2009 - A Good Year

Here comes our year in review!

Our Ben started out very little and has grown a ton. He grew almost four inches, got a lot of hair, and had some major milestones. At the beginning of 2009 Ben was a chubby little baby who needed our help for everything. He learned how to roll over, sit up on his own, crawl, walk, run, and dance all in one year! No longer a baby, our little toddler is all about being on the move. Ben learned to feed himself and say lots of words (even if no one understands him) and he grew 12 new teeth. He celebrated his very first birthday and we found out that he loves playing in the water. We put him in nursery at the end of the year and he did not look back. Ben is a happy soul who loves kisses, wrestling, and a good dance party. He's had a great year!
Miss Afton had a transformation this year from a little two year old to an independent three year old. She grew a couple of inches and looks all stretched out and older now. At the beginning of 2009 Afton learned how to snow shoe and pump the swing by herself. Then she moved on to learning how to swim, make breakfast, ride a horse, excel in preschool, make flower arrangements, and set a mean dinner table among many other things. Our now three and a half year old girl is very thoughtful, smart, stubborn, beautiful, and of course a roller coaster of emotions. She looks forward to being in Primary and turning 4!
Jared has had a full year with a lot of courtroom time at work, completing the Spudman triathlon again, and becoming quite the handyman around the house. His younger brother got married, making everyone in his family hitched. Jared has perfected being a Dad and has maintained good health all year, both really good things! We celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary in December.

I have had quite a year myself. I have been able to be there for all the big accomplishments of my little family and that makes me very happy. I was able to accomplish a goal of a long bike ride this year, have gardening therapy to my hearts desire, be introduced to the Sawtooth mountains, and spend lots of time with family. My baby sister was married, making all of my siblings hitched too. There have been very difficult times as well. My dear cousin passed away in a car accident at the beginning of the year. We were privileged to spend frequent visits with my amazing mom before she passed away on October 29, 2009. She was an incredible example of enduring to the end and I miss her very very much. Having the opportunity to be part of the preparations for her funeral were memories that I will always treasure. The outpouring of love and support from our loved ones has made an everlasting impact on my ability to cope with grief. As I continue to deal with my feelings for my mom, I am constantly reminded of my gratitude for the gospel. I have loved serving in the Primary presidency in 2009. The year has also taught me a lot about my roll as a mom and how much I need to do to improve. What a year!
We all look forward to 2010!