Brand New Year

I have a free moment for once in a long time and I decided I would devote a little time to play catch up. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have even gotten to it now except that I have this nagging feeling that I really need to "journal" our past year. We usually do a Christmas card that I like to keep for our records, but I didn't even get the tiniest semblance of a chance to get one done this year. *Sigh* So with that said, here is a recap of 2009...

This year was huge for our family! We had a lot of big changes in our lives the first one being our new home. We love our home so much. Kyle and I often comment on how much we love the feeling in our home, the newness of it, and the fun we have renovating and decorating a home of our own according to our taste. We love being homeowners!

The second big change that happened for our family this past year was Kyle's lay off. It was a shock to us all and now we look back with such gratitude for one of our greatest blessings. Things had changed so much for Kyle as the firm underwent new managment and organization and Kyle was more and more unhappy as each day passed. We are so grateful for his new position at University of Phoenix. He absolutely adores his job and is praised almost daily by his manager for the hard work he puts in and his constant dedication. He works so hard to provide for our little family so that I can stay home with our young children and raise and nurture them. We are so proud of the strides he's already made in the short time he's been employed by University of Phoenix. The future looks bright for him!

The third and biggest change our family encountered this year was a beautiful little addition to the family. Landon Guy White was born on May 31st, 2009. I cannot even express in words how much he means to each one of us. He has the sweetest most loving personality I've ever seen in a child. He is constantly smiling and we just feel so much love emanating from his sweet countenance. What a blessing he is in our lives!

This year was a big year of growth for Chase. He learned his ABC's, how to count, talk , sing, and so much more. He's such a smart little boy who is charismatic and full of love. He loves reading "Moroni's" (The Book of Mormon) and saying prayers. He's come to love nursery and many times during the week will go put on one of Kyle's ties and walk around the house saying he's ready for nursery. One of his favorite movies that came out this year is "Up". You can frequently catch him pointing his hand in your direction yelling, "CROSS YOUR HEART! CROSS IT!" He astounds us with the knowledge he retains and his desire to learn. What a joy he is in our family!

I completed my application for the nursing program this past year and it has officially been accepted. Now comes the hard part of waiting and completing my co requisites before I am placed. Kyle is working toward his masters and has completed two of his courses thus far with straight A's! He's such a hard worker all the way around. He makes us very proud.

We took a few trips this year, mostly to visit family. Kyle, Chase, and Landon all got to experience their first trip (hopefully of many) to San Diego after Landon was born. My mom was so sweet to spontaneously plan the trip and treat us all to a MUCH needed vacation. It was AWESOME! In the summer we went up to Idaho and spent about two weeks catching up with Kyle's side and spending some time with them before Kyle started his new job. Then for Christmas we headed down south to Arkansas to be with my side of the family for a week and a half. We so wish we lived closer to family. We miss our families dearly!

The huge ward we moved into this year split recently and Kyle and I received new callings that keep us both busy (me more than him). They're the same calling in different auxillaries, as the secretaries in the Relief Society and Elder's Quorum Presidencies.

Kyle is gearing up for the PF Chang's Rock n' Roll 1/2 marathon coming up in just a couple of weeks. He's gained the endurance he needs for it and feels very ready. He's trained hard and we have no doubt that he'll do an awesome job.

I think that about sums it up for our past year of memories. I know I have other things to catch up on such as our holiday happenings, doctor's visits, and other little things but that will have to wait for another day. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Here's to a brand new year ! We hope it's a great one!