Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2009 already, in fact, I can't even believe Christmas has already came and gone! We had a very simple holiday this year. We were unable to travel to visit our families because I had to work on Christmas day (where I saw the best Santa I've ever seen!), so we spent our second Christmas as husband and wife cozied up at home, just the two of us. We decided to not give each other gifts this year and we both really enjoyed the simplicity and ease of not having to worry about shopping/finances/lines/crowds and we were able to take time to focus on what Christmas is really about - the gift of our Saviour. We celebrated on the 24th by cuddling in front of a fire enjoying some wonderful food and movies. We also enjoyed the snow that threatened to bury us in our house. The "Artic Blast" that hit the NW this past month was an awesome experience. Though traveling in the snow and ice proved to be a huge challenge (our city just isn't equipped for snow), I loved it! A sparkling white blanket of snow is so beautiful and peaceful, and nothing feels more "Christmasy" than snow, just ask my Mountain-Man husband! Once the snow cleared my dad, brother and sister were able to drive up and spend two days with us, which was wonderful! We rang in the New Year with some close friends. The six of us couldn't get too crazy since I had to work in the morning and one of the ladies is preggers, but we did manage to get in a pretty rowdy game of Scatergories! ;)

I wanted to do a month-by-month "Year in Review" but as I started I realized I couldn't remember when specific things happened. So, I decided to just list some highlights of 2008.

• I had to work NYE and NYD, so Mr. G planned a special surprise night for me. He filled the bathroom with candles and drew me a bath. I think the story is even more special and memorable because while he was running the bath for me we ran out of hot water and he had to make trips up to the stove to boil water just to keep the water warm for me. He still gets embarrassed about the whole thing, but I love him even more for it.
• First Valentine's Day as husband and wife. I was hoping Mr. G would remember to do something special, and I kept trying to give him opportunities to do so, but he wasn't taking them. Just as I was feeling bummed and annoyed a delivery man arrived with a gorgeous boquet of roses and a beautiful note. I cried.
• We celebrated my birthday at the coast. We had a romantic dinner at the same restaurant we ate at on our honeymoon and took a bubble bath in a tub that didn't run out of hot water.
• In May we went to Eagle Crest for a marraige retreat where Pearl Bridge got their first taste of touring together and we found out how much Jodi likes Jaeger.
• My sweet grandma Clara passed away in February. Her passing certiantly isn't a favorite memory, but her memorial was a bittersweet time for me. While we missed the woman we all lost, my family was able to come together and honor her memory by doing the thing she cherished most: spending time together. On this trip Mr. G held a baby for the first time (swoon!).
• We drove up the coast of California, spending a beautiful night and morning exploring Monterey.
• In June we loaded up the Honda and took our first "family" camping trip. We hiked, fished and toasted marshmallows over the fire. Oh, and I'll never forget the "shower" Mr. G made - there's nothing quite like being buck-naked in the middle of the woods!
• We spent a wonderfully relaxing weekend crabbing with the Browers in September.
• Twilight. Enough said.
• We made the transition from East Hill to Portland Foursqure.
• Pearl Bridge offically became "Pearl Bridge"
• We moved next door. Short move, lots of work, way worth it. I love our new place!
• My dad and his wife came up to visit. We thoroughly enjoyed the Hefeweizen at Edgefield!
• Tim and Jon came to visit.
• Hannah came out for Thanksgiving.
• We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at the Beckman's.
• I lost my first 15 lbs.
• I set up my craft "station" and began making cards.
  

There are many, many more memories that I hold dear to my heart, but these are simply some of my favorite.

I've never been big on making New Year's Resolutions, but I think I'll make a few now. Nothing unobtainable, but good goals nonetheless.

1. Get down to a healthy BMI.
2. Exercise 3x/week.
3. Finish "The Power of a Praying Wife"
4. Journal at least once a week, if not more.
5. Sew something (maybe an apron?).
6. Get/make curtains for our bedroom.
7. Finish wedding scrapbook.
8. Go to bed at a decent hour, especially on nights before work.

I really should get going. It's only January 3rd and I'm already failing on most of my goals, especially #8!

...Mrs. Big Time