I think to myself what a wonderful year

A look back over 2008

It is hard to believe that we are coming to the close of 2008. But here we are. That song by Louis Armstrong "What a Wonderful World" has been circling in my head.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll ever know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Yes, I think to myself what a wonderful world

In January, my husband celebrated his last year inside his twenties. He was working for Liberty Capital as a Project Manager. It was quite fun working with his brother and close friends. My daughter Isabella experienced her deep love of snow for the very first time.

February brought us an exciting month. Isabella decided to take her first few steps at Uncle Tyler and Auntie Amy's house.

Then I hosted my 4th Annual Valentine's Tea Party. Each year I host a tea party with all the women that are close to my heart. Isabella was featured on the Valentine's Card.

Now you may be wondering where the blue eyes and blonde hair come from since both Parker and I have dark eyes and dark hair. But Isabella has two blonde haired, blue-eyed grammies. DNA is an amazingly sneaky thing.

March was packed full of activity. Isabella began her first swimming lessons with her cousin Lauren. She loves the water especially riding around in a little boat with the jets on.

Isabella was a bit more aware this year pertaining to Easter. She picked up all the jellybeans and put some in a basket, but didn't eat any.

April featured our annual trip up to the Skagit Valley to Tulip Town for a flower extravaganza. Isabella pranced around the tulips. It was perfect weather which is quite unusual for the first weekend in April.

Mothers' Day was marked with a new accomplishment. I ran my first 5K in 32:08. My dear friends Jenna and Laura ran with me. I was surprised by Parker's parents, who showed up at the end to greet me.

May also brought a special trip to Disneyland. To quote my father, "Isabella had more fun staring at her shoes than looking at the wonders around her." Honestly, Disneyland was more fun for me. I had recently read Walt Disney's autobiography about how he wanted to create a place for both parents and children. He is such an inspiration even after death.

She did enjoy the parade. She was mesmerized with all the colors, music and performers clutching onto her Mickey balloon.

June is the kick off of our many family celebrations including our anniversary. It has been seven years since Parker and I walked down the aisle. We both scratch our heads how the time flew by. But one thing is for sure that we both love eachother more today than when we first said "I do". We spent our first weekend away from Isabella in a quaint little oceanside house in the Friday Harbor area. It was breathtaking. Nature surrounded us. We could stay up late and sleep in. I'm ready to go again.

Fourth of July was spent with friends and family. Isabella has yet to experience fireworks, but I'm sure that day will come soon.

August marked my second 5 K which I accomplished at 28:18. Thanks to my girls in Stroller Strides who trained and ran with me. Not to mention, my man and Isabella for greeting me at the finish line.

Isabella experienced her first boat ride on Lake Union with Papa and Nana. She was a bit tentative at first, but then later acted as the captain of the boat.


September was filled with weddings and celebrations. Parker's best friend since he was one years old tied the knot. We went to our church's annual Vision Banquet. Isabella made a tile for the Rose Hill Cottages which are houses built for foster families.

October brought a beautiful day for the pumpkin patch. Isabella wore an Alice in Wonderland costume for her first hair cut on October 31st.

November is another birthday frenzy. Isabella turned two and we had an Underwater Nemo Birthday Festival. It was fabulous putting 53 people into our garage on blue tarps that we could shake out later. She had a great time. I celebrated a little more low key with some friends. Then we went to Central Coast, California to be with my parents for Thanksgiving.

Our 2008 Favorites

Parker

Favorite moment(s) in 2008
Our vacation to Friday Harbor.
Jen’s Birthday dinner with good friends in that rustic private room.
When my dad gave me his car

Favorite book read in 2008
That Trammel Crow book

Favorite movie in 2008
Sunset Blvd. (1950) is my favorite movie I saw for the first time this year.

Biggest revelation this year
The worst case scenario can play out and I can still thrive and survive.

If you could sum up this year in one sentence what would you say
It has been the worst of times and it has been the best of times.

Discover anything new in 2008
My path may not be what I thought it was…

What I am thankful for this year…
God’s faithful provision.
A loving wife

Good circle of friends that believe in me.
A beautiful emotionally passionate little girl.
Coffee

Jen

Favorite moment(s) in 2008
When Isabella walked for the first time at Tyler and Amy’s
When I crossed the finish line from my first 5 K on Mother’s Day
When Parker and I spent the weekend in Friday Harbor
Parker and I leading a small group together for the first time
Both Inspire groups this year
Running with my girls from Stroller Strides at the Covey Run

Favorite book read in 2008
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas


Favorite movie in 2008
This is a tough one. I really enjoyed Lars and the Real Girl. John Adams was fantastic.
The Dark Knight had some killer moments. Speed Racer was a kaliedascope for the eyes.
Hmmm… I can’t say that any of the films I watched this year knocked off my top three or ten for that matter. But I was entertained and inspired.

Biggest revelation this year
Discipline is good for you.

If you could sum up this year in one sentence what would you say
Even though this year has been filled with challenges I have a feeling that one day I will look back and say that it was a very good year.

Discover anything new in 2008
Live your life don’t watch another.

What I am thankful for this year…
The goodness of God
A hardworking, faith-filled man of God
A beautiful and fun daughter
A generous and loving family
My heart friends



Isabella

Favorite moment(s) in 2008
Riding the carousel at Disneyland
Everytime I went to Papa and Nana’s house and Grampy Fred and Grammie Hope’s house
Playing at Toddler Time after Stroller Strides
My Nemo Birthday party especially the cupcake
Swimming with Lo-Lo
Going to Wucie’s house on Thursday nights

Favorite book read in 2008
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff and Felicia Bond

Favorite movie in 2008
Nemo. No. Cars. No. Toy Story. Okay, I love Pixar movies.

Biggest revelation this year
I am a happy, holy woman of God.

If you could sum up this year in one sentence what would you say
I love my life.

Discover anything new in 2008
Walking is cool, but being carried is better.
Candy suckers are yummy tummy.


What I am thankful for this year…
My daddy
My mommy
My family
My fish Nemo
My Play-do