Happy New Year - a little late - end of year review.

Well, I guess I should take a moment to look over last year and review the highlights. A lot of them were in my Christmas letter that was sent out but some were not - didn't want to bore anyone too badly! :) So, if you're reading this and you get bored it's your own fault! :)

January 2007 - Started with Brian being in Michigan helping with President Ford's funeral/burial. It was a very last minute trip but he enjoyed the experience and opportunity.
Later that month Brian had a unit inspection so after his return from Michigan he was hard at work preparing for that with long hours. We did take MLK day to travel to Winchester, VA, where Brian's grandparents had lived in a nursing home until their passing. It's a quaint little town. On the last day of the month, Josh finally got his cast off after 10 weeks of being in it!

February 2007 - I had the opportunity to visit my friend, Amy, in Texas and meet her then 3 month old, Evan. It was a great trip. For Valentine's Day Brian took me to a dinner theatre to see an Agatha Christie murder mystery. It was wonderful - I enjoy a good mystery. We were also a host family this month for our Church's "Journey" weekend. We hosted the 10th grade girls (Josh's friends most of them) and really enjoyed getting to know them better. Oh, can't forget our annual Fat Tuesday pancake dinner! We decided at the very last minute to go ahead and have it and it was a great success.

March 2007 - Brian turned 35 and we enjoyed the day by going to the Archives and having dinner at Phillip's Seafood. Ian had his AWANA grand prix and won 2nd place for his age group! We traveled to Charleston, SC, for Brian's airman (CC's) wedding. My parents were able to meet us there that weekend so it was nice to spend some time with them, too. We enjoyed going to the market, the Citadel, and an old mansion while we were there.

April 2007 - Spring break we headed to Jamestown and Williamsburg. The weather was beautiful and we really enjoyed our time. Josh had his first high school performance in "High School Musical." He had the role of the lead's understudy but never got to play the part... he did, however, have various other bit parts throughout and it turns out the boy can dance! :) I had the opportunity to attend Stampin' Up! (R)'s regional seminar in Virginia Beach with my friend and downline, Dana. The next day she had put together a baby shower for me at our church so my mom (and dad) had come to town for that (and Josh's performance). Both Josh and Ian also started their baseball games this month.

May 2007 - Josh got his learner's permit!! Scary stuff! Brian went on a fishing trip with a guy from our Sunday school class. They caught LOTS of fish!!

June 2007 - My parents came so that my mom could stay with us while we awaited the birth of our little girl! Eliana Noel finally made her appearance on June 12th - 4 days late. Three days later we were at Brian's boss' change of command ceremony! Josh was gone from the 17th until the 22nd on a Mission trip/Choir trip to Virginia Beach. I celebrated my birthday by staying home and in my pj's all day. Then, for dinner someone had signed up to bring us a meal that night so we had what she brought. We finally had someone come look at and want our house!!

July 2007 - The packers came and our friend's the Diccus' had graciously offered their house to us while the packers were there (they were on vacation). It was such a blessing during that time of upheavel to have somewhere to go away from it. One bad thing did happen during our move - our car was broken into while parked at our friend's house. The only things stolen were the boy's bags they had packed for the road which included game boys, cd players, cd's, games, etc - plus a Bible!! Let's hope that Bible was put to use! We left for Alabama via a stop at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. We all really enjoyed it and would recommend it highly! Then, we drove to my brother's house in Atlanta and stayed with them a couple of days. We went to Six Flags one day. The next we drove all 3 of our cars to Montgomery and dropped two of them off so we didn't have to keep driving all three of them everywhere. From Atlanta we went down to Savannah and stayed there about a week.

August 2007 - Arrived in Alabama! Our stuff was delivered. Before our stuff was delivered, Brian ended up hurting his back and was out of commission which meant Josh and I had to do a lot of the "heavy" stuff we don't normally do. We celebrated our 9th anniversary the same day Brian started school. The boys started school on the 13th - Josh's 16th birthday. He didn't think it was a great 16th birthday present. He did, however, like the PSP he got to make up for having his game boy and cd player stolen! Ian turned 7 and we celebrated by having our neighbors over for dessert. I got to go to the Spouse Orientation and learn all about the things Brian was going to be doing over his year in school.

September 2007 - Went to FWB and stayed with our friend's the Fordhams. It was great to just "escape" for the weekend. My parents brought a dining room set that had belonged to my grandmother but had been in storage since she passed away when I was 13! We finally have a dining room set! Brian went to DC for a conference. Ian plays on a soccer team for the first time. Josh starts an acting class at Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

October 2007 - Went to MSU's homecoming game. It was great to be back in the town where Brian and I met and got married plus to see some friends we hadn't seen in a while. We had our annual Open House. We ended up with a house full and had a good time. Got Ellie's ear's pierced!

November 2007 - My friend, Amy, was able to come visit! It was a lot of fun but went by way too fast!! We went to Savannah for Thanksgiving.

December 2007 - Josh wrapped up his acting class with a production of the Crucible. They did a great job. Brian's winter "ball." My cousin, Kristin's, wedding. Brian on Christmas break. Parents here for Christmas and my brother and his family here the day after Christmas.

What a year!! They really do go too fast! Now we are making memories for 2008 - some big things are going to happen this year! Hold on to your seat belts!