Welcome to January

I'm sure most of you are in the same predicament (especially our friends up in MN), but I just had to share a picture of our patio table...

I would go out and measure it, but the thermometer says it's 4 degrees out there. Don't want to know that bad.

2009

My Aunt sent an email recently reflecting on her personal highlights from the past year. She challenged each of our family members to do the same. So here are just some of our 2008 highlights...

* seeing my brother return safely from his tour in Iraq

* spending nice vacations in Naples, FL and then with my parents in Washington D.C.

* a family weekend with all the Bontragers in Shipshewana, IN

* a job promotion for Tim - and me continuing to love mine

* spending 10 weeks as coaches for our church's Upward Soccer Program

* officially finishing the basement!!

* completing a 13 week course of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

* having the health of both our families

Tim and I "rung in" New Year's with friends down in Indy. As I've posted before, every year Tim's college friends and their families all get together for the night. Despite having the worst cold of my life, we had a fun evening of food, games and laughs. Thanks for hosting Steve & Jenni!

We also had a baby shower for soon-to-be parents Matt & Amanda. Can't wait to have Baby M join us next year!