Best Things of 2008

I'm sure it is the same for everyone. There are things each year that one would rather just forget and some that they hope to remember forever. This year has been interesting for our family~full of life changing events. Sometimes it is hard to believe how fast a year can zoom by, but then it is crazy to think about all of the moments, experiences, memories that have occurred within that given amount of time. It is easy to focus on the negative, because a lot of times those things have the biggest impact on our outlook on life. I am making on resolution this year...to be more positive. I think that this one thing will help me to actually keep resolutions I've been making year after year for years! So, in the spirit of positive thinking, I am listing the 12 best things from my 2008:



12. Olivia is learning to play the violin. Talents are so important, and I'm so proud of her.



11. My sister-in-law is able to care for Abby while I teach. I love that Abby loves her Aunt Haley so much and is so well taken care of.



10. We built and moved into our home. It was a LONG process, but was worth it.



9. I had the opportunity to learn from my Sunbeam class. These 12 kids were a challenge, but a joy. I will miss their smiling faces, sweet spirits, and pure love.



8. I live next door to my sister. It truly is a blessing to be so close to my best friend and it is extra handy when I run out of ingredients!



7. I live in an amazingly supportive community. I am truly without appropriate words for how blessed we are to live where there are so many kind and loving people.



6. I have stellar friends and a wonderful family on both sides.



5. I have an able body and mind. (They aren't perfect, but they work!) After reading and hearing about so many who have faced tragedy and illness ~ I am grateful for the blessing of just being able to actually fold the laundry, face the crowds at the mall during Christmas, and, yes, to go to the gym!



4. I am a mother to two beautiful girls who make each day worth living. Sometimes kids run us ragged, drive us crazy, and make life messy...but I wouldn't trade my girls for anything.



3. I have the best husband a girl could ask for! He has his problems, as we all do, but I am grateful he chose me.



2. I am a member of the true church. In a world full of lost souls, I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to exercise my faith and to find comfort in the gospel.



1. The BEST thing of this year, and any year, is that families can be together forever. Family ~ there is nothing more important.



I know, I know, I know! It's a little sappy and churchy, but after the year I've had, these are the things that really matter. Wishing you a happy 2009...