Our Family Highlights of 2008

For the sake of remembering that 2008 was indeed a good year here are a few things in our life that made it great!

1. The open house and dedication of the Rexburg Temple. When the site was first dedicated we lived just down the hill, it was really fun to watch the whole process happen right by us. We watched them dig the hole, carry the pieces of the Temple on the big semi-trucks up the hill, put in the beautiful stain glassed windows, hang the Angel Moroni and then of course see President Monson lay the cornerstone and dedicate it. It was a wonderful experience to walk through it the first time and not just see the beautiful workmanship inside but to feel of the strong Spirit that was there. We love the Temple and truly feel so blessed to live so close to it. Every time we go back we are still amazed by the beauty inside and how we feel so at home there.

2. We got pregnant with our third child and found out it is another girl! We are so excited to add another girl to our family! Next year we look forward to three little heads of hair to style and accessorize:), sixty small nails and toenails to paint, more pink to buy, three dresses to get at Easter and Christmas... Anyway you get the picture, we are excited!

3. Ruffin and I celebrated our 5th anniversary and couldn't be happier:)! We have had a few trials and challenges in the past five years but are grateful to have a best friend in each other to experience not only down times but the GreAT times as well! We look forward to LOTS and LOTS of more happy anniversaries!

4. Gracee and Emme were in Nursery together. I was later called to serve as a nursery leader. When I got pregnant I was in nursery with my three girls:)

5. Gracee started dance and absolutely LOVES, LOVES, LOVES it!!! She didn't want to go back after the week of Halloween when they pretended to dance in the witches brew but she got over it by the next week.

6. We were able to visit Grandpa Juan several times before he passed away in December. Each visit we were amazed at his continued ability to laugh and make us laugh. The last time we visited with him we could tell he was very tired and worn out but he was still so sweet to play and laugh with Gracee and Emme. We love and miss Grandpa Juan.

7. For Thanksgiving we were able to go to Arizona and celebrate the Holiday with Jonathan and Annie. While we were there we were able to visit Grandma Judd one last time. It was a blessing because Ruffin was not able to attend her funeral in December. This year has definitely given us a few times to contemplate the blessing of the Plan of Salvation and express gratitude for the Gospel and the knowledge that Families are Forever.

8. We were able to sustain our new Prophet President Monson. It was sad to see President Hinckley pass away but it was also an amazing thing to see and feel the mantel fall upon President Monson. We love our prophet and are grateful for his counsel!

9. We spent several hours in the car traveling to Utah and Arizona for holidays, weddings and other special occasions. One trip to St. George was to go to Kami and Verle's mission farewells. Kami went to Brazil and Verle went to Florida. We are already planning our visit to Orlando in 2 years:)!

10. Two words to describe our year would definitely be GRATITUDE and BLESSINGS. At times we felt overwhelmed by the blessings that seem to come our way and the mercy and love of our Savior that was always there. It also seemed that during our trials we had SO SO SO much to be grateful for. Our children are definitely our greatest blessings and we are grateful for each and every day with them! It is wonderful to watch them grow and we look forward to all they will accomplish in 2009.