As 2009 Draws to a Close

There are only about 6.5 hours left of 2009. It’s been a good year overall, but we have dealt with some unique situations this year. We dealt with 3 weeks of furloughs for Dan, but in the end, he still has his job and the company he works for is really busy right now. We moved and took on some serious deferred maintenance problems. We knew we needed to clean and paint our new house, but we also encountered roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical problems. We think we’ve solved those issues! I got granite countertops in the kitchen and the wild, bright colors have been painted over! While moving is a big adjustment in itself, we have fabulous new neighbors and Nolan adjusted to his new school easily! We tried our hand as landlords and quickly decided that we are not cutout for that profession. We learned how the legal system protects “renters” but eventually, after jumping through all the hoops, will help you get your property back. We learned that stuff is just stuff, damage can be repaired, and that lost rent is just that. We know what is important and grateful for that knowledge.

Jonathan and Nolan earned straight A’s in school. Miles learned to walk and has become very verbal. Nolan played lacrosse and cruised in the pool. Jonathan completed in Knowledge Bowl and Math Counts. Jonathan went to EFY. Miles dances to any beat. Jonathan got his braces off and Nolan meets with the orthodontist January. Nolan began playing the violin. Jonathan continued playing the clarinet and saxophone. Both boys discovered that classical music is cool and are looking forward to going to the symphony in 2010. We all have been healthy. Dan wasn’t seriously injured in his bike vs. car door accident. We had lots of extended family time this year… 4 family reunions! The boys loved their whitewater rafting experience this summer. I think we've come to appreciate each other more this year. The big boys seem to enjoy hanging out with each other at last.

While I am happy to see the end of the challenges that 2009 brought to us, I am grateful for all the blessings and opportunities we had. My wishes for 2010 include health, family bonding, peace in our home and around us, and a sold house in Pleasant Grove!