2007- A Year in Review. . .

***WARNING***

***This is a long post and i apologize but i had a lot of events this years***

Oh where to begin. This past year has flown by. So many wonderful things have happen this year. It is hard to believe that just last December I found out I was pregnant, by intention this time! How great it was that our family of 3 would be growing to 4. It was so exciting to surprise our family and friends. Also, it was fun to not find out the sex of the baby this time( more for us than any one else). It was a suspenseful 9 months, and in August we were blessed a 2nd time with a healthy, beautiful, amazing gift- a little girl! Addison Grace Laney. She is perfect in every way and already so much different than Brynn.

Another big part of our lives this year has been our spiritual growth. Brandon rededicated his life. By him doing this it made me realize just how important God is and should be in everyone's life. We really began talking about each of our relationship with God. We joined a Sunday school class, which has been so much fun. We have gotten to know so many more people in the church, many have became life long friends i'm sure. By doing this it has helped us become more active in our church, something that we were not just the year before. The most exciting part is that in October, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and in December I was baptized! It is truly amazing how God works.


On a different note, I am sad. My little girl, Brynn, is no longer so little. She has grown so much in this past year. She turned 3. It was an ordeal- a birthday party only 3 weeks after Addie was born. Niven's Farm was a great place, the kids had a blast. She went to preschool this year. She absolutely loved Ms. Nicole in the spring. She made so many new friends. Brynn is not one for change so in the fall when school started back it was quite an adjustment. New teacher and new friends. She now adores Ms. Jennie and has made many more new friends(her birthday is late so all her friends move up to the 3's and she stayed in the 2's.) Oh well, let's hope this makes her a leader! Also, in April she became potty trained!!!! Hooray!! One out of diapers before the other one comes. She became a big sister. So much responsibility, but she has really stepped up to the part. She loves Addison with all her heart. She was very accepting to her and she is such a great little helper.

My brother has been a lot closer to home this year. He is in the army and is stationed in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Our family has been so blessed that he has not had to go fight in Iraq. I have seen him more in this past year than I have in the past 3. I am very happy to say that our family will be growing this coming year with another little girl. My brother and his wife are due in just over a month. Brynn and Addison will be cousins and I will be an Aunt. How funny does that sound.

2 big milestones occurred this year. Both my parent's and Brandon's parent's celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!! It is an incredible accomplishment. We threw Brandon's parents a surprise party. My parents got a gift certificate to City Range-- I was due with Addie Grace in a week. Sorry Mom and Dad. They all give me hope that my marriage will last that long. With my generation, people often give up when times are hard and do not take marriage seriously. I know my parents have not always had it easy and didn't always like each other but they stuck together and have some how found a way to make it work. We are very proud of both our parents.

Since i am talking about anniversaries, Brandon and i celebrated our 2nd this year. To some this may not seem like a lot but we have been a couple for 6 yrs! We celebrated by going to dinner at City Range- a tradition we have started. I am so thankful and grateful for my husband. He came into my life and i knew we were meant for each other. Although he drives me crazy sometimes, lots of times, i know i could not live without him. He is a great man, husband, and father. He teaches me something new about myself each day and keeps me in check. He has made me a better person. I know this sounds cheesy but i honestly don't know who or where i would be without him.

2007 was a great year ! We truly have been blessed and i hope 2008 is even better. I pray God continues to bless our lives as well as our family and friends as He has this past year.

What to look for in 08:

• My brother's baby
• Brandon's cousin's baby- finally a boy in the family
• We will start building our house in Rock Springs- at least i hope. Please pray that we do, we are running out of space in our home.
  
• An engagement! Brandon's brother, Brent, and his girlfriend, April, have been dating for 4 years. Hopefully this is the year he comes to his senses. She already feels like part of the family.