ending with me as the winner) but he assumes the role of husband, father, friend, brother, son, worker etc. and fulfills that role in every which way possible. I speak highly of him because I believe in him. This is not just words from a wife all gushy about her husband, but in the 12 years we've been together, he has not failed me in any of those roles. He is truly a wonderful man and discovering God has only made him better in ways I never knew was possible!
2008 also bought us the second biggest blessing in our life (Alex being #1). We discovered we were pregnant in July and we are now awaiting for Baby Girl to make her appearance in April. We've always pictured Alex as a big brother and we are so excited that he will be meeting his little sister soon.
Speaking of Alex, he also had a very exciting year. He traveled to and from Arizona multiple times, spending time with his Grandparents and Aunts. He has physically grown (gasp! almost fitting into 2T sizes!) and has learned so many things this year. He visually knows his ABC's (not quite singing it but he sure does know every letter!), he knows his numbers but not in order (for example, 1,2,3, 9!), and he has become quite the talker. After worrying that he would need speech therapy during the earlier part of the year, we saw his language skills develop exponentially just during the last 2 months. He can now speak in sentences and repeat words very clearly (as opposed to his jarbled, non-recognizable jargon from before). We have to be careful of what we say because he is a little parrot squaking away behind us!
As for myself, I have become more active in my Pampered Chef business. The first six months were pretty slow but after finally applying myself and attending a few fairs, my business has finally taken off! My Fall/Winter season was extremely busy and I even finished the year off with my biggest show ever! I am hoping to keep the ball rolling and keep 2009 strong for my business!
2008 was FULL of family events (thus the multiple Arizona trips). We had three graduations. Meghan graduated from the University of Arizona, Melissa graduated from Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and Monica from Chandler High School.
My Dad turned 60! We threw him a suprise birthday party that would be very hard to top. I mean, a dj, yummy food, glow-in-the dark necklaces, party beads, who could ask for more?
As we welcome in the New Year, we hope EVERYBODY will experience peace, happiness, and prosperity in 2009. Thank you to our family who gives us the biggest gift of all, their love and support. We are grateful to have you in our lives! Happy New Year Everyone!!