Friday, January 2, 2009

A brand new year

2008 was filled with many highs and lows--from politics to the ecomomy, and from a historic year for the Church to the Presidential elections, I believe it was definately a year for the record books. As we reflect on the last year, there have been a lot of changes in our lives... a move to a state we never thought in our wildest dreams we'd live in, Shane's new job that he loves doing every day, having a third child turning one, building our 'dream' home, and more. Words cannot express are gratitude for all of these blessings.
So far...we have tried to stay on track with everything by doing the simple yet important things like daily family prayer & scripture study. This is the glue that holds us together. Yet we feel that there is more to be done in 2009. So we each made resolutions for the year ahead. To help us not forget our new commitements, we did some fun activities New Year's Eve. Shane wrote his goals down in his planner(and a few times on paper), I beaded a bracelet with a charm, and the boys each made a fun and simple scrapbook page to remember.

The kids outside enjoying our (nearly) 70 degree weather!
Finding joy in the journey
Though we have been blessed inmeasurably this year, I know that life is a series of ups and downs and there are difficult times ahead. I don't know what they are or when they will come. I don't look forward to them. But I do know that they eventually come when we least expect it. How we respond can have a huge impact on our lives. I know that through our trials we can gain wisdom and faith if we turn to the Lord. So this year one of our goals as a family is to become better prepared both spiritually and temporaly.

Braden and Kyle's goals for the year
Our neighbors across the street have nine children! They invited us over for more goodies and fireworks to end the night. The kids had a ball. They could not keep their eyes open past 11pm, so we put them to bed and brought in the new year alone together. xoxoxo! I love you honey, go get em' this year!

12 comments:

The Reese's said...

sounds like great goals that we can all work on!

Sarah Stout said...

Happy New Year! That's great that you got the kids to think about their own goals for the new year as well. You guys are good parents! Good luck in 2009 :)

Lucky said...

Looks like fun and the interaction for the kids is very good as well.
I am glad you two got some alone time on New Year's, that worked out perfectly. They should chart their goals to keep them intent on following through!

Lucky said...

I love everyone's goals and you are so right, there is so much to be grateful for. Reading and praying are I feel, the best things one can do to draw closer to the Lord. I am very grateful for your blog and to see you,Shane and my grandkids growing before my eyes! By the way, let's see that bracelet you made?

Lisa said...

Those are some cute cute pictures of thekids and excellent goals you have set! I too would like to see your bracelet! What does it say, tell me tell me! hehee

Teresa said...

Happy New Year! It's true, we really do need to find joy in the journey despite what might be ahead.

Sariahfied said...

Hey pretty lady! I am finally back and running with the internet. How are you? How is the house coming? I love the family picture at the top of your blog!! Love, Sariah

Tiffany said...

Our relief society lesson was on the relief society "statement" (I don't know what to call it) and how it can help us this year in setting goals and trials. It was very inspiring! There are so many goals we can set! I love reading your blog and seeing what your family is doing. You're always doing the best and important things.

Brossettelewis said...

I love your new picture. I can't wait to "need" little suits.

Jamie said...

I am so excited for you guys to get to build your dream house. What a great opportunity. When do you think it will be done? It looks amazing from the last pictures you posted.

ranlar said...

What a great way to spend the New Year. We had a party too, but kept it indoors-there's 3 ft of snow at our house! You all look so happy-boy do we miss you guys.

Brooke said...

Hey Michelle. I am so impressed that you have a testimony Blog. I love that. It is funny that you did that because I have wanted to take inspirational church/gospel related pictures and have a blog specifically for teaching or sharing the gospel with others. I kinda put that project in the back burner until I found your blog today. Thanks for that.
Brookie
brookepehrson.