Life in Random

So, tonight we went out for NYE dinner as a family. Our last family dinner in 2008. We decided to go to Cattle Rustler’s for BBQ. Never can you have too much BBQ.

Anyway, towards the end of our meal an older lady who was sitting beside us came up to our table and told us that our kids were very well behaved. We told her thanks and as soon as she walked away I started welling up. I needed to hear that from someone else. It made me feel so much better about everything.

I got up to go pay our check and Maddie followed me. I handed the girl my check and she said “um, ma’am” and I am thinking, what I have cash, and she said this lady already paid your ticket. Me thinking they messed up our checks just assumed I would pay hers and try to fix the situation somehow. So I said, “okay, then what do we do” and the girl said “No, she paid for your meals. She said she wanted to pay for your meal and I asked to double check”.

I totally started crying. That was a 30 dollar ticket and she told me my kids were good. How could that not seriously affect me and not make me question so many things.

It makes me feel a little less cynical, even if it is just for tonight. What a wonderful way for us to end 2008.

We plan on a letter to the editor to try to thank the lady for what she did for us. For me, she did more than just compliment my kids and pay for my meal. So much more!

Happy New Year! Peace out ’08!

I am still sort of stunned at how fast this year has gone by. It seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for Audrey’s first birthday, and now, we are thinking about her second.

I don’t know where to start or exactly what I want to say about this year. It’s been a year that amazed me, saddened me, made me think about a lot of things, and most importantly, made me realize how much I love my family.

I watched my brother get knocked on his butt, and when we all thought he’d sit back and let whatever happened, happen, he amazed me by taking control and picking himself back up. Yes, he still has his days of self pity, but I am truly proud of him for not just giving up. Taking care of a child on your own is hard for anyone, but he is doing an amazing job. CJ never forgets how loved he is by his dad. I want Chris to know that I am proud of him. For holding his self up and managing to be the best dad he can be all while working and maintaining his home. He’s honestly earned my respect.

I’ve found out that even after 13 years of not talking to your siblings, the minutes still manage to turn into hours. I reconnected with my (our) sister, Kelly, earlier this year. I won’t go into all the details about why we hadn’t spoken in so long, but I am amazed at how much more complete she has helped me to be. I feel like a big part of me was put back together. The first time I talked to her this year, we were on the phone with one another for 4 hours. It was just that easy. We got together in May and it wasn’t at all awkward. I also reconnected with my brother Gage. It was equally as easy to be around him as it was to be with Kelly.

I’ve realized that your best friend, might not actually be your best. Their might be someone who is a better friend to you than you thought possible. That for me is Heather. Spencer’s friends mom. She is an awesome person. I am thankful we found each other. She’s probably the most like me and the most different from me all at the same time. She rocks and we all love her.

This year, I watched in amazement as history was made with the Presidental election. Barack Obama, our 44th President of the United States. How amazing does that sound? I watched my boys realize what an important moment casting that ballot was. I showed them how that single ballot can change everything or nothing at all.

We welcomed a new life into our family. Zoey Elisabeth was born December 5, 2008 and has been adored by everyone who’s seen her since.

**edited**

I watched 2 of the 5 month babies turn 1 this year and the other one turn 2. Those 3 are going to grow up to be the best of friends and total terrors. They all are amazing and couldn’t be loved anymore than they already are.

I saw Matthew make the biggest life altering decision a man can make. He asked Marissa, his girlfriend of 2 years, to marry him. She accepted. I am happy for them and can’t wait until they set the date.

Michael and Kimber got married in March. I was thrilled to be able to call Kimber my sister (I leave out the in-law just so to creep everyone out :-p). Coincedentally, Zoey’s due date was just about exactly 9 months from their wedding day.

Joshua. My Joshua. You are turning into an amazing man. Anybody who is lucky enough to know you should be completely honored. You couldn’t be a better person if you tried and I love you so much. Thank you for everything you have done for me this year. And thank you for treating the boys the way you do. They love you and pretty much worship the ground you walk on.

I fell in love, again. I never ever thought I would love a dog as much as I love Randal Danger. He’s the one who completes our little family. Honestly. I always semi made fun of people who treated their animals like a child, but I totally get it now. Randal is just as important to me as one of my kids are. He’s my 5th baby. We got him July 28th when he was 9 weeks old and I could not imagine not having him now.

There is SO much more I want to say. So much more. But the hours left in 2008 are quickly disappearing. I have a lot to do this evening but I wanted to get some of this out.

I hope in 2009 I can develop more patience and enjoy my family even more. I hope that everyone has an amazing year and I completely look forward to what’s laying ahead for us.