Looking Back on 2008 and Forward to 2009!

As seems to be the story for so many people, 2008 wasn't the easiest year for us. We had to adjust to the loss of my income after my job was cut in November 2007. It has not been easy, but God definitely answered my prayer that I would not have to put my kids back in daycare when the opportunity arose for me to start one of my own! It's been a venture that has had many ups and downs in itself, but I hope that this year the business continues to grow. (And along with it, I pray that means so many people who have been out of work are able to find the jobs they so desperately need!)

But at the same time, what a fabulous year it was... a whole year of firsts for Jackson. I can hardly believe he's one already! It amazes me how he's picked up so quickly on so many things. Maybe there's just such an age difference in my kids that I don't remember, but it seems that he's talking and comprehending things so much earlier than the other kids did. His favorite words are "done", "poop" (I know, I know...) and "CAY-TIN!" (Caitlin). He aims any remote he finds at the TV, puts phones to his ear and says "Hi, DADA!" (and is the master of the redial button), and he loves puzzles and his ring stacker. He LOVES the stairs, unfortunately. He's gone from toddling along the couch to taking a few cautious steps to being brave enough to try walking almost anywhere he wants to go. Crawling is still is favorite means of transportation, he goes from 0 to 60 in no time on his hands & knees! But it won't be long now until he's running through the house with the other kids.

2009 is going to be a big year for the other kids as well. Brayden will go to kindergarten this fall, and at the same time, Chelsie goes to jr. high. I can't believe it. Caitlin moves to the "other side" of the elementary, where the 4th, 5th & 6th graders are. She's pretty excited about that.

I've set some goals for myself for 2008 as well.

1. Find new ways to make/save money so I can continue to stay home with the boys.

2. More organization in running my daycare.

3. Find more time for the little things... playing on the floor with the kids, board games, reading bedtime stories, etc. Also, more one-on-one time with each of them.

4. Be more patient and try to see the good in people/situations.

5. Spend more time taking care of myself, and with my husband and with my friends.

Here's to a happy & healthy 2009!