2009 Review - It's about time!

Okay, I've been promising myself I would do this the last few weeks. I'm still trying to adjust to it actually being 2010. That's just sounds weird! My list may be random and not in date order, but here goes-

We'll start with Amberly's 2009 Happenings -

Amberly's big events of the year - Graduated from Kindergarten, learned how to read and what a great reader she is!!, turned 7, lost lots of teeth, took piano lessons from Elizabeth, began 1st grade, is a happy, energetic, loving little girl! She is friendly and incredibly smart. She loves to draw and over the past year decided she wanted to grow up to be an Art Teacher. She enjoys riding her bike, basketball, bossing everyone around, doing crafts, scrap booking and playing games.

Trent - Graduated from 5th grade, Began Junior High at Beckendorff Junior High School, learning to play the Cello, took piano lessons up until school started, completed his webelos and tenderfoot and lots of other merit badges in Scouts, sang a solo in primary and did a duet with his friend John where he played the piano, basketball still favorite sport, continues to want to be a meteorologist, major growth spurt-just barely shorter than his mom!

Eyn - Played basketball on Seven Lakes Freshman team, completed 9th grade, completed 1st year of seminary, advanced in scouts getting closer to eagle, went to EFY in San Antonio and had a blast, got drivers permit, turned 16 (scary!), ordained a Priest, went on 30 mile canoe trip, had his first over night stay in hospital scaring us, summer basketball league, sophomore in High school, played on Spartan football team, began working at HEB.

Elizabeth - was part of Seven Lakes High School Chorale (top choir) for all 4 years of High School, traveled to San Antonio for TMEA, Traveled to Dallas for choir competition, went to her Senior Prom, graduated from Early Morning seminary, Graduated from High School with Honors, turned 18, worked at Hobby Lobby, accepted to both BYU and BYU-Idaho, received scholorship for half tuition (YEA!!), chose Idaho and attended her first semester there getting a 3.96 GPA (WOW!!).

Darin - continued working at Chevron where he is a Project Manager, traveled to California a few times for work, became involved in the Junior Achievement program in the schools and taught 2 different kindergarten classes including Amberly's and also her 1st grade class, traveled to Utah (more under Tricia), traveled to Georgia where he spent a wonderful week with his Mom and sisters, still working in family history center as assistant director.

Tricia - served on Stake Relief Society Board, released in June after 5 years of service there, volunteered in elementary school as reader and workbaskets, traveled with Elizabeth to Dallas for her competition and got to spend time with one of my favorite Aunts, traveled with Elizabeth to Utah/Idaho to take her to BYU-Idaho, spent time visiting family and being with Elizabeth, after leaving Idaho traveled back to Utah and picked Darin up at airport for 4 1/2 days together, (grandparents stayed with kids in Texas and had a great time!), met my brother Tom at Provo Temple and did the Temple work for both my Dad and brother Mike and then had our parents sealed together and our family sealed together for time and eternity, one of the most incredible spiritual experiences of my life!!, spent time in Colorado on way home with Darin, spent time with my BFF Delisa and her husband Anthony, learned how to can peaches (thanks Delisa!!), taxi, maid, cook, and all the normal stay at home mom duties! :)

2009 was definitely a busy one for our family. There was definitely lots of highs accompanied with lots of lows. But hopefully we learned lots and are better people because of all that happened in 2009. Life is good. 2010 already has lots of great things happening... Elizabeth is home until April when she returns to BYU-Idaho. She is working at the YMCA and loving it. Trent and Amberly are playing in the Katy Youth Basketball League and loving it. Eyn continues to work for HEB and play basketball as much as he can, Darin got a new major project at work which is stressing him out, but he will do great! I got a new calling on the Ward Relief Society Board and continue to volunteer at the elementary school. We look forward to the rest of this year for many great and rewarding events including Trent turning 12 and becoming a deacon (May), Amberly being baptized (September), and many other wonderful events!