A year in review

2009 was a....challenging year for our family.

Let me clarify by saying there are such things as good challenges and bad challenges, or maybe I should say, wanted challenges and unwanted challenges.

We were recipients of both kinds of challenges this year.

This is true for every year, but this last year seemed to have more than usual.

It truly was the most unique year we have had together.

2009 was filled with learning, love, laughter, humility, joy, sadness, compassion, hope and much much more.

Here is a little of our year in review:

I found my crafty gene. It may not be as developed as others, but I have to admit I LOVE doing crafts.


I somehow convinced my understanding husband that I needed a treadmill. And since it's arrival I have run everyday (Minus vacation. It's a sin to exercise during vacations and holidays.) I am actually liking it and it has become part of my routine. (Gasp.)

Alayna started out the year looking like this:

She kept growing...

and growing...

and growing...

and growing...

until she looked like this:

This last year was a learning year as a mommy. There is nothing that can truly prepare you for motherhood. It is a learning experience. It is one of those good challenges. I am grateful for that challenge.

We traveled a lot. Vegas, Laramie, Casper, Mt. View and Utah to name a few.

The company Dan was working for shut down most of their plants, so we found ourselves looking for new employment.

We moved in with my parents for a few weeks until Dan's job was finalized. Despite worrying about being a burden and having to swallow our pride, it was great.... at least for us. I think the Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Sarah, and Uncle Jordan enjoyed themselves too.

My not-so-little brother came home from his mission in Guatemala. I was so excited! It is so nice having him (and his sense of humor) back.

We moved to Casper.

We moved again.

Alayna turned ONE!Dan turned 30.

We moved to Laramie.

Dan started at WyoTech.

I turned a Quarter of a Century.

We celebrated our Fifth Anniversary!

And much more.

Looking back, I can honestly say that I am so glad that this year was the way it was. In January, I never would have thought that by December we would move four times, be back in Laramie, and Dan be in school.

It has been a whirlwind, but I wouldn't change it.