Happy New Year!!! Reflections, "resolutions", and the like

But first a couple of funnies:
Brylie has been SUCH a nut lately!
Here she is hanging out on her horse watching Dora:

And that same night we found her talking to her reflection in the handle of the oven drawer............she was saying "Hi Punkin'! Awwww Punkin'! C'mon Punkin'!"

She's always got quite the imagination, and is OFTEN talking to her cup!

The other night she was talking to Mom while watching Dora. Mom asked Brylie where Dora was going.........her response? WALMART!

Not long ago she wanted her sister to do something. When Jazlyn wasn't cooperating, Brylie warned her twice "I gonna pinch you! I gonna pinch you!"............alas Jazlyn didn't do what she wanted, and after hearing Jazlyn's wail I went to scold Brylie, who simply threw up her hands and said "WELL!"

I guess we may as well enjoy it while it's comical, becuase all too soon it won't be so funny!

Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We spent new year's eve eating a snacky supper and playing Sorry. The older two just LOVE that game, and often pick on their dad (even if it means they don't win). I was up to see Central time zone hit the new year and that was it for me. I'm guessing I was snoring by the time we here officially entered the new year.

I loathe new year's resolutions, but do like to choose something about myself to work on (instead of everything, lol).

Last year I chose contentment, and I considered choosing that again this year. I'm kind of thinking that I need to work on taking better care of what God HAS given me (this covers both being more content with what we have instead of admiring something nicer as well as showing my appreciation for the blessings he has bestowed upon us). It's awefully hard for me to be ok with the fact that we are still (and may forever be) paying for the financial mistakes we made when we were much younger and more immature. It's even more difficult when we see others that have made more/worse mistakes seem to bounce back very quickly. I know though, that he gives us what HE wants us to have, and we evidentally still have some lessons to learn or he wouldn't be leaving us here. Any words of experience or encouragement in this department from those of you that have "been there, done that" would be wonderful :)

Anyhow, looking at what blessings we had this last year.

2008 was yet another challenging year for us financially as the first 3 months of the year was spent with someone being sick pretty much all the time. That of course required lots of doctor visits, a hospital stay, and I don't know how much in medicines. Even with insurance it was quite out of our range.

The upside to that was that we formed a relationship and trust with a physician's assistant who is often here during the sick season to help lighten the MD's loads a bit. He's a very knowledgable gentelman, fabulous with the kids, and very thorough in explaining to us what's going on, why, how to treat it, and the like. It probably also strengthened us quite a bit and forced me to develop a lot more patience. It was not a time that I could rely on others much (c'mon, who wants to come watch 3 sick kids while I go get groceries and meds or, heaven forbid, 10 minutes of peace, lol) so He forced me into getting stronger and more creative.

In the long run though, everyone came out healthy and much more aware of what/who we're touching/around during this time of year. The kids are now hand sanitizer freaks, too.

Right about the time that all finished off I was blessed with the opportunity to follow my dreams of turning my passion for photography into something more. It slowly grew throughout the summer and early fall, allowing me to gain some much needed bare necessities equipment and come the first of November really boomed with everyone's need to get family pictures before Christmas. That, again, has allowed for a couple more basic purchases that should get me through the winter.

Summer break was full of kids activities and it was such a joy to watch the kids suceed and learn!

Fall brought a new school year, new teachers, and new buildings for Peyton and Jazlyn. We were so excited to hear that Peyton was officially caught up with (and in some cases ahead of) his class. Jazlyn is doing fabulous in school and has quite the passion for reading. She reads any and everything she can!

October brought my little brother's wedding and we are so happy to have welcomed Ashley into the family :)

In November we took Peyton to National Jewish hospital and got his asthma and allergy stuff all sorted out! This has been SUCH a blessing. December took us to Longmont for his tonsil/adenoid removal, and though the recovery was rough, was very much worth it. He no longer clears his throat constantly or has the nagging cough (which we figured out was probably just trying to cough up what he felt like was in his throat). He's looking forward to finally going back to school on a regular schedule after break.

As always, we were so blessed to be able to spend time with our famlies to celebrate Christ's birth. It's always a wonderful time, and even much more so with young kids :)

And here we are starting a new year, wondering what is in store for us this year. One thing's for sure, it's never dull, and we could never predict the blessings we'll receive!