Our Family's 2008 in Review

2008 has been a wild ride at times but overall was great for our family.

January- This was the 1st anniversary of our new home location. We moved in January 2007.

February- I got a new (to me) truck. A white Toyota 4Runner that I'd been wanting for a while. My family celebrated the February birthdays (1st- my Dad, 3rd- my Mom, 16th- my brother & 23rd- me) with a family gathering at Scott & Debra's house. I turned 31 years old but I'm still going strong.

March- This month began our visits to AR Children's Hospital with Mason's vomiting. Most of the month was a blur because it was spent on the road to and from Little Rock or in the hospital at Little Rock. Mason had two hospital stays during March. On a positive note, we were reminded how many loving & caring family and friends we have. Everyone offered to help in any way possible and most importantly by helping with Anna and praying so much for Mason and us. Granny Ruth celebrated her 80th birthday with a party at the nursing home. The kids and I were able to attend which made her day.

April- Mason had his 3rd hospital stay of the year at AR Children's Hospital and surgery was finally done. Scar tissue from his surgery in May 2007 was removed and an incision stitched up horizontally was made in his intestine to help widen a portion. Mason spent his 1st birthday in the hospital but was given a small party (where he couldn't eat the cake). We celebrated his birthday with family and friends later in April.

May- Our family enjoyed the kids first trip to the Memphis Zoo. We had such a great time. Grammy spent several nights with us while Daddy was gone to Banking School.

June- Kevin & I celebrated our 8th anniversary. Anna & Mason's cousins, Holly & Lauren, along with Uncle Rick came to visit. Anna enjoyed playing with them and hated to see them leave.

July- Granny Ruth passed away on July 7th. Her funeral was July 10th. Later in the month we took a family vacation to St. Louis, MO. We visited Grant's Farm, The Magic House Chidrens Museum, St. Louis Zoo and The Gateway Arch. It was HOT but lots of fun.

August- Kevin, Anna & I traveled to South Carolina for Anna to be in a wedding. We stopped in Pigeon Forge, TN and spent a day at Dollywood. We had a great trip but missed Mason. He stayed behind with Grammy (which he had rather do than be trapped in a car seat for so many hours!)

September- We enjoyed the NEA District Fair Rodeo (Mason's 1st rodeo) and the NEA District Fair. The fair was our annual trip with our friends, The Murray's. Kevin celebrated his birthday (I won't say which one--but he is older than me!).

October- We went to the ASU Museum's "Grossology" exhibit and Pumpkin Hollow. Halloween found us taking Hannah Montana and a pony to our church's Trunk or Treat.

November- Anna turned the much anticipated 5 years old with a party at Pump It Up. We watched Santa make his mall arrival. Lots of Thanksgiving celebrations and food with family.

December- Anna (and Kevin & I) rode a fire truck in the Paragould Christmas Parade. Mason received an excellent report from his MRI and checkup. Anna had a precious Christmas program for preschool. We enjoyed Christmas celebrations with family and friends.

Yes, 2008 has been a roller coaster ride at times (especially March & April) but God has gotten us through another wonderful and blessed year. I pray 2009 will be another good year for our family. I wish everyone that reads this a healthy & happy 2009 too!