Okay, I know, it is well into the new year...I have just not had a chance to update here yet. I was thinking as the new year started, that there were quite a few people saying how happy they were that 2008 was over with. I heard how rough it was, how it was a really bad year, and so on.
I have to say, I am actually quite pleased with how 2008 went. It is the first year since the divorce that things looked really positive. That's not to say there weren't bad times; there definitely were. But I really think there were a lot more good times than bad last year.
For example: I got an absolutely fabulous job in February, 2008. This job is fun, exciting, pays enough to meet my bills, is with a very stable company, and I love the people I work with. That was a huge blessing for my and the kids. There are those bad days of course, but overall, it is the best job I have had and I am confident that I will be here for a good long time.
My kids also did extremely well in 2008. Again, there were issues; there always will be. But they are all succeeding in school with great grades, good friends, and no behavioral problems. I am trying to get them into better schools next year, but they are really doing well despite the not so great area we live in.
They are doing well outside of school also. They are much better behaved, they are starting to get along better, and they are a huge help to me, especially Annee. She has started staying home alone a few times when they are off track. When she does, she gets a lot done for me. She even took down the Christmas tree for me! I can't thank her enough for what she does. I know I probably take advantage of her, but I am so grateful for everything she does to help me out. She really is growing into a fine young woman.
Tyler and Dessa are also a big help. Tyler has been so good lately with doing what I ask immediately. He pauses his game and doesn't grumble at all if I tell him to take out the garbage, pick up the living room, take a bath; whatever it is, he does it quickly and without complaint. Dessa has really been great at entertaining herself lately. She used to have someone play with or entertain her constantly. Now, she colors, puts together puzzles, plays cards, or just plays by herself really well. I have played more games with her recently and she is such a joy. Her laugh is infectious and even when she is loud, she is wonderful.
I have fantastic, beautiful, creative, intelligent, and all around fun kids!
All in all, I have to say that 2008 was a great year for this Smith family. We have grown closer, grown up, and had more fun than in previous years. I am really excited to see what new and wonderful things we can do in 2009. I plan on saving a lot more this year, getting more out of debt, and doing a lot of activities as a family. I am looking forward to Dessa being baptized this year, Annee becoming a teenager, and Tyler growing into the man of the house. (Okay, so I'll give Ty a few years to become the full man of the house, but he is a great "little man" of the house.)
We have started planning some fabulous things for 2010 also. There is a wagon train that is taking a trek across the country simulating the trek the pioneers took coming to Utah. They started in Illinois last year and went to Nebraska. They will start there this summer and go to Fort Laramie WY. Then next year, the will finish the journey into the Salt Lake Valley. I want my family to be on that last leg of the trip, if possible, or at least on the trip sometime next year. I think it will be a very uplifting, positive experience for my kids, and myself as well.
It also looks as though we will probably be going to Missouri/Illinois in 2011 to visit Josh and Steph. That will be a great trip and I hope to be able to take the kids to Nauvoo and see where history was made. By that time, Ty and Annee will both be able to go to the temple for baptisms and I think going to the Nauvoo temple as a family will be a great opportunity.
So, we have a great few years coming up. I know with a positive attitude, good planning, and with Heavenly Father's help, the next years will be just as great or better than 2008. I am so blessed and very grateful for all that I have. I am happy with my life. :)
