Luke started out the year by passing his Journeymen's exam and he received his license to become a full-fledged turd chaser (side note: his words, not mine). Then things began to sour at the company he worked for for 5 years. He finally decided it was time to move on. The very 1st placed he applied hired him that afternoon. It was a scary decision for Luke but it was meant to be. The company he works for really takes care of him and he comes home happy. It was a total blessing all the way around. Luke also got tired of watching me take karate and decided to join up himself. He is a natural!
Kristian had a big year as well. He lost a bunch of teeth which was a little traumatic on the guy, but he got over it and found he had something to brag about. He started 1st grade and is doing really well. His reading is off the charts. He loves to learn and he really likes math (did not get that from his Mother). He started taking piano lessons. He really seems to enjoy playing the piano. 2008 was a major growth year for Kristian as well (did not get that from his Mother either). All in all, he had a pretty good year.
In August, Luke and I traveled to Troutdale Oregon for a karate camp. It was an eye opening experience. We certainly got our butts worked off and we met a lot nice karate people. The road trip was a little long but we saw some really pretty parts of our country. In September, I teamed up with my MIL and SIL's to do the Montana Marathon. Kristian's school hired me to be their volunteer coordinator. And in October, I received my High Purple Belt and since I had no one else to spar with, I sparred with Sensei Kevin and that's all I'm gonna say about that (using my best Forrest Gump voice).
We also lost our sweet Frannie in 08'. This was the toughest part of our year. Or maybe I should say mine. Tough on Luke and Kristian because they had a very out of it Mom and Wife for about a month. The pain has eased up a bit but I still really miss her. She was one in a million. We still don't know what went wrong, I guess that no longer matters. The big thing for me in 2009: Forgiveness.
23.jpg" border=0> And then we have the wild thing, Remi. She was the wildest thing about our year. Kittens! They are more work than kids! She was spade yesterday and I brought her home this morning and she is totally wild. They say: try and keep it quiet for her over the next week. Yeah, right! It has not slowed her down one bit. On the other hand, she has made our grief easier and she is so cute. She is the complete opposite of Frannie and she has the potential to be a good cat. As I type, she is being totally naughty. Remi's big thing for 2009: getting bit by our bird. Then maybe her fascination will end even if it involves some pain. Well, there it is. Some of our bigger moments for 2008. It was a pretty good year and it certainly had it's challenges. We just want to say thank you to all our friends and family who helped us get through 2008 in one piece. We love you, guys!! Until next year!
