2008 In Review

This is our first year to (regretfully) not write a Christmas letter to go with our family picture card. So, while this won't be a "letter," it will highlight the bigger things from this past year.

January:

• I had jury duty for the first time and was within an hour of being seated on a pretty ugly and guesome case- whew!
  
• Sarah transitioned from her crib to a big girl bed.

February:

• Michael's mother Doris passed away in Fargo, ND and Michael officiated her service.
• Michael's family had a reunion at his parent's house (dad and stepmom) in Ft. Worth. Seven out of the eight siblings and 10 out of the 13 grand kids were able to be there.

March:

• Sarah potty trained!!
• Andrew's adoption was legally finalized and Sarah's was re-finalized.
• Michael celebrated his 33rd birthday on Easter weekend.

April:

• We enjoyed a short family getaway with my parents to Branson.
  
• Andrew celebrated his 1st birthday and took his first steps.

May:

• Michael led a team of college students on a 17 day mission trip to Malawi, Africa.

June:

• I served on a committee for Dillon International that hosted the 1st annual Vietnam Heritage Weekend. We had a great time connecting with old friends and travel mates and making new acquaintances.

July:

• Sarah celebrated her 3rd birthday.
• We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary.
  
• I "retired" from my job to become a stay-at-home mom.

August:

• I celebrated my 32nd birthday.
• Michael's pastoral responsiblities expanded at church to include oversight of Children and Family Ministry in addition to Youth Min. and College Min.
  

September:

• Sarah celebrated her 2nd Forever Family Day.

October:

• Sarah and Andrew enjoyed a fall of football and tailgating.
• Michael served as a foreman of a jury.
  

November:

• Michael and I had our 1st getaway without the kids.
• We celebrated Thanksgiving in Texas with Michael's family. It was the last Thanksgiving at Papa and Nana's home in Ft. Worth since they moved to Albuquerque the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

December:

• Andrew's birth mother came to Oklahoma to see our family. We had a very nice visit.
  
• We celebrated Christmas here with my side of the family.

We wish you a healthy and blessed 2009. Happy New Year!