Year in Review

2008.... well, it is nearly over and soon to be a new year. Here is a brief recap of the year our family has experienced:

January

We started the year off with our anniversary (January 7th) followed by Austin's 9th birthday! I can't believe how he is growing and maturing... a little too fast for this mom! He is such an awesome kid and I am truly THANKFUL for him.... I dread the day he grows wings and leaves. I am perfectly content on him living here until he is 40 where I can keep him close!! ha ha

February

Ragan celebrated his 31st birthday this year on February 7th!

March

Cooper's first Easter!!!!

April

Our family had a few (brief) additions during the month of April. Pretty Girl (our female Schnauzer) became a mom!! 2 boys and 2 girls.... My niece, Allie, got one of the girls and named her "Pretty Girl". Pretty Girl, Jr. is an active, vibrant thing and I know Allie's parents never regret adopting her!! (Do you sense the sarcasm??) It was lots of fun, BUT WE WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!!! :-)

May

This was my first Mother's Day since Cooper was born.... what a BLESSING! After much disappointment and many tears, Cooper's arrival was truly a miracle and I celebrated Mother's Day this year with a very grateful heart.

After school was out, Ragan and I took Austin and Caroline (my niece) on a quick trip to Six Flags... nothing like a good theme park in 90 degree weather!! Austin & Ragan did the sky diving thing while Caroline & I (safely) watched on!

June

This June, Austin left home for the first time to go to camp. He spent a week at Camp Ozark in Arkansas.... it was torture for me, but he had a blast! The place was phenomenal... It was a great experience for him and I know he looks forward to Camp Ozark 2009!

This picture was on our way as we were waiting in line to drop him off!

July

We took a family vacation to Florida this summer with my family. 8 adults and 6 kids in one condo.... LOTS of action! The highlight was spending time with my grandparents, uncle, cousins, and their kids who live in FL. Here is a cool pic... Austin is the oldest of 10 great-grandchildren on the Etier side.... here they all are! (By the way, he is also the oldest great-grandchild on the Poche side... I doubt they could all fit in this pic. I think there are about 17 now!)

Typical kid picture!

This is Nonna (my mom) and her 6 grandchildren!

August

Austin started 4th grade this year... crazy thing... he has the SAME 4th grade teacher that I had. He eats that up!

September

Austin started guitar lessons...... Cooper started attempting steps....

We started trying to teach Cooper basic sign language words to communicate his needs...

October

We celebrated Cooper's 1st birthday on October 1st!

Isn't he a doll? Here he is with both of his Nonnas!

November

November brought a huge change for me. After 10 years in the Emergency Room, I took a new job as the Assistant Risk Manager for my hospital. It has been a great move for me both professionally and personally. I am thankful because God ALWAYS supplies and provides! Now I just have to get used to working 5 days a week!!! :-)

Cooper started RUNNING... he was catching on to the sign language, but still insisted on using his vocal cords in a loud manner to communicate his needs! Oh well, we will keep trying! :-)

December

Well, December is not quite over, but I know we will have a wonderful Holiday Season.... we are looking forward to spending time with family and watching our kids enjoy the excitement that the season brings. However, we must never forget that the joy, beauty, and love we experience during this time of year is a result of the ultimate gift given to us... the birth of our Saviour. I hope we all remember that we are so truly blessed to live in a country where we can worship Him freely....

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Until next time......