Tuesday, December 30, 2008

oH, the maNy blessings of 2008

I have much to be thankful for this year. What a great year this has been for our family. We have had few trials this year. We are thankful for the lessons learned by those we had. Here is my list in no particular order: I am thankful for


  • my healthy pregnancy
  • my husband of 8 years who is so helpful to me: makes me a better Mom
  • my parents who are still happily married and love one another
  • my car though I wish it would stay clean...... thx kiddies for that
  • my sweet new baby Vance who is so so precious and smiley
  • my wonderful Blane whom is not short of personality.... crazy, silly, intuitive, loud, loving
  • my sisters who are my best friends... help me through things and make me happy
  • my handsome, sweet, charming, cute, agile, dedicated boy Davin
  • my strong, creative, accepting mother in law Sharon
  • my beautiful, bright, smart, friendly, sweet, caring only daughter Madison
  • my fun brother who we saw numerous times this year... so thankful
  • my sister in laws who are so wise and helpful and fun
  • my grandma dahlston (dad's mom) so fun, happy and positive about her life
  • my church and all the wonderful teachings
  • my savior Jesus Christ.. his perfect life, his forgiving heart, his love for ALL
  • my grandparents in boston.. so thoughtful & loving... I know they love me
  • my brother in laws who love my sisters and sis in laws
  • my church calling I love our 6 year olds we teach.... or that teach me
  • my scriptures eventhough I did not pick them up much this year... I will do better
  • my Grandma King(mom's Mom) who I have recently got back in touch with
  • my body eventhough it is still post baby and definately far from perfect, but healthy
  • my amazing free country I live in which I can call HOME
  • my brothers sweet fun girlfriend from the UK Sara (my kids LOVE the accent)
  • my laptop so I can sit and nurse the babe and play
  • facebook that has helped me connect and reconnect with family and friends
  • my healthy, good , happy, loving kids EACH and EVERY one of them
  • my sometimes annoying dog Penny..love her.. my first baby
  • my mom for loving my kids and taking time to make them feel important.
  • my wonderful fun neighbors The Lee's... we will miss them next year..
  • my Dad who makes my kids laugh and likes to give them lots of hugs...and nicknames (Blane= Bob; Davin=Dave )..... love this
  • my friends in our old neighborhood (The Howards especially)
  • my kids GREAT teachers who truly LOVE them and teach them.... so thankful
  • my Mr. Blane who is potty trained YEAH!!!
  • my marriage that I know will last forever
  • my mother in law who loves my children and is silly with them....20 grandkids .. yikes!
  • my husband who is a truly amazing, patient(for a guy), respectful Dad.. thank you
  • my opportunity to be able to stay home with my kiddies.... so thankful
  • my home.... i love being hOme.

My FAVORITE memories of this past year




Valentines dinner @ 9:00pm after the kiddies hit the sack... lOve crab legs... yum



The Dairy with Mats' kindergarten class

Davin turned 4 and learned how to ride a bike... so proud of him


Madison lost her 1st tooth on our 1st family camping trip


Ms. Jennie.... we LoVe her



Madison's best friend moved.... so sad! We miss them.



Ms. Traci is the bEst swim teacher.... the kiddies love her.
We have been going through her since madison was 3 years old.


OuR sweet Blane turned 2.... such a big boy!!



Camping trip with the Derf crew... including Ricky & Sara @ Ponderosa camp grounds

Annual Cali vacation in Newport Beach, knotts berry farm with the Derfs



CamPing with the Dickenson's



1st day of 1st grade! All DaY. She was so happy & only a little nervous. What a special girl she is!



This was hillarious. Imagine seeing this: An 8 month prego lady wearing a white top & flip flops running through the pelting rain, pushing a stroller while holding a 4 year olds hand to pick her daughter up at school.... PRICELESS, I KNOW!!! CraZy weather day!



Our 1st time fishing @ the Power Ranch lake



Allen family reunion at the cabin


Vance Danuel born on 10.21.08 7lbs 11oz 21.5 inches What a jOy he is!

HaLLowEEn 2008



OuR 1st early Thanksgiving dinner in oUr hOme.





Our oNly daughter turned 7! I can't believe how fast time flys.




Scottsdale train park...an annual eVent for the Derfs. Chris and Taylor came as well.

MeRRy Christmas 2008!