What a year

Well, we made it. I can't believe 2008 is coming to a close. Looking back it was an incredible year so full of blessings and treasures. We knew at the beginning of the year that we would be moving. We just weren't sure where. Something was encouraging us to look out this way. I kept looking on realitor web sites and found a great looking house from the outside in our price range. I finally contacted someone on a Sunday evening and our realitor, Jamie called that same night. We looked at the house that Thursday in April. I felt so comforted about the house, but extremely anxious about the work that was needed to update. I didn't sleep the whole night. As all big and important decisions in my life like...going on a mission, getting married, Heavenly Father always paved the way for things to happen. As it was with the house. It was an easy transition with the seller, banking, closing, packing and moving. We closed in June and moved that weekend. I would like to thank my friends and especially my family for your incredible support. I feel sad many times because I never got to show off the house to Mom. I knew deep down she was happy for us, but concerned we were moving so far from her. To tell the truth I was really worried about being far from her. It was hard being in separate wards for almost 2 years. Now I wouldn't be minutes from her house when she needed me. Matt and I always meant for her to move with us eventually. After her stroke, it was just natural for her to come stay with us. We were ready to move her things in and settle her with us. I was prepared to care for her here. But she always had her own agenda and decided it was time to go. I know she missed her parents, brothers, and Dad. They have to be together. Their love for each other was too strong to be apart any longer. They are preparing they way for us to be together forever. I love and miss them, and thank them. I cannot wait to be with them again.I just hope there is chicken and noodles waiting.
Sam turned 11 and Daniel 4. My babies are growing and becoming extraordinary individuals. Both are strong willed boys. They know what is right and what is wrong. Sam participated in his school's version of Alice in Wonderland in the spring. It was fun. He loves performing and being in front of a crowd. He was the "king of hearts". He is also continuing with the trombone. Daniel started preschool and loving it. Making new friends has been fun to watch. He knows the abc's, numbers, shapes, counts well, writing his first and last name, now we are working on word recognition. He is reading the words he knows on the beginners books from the library.
Matt has and will always be my rock and foundation. He keeps me grounded. I can always count on him for being there. It's been fun watching him learn new home owner things like cleaning the gutters, break down branches that fall from our dead tree on the back, fix leaky faucets, and replace outlet covers. I know this is just the beginning. It has been a fantastic journey. He is enjoying his work and the people he works with. Keep buying those floral bouquets and potted plants...it's keep bread and butter on our plates.
We are looking forward to an exciting 2009. Brand new out look on life. I continue to count my blessings, they are becoming innumerable.
Have a Happy, healthy, and properous new year.