Reflections on 2008

So, this is the season when I typically look back over the last year and sort of evaluate what I have (or haven't in a lot of cases) accomplished, how I've grown (sometimes it's just out unfortunately), how things have changed, and decide where I want to go from here. There have been many ups and downs including the passing of loved ones and the birth of new loved ones. Of course the person who comes to mind most for me is Brandt. He has grown and changed so much in the past year and I'm hoping that I've also grown as a mom. He started walking in Feb. at 9 months old and hasn't slowed down since. He turned one on May 4th and had a fun time with the Well's cousins coming over for a slumber party, and then he got to have 2 parties-one with the Thompsons and one with the Pugmires. Bryce decorated a John Deere cake for each party and Brandt enjoyed having his own piece of each cake. It was messy, but totally worth it since he had so much fun. Some of Brandt's favorite summer activities included going for rides in his wagon, playing at the lake, being a rodeo clown in the 4th of July parade with Dr. Campbell's office, feeding the ducks at Willow Park, moving cows with grandma and grandpa (especially when uncle Kevin and aunt Kelli let him get on the horse), and camping at the Thompson and Pugmire reunions. He was the center of attention with all the cousins. He is very social and gives other kids lots of hugs and kisses, rather they want them or not. He even has a girlfriend named Joslyn and they usually get in at least one or two good kisses at church every week. He is rough and tough and definitely all boy. He loves to wrestle with his "daddy, buddy, Brycie", or anyone else who happens to be sitting/lying on the floor, including his cousin Amanda Jean who is a year younger than he is (sorry Jana!) He also loves to tease (just like his dad) and is constantly making us laugh with his dramatic antics. He is a climber and a thrill seeker (also like his dad) and not afraid of anything. He is a great helper with household chores such as laundry and sweeping (not at all like his dad) and helps me every chance he gets. If you ever want to see someone who can really dance, just hang around when the music comes on and Brandt will show you some moves. We never missed an episode of "Dancing with the Stars," and he danced along with every couple. Now he can't get enough of rodeos, especially the "bullz" and "hees" and laughs everytime a poor cowboy hits the dirt.
As far as Bryce and I go, probably our greatest accomplishment this year was reaching our 10th anniversary on Aug. 28. We actually left Brandt for the evening (thanks to Jared, Lisa, and kids) and went to Logan for dinner at the Olive Garden. It was only the second time we've ever left him for anything other than to go to work, but it made us decide to try harder at squeezing in date nights more often. Other than that we stay pretty busy with work. Bryce works extra hard with his regular job at Bear Lake County Road and Bridge and he's also taken on working with his dad for the Georgetown irrigation part-time. I work with wonderful people at Dr. Campbell's office and couldn't ask for better right now. He's so kind and caring with all his patients and also takes the time to take care of practically my entire family; grandparents on down. I love being able to serve people in our community every day and am learning valuable skills as I go. We are blessed to have what we do in such an unstable world. We love living in the beautiful Bear Lake Valley surrounded by family and friends who care for us and help us more than we probably deserve. Of course Bryce also loves the benefit of being surrounded by great places to ride his snowmachine. All in all, we are very blessed and look forward to spending the next year watching Brandt continue to grow and learn.