Goodbye 2008......

As I sit here, painfully awake at 2am, I am reflecting on what was 2008. Almost everyone I've talked to has said this has been one of the hardest years they have had. I tend to disagree. Sure, the gas prices went insane, but even they came back around. The economy is not that good, (I'm still in the "cheery" holiday spirit. Call it delusional, if you will.....) but I do believe that when we give it a few months, it too will turn around. This just means better deals on everything we need to buy. :) Hey, a little optimism never hurt anyone. And, we elected a new president! I am excited to see the "change" he promises for us, and I do hope it is good for the country. All in all, I think it has been a promising year. Yeah that's a good way to put it.......
So, because I love pictures, I will reflect visually on what my 2008 has been like. After you read this, and see the pictures, you will understand why I am grateful for 2008.

January 2008 - We got pre-approved to buy the "house of our dreams." This was a huge deal for Andy and myself!
February 2008 - Andy and I went looking for a house to call our own, and we found it!
March 2008 - We moved out of our "old house" and into my parents for a short month, one, so we could save a little more money, and two, so that we could watch their house for them, while they went on a missionary trip to India. Believe me, we really appreciated that extra months income, that was not spent on rent and bills! And, it was fun being with my parents. I really do love them!
April 2008 - We closed on our new house! We were sooooo excited!
May 2008 - Who gets a house with a huge yard, and doesn't have animals to roam around in them? Not us!!! So we got two new members to our family, Dusty and Daisy. They are Labs and are so loveable! The girls just couldn't get enough of them. It was the first time we had a dog since Madeline was born.
June 2008 - Let's see.....Sydney turned 9, Kassie had just completed her first year (Kindergarten) in the "big school," and summer was just starting, so the kids were out playing! We found out just how well our house is insulated. Good in the winter, bad in the summer, unless you have an air conditioner, which we don't, but we might invest in one next year.........
July 2008 - Madelines' 4th birthday, Andys' birthday, our Wedding Anniversary, and our first 4th of July party in our new house! It was a hit! Ample space for everyone to enjoy the food and activities! I loved this month. More summer fun!
August 2008 - Oh my. Probably the only dreadful part of this year. My 30th birthday. I just did not want to turn 30. Then it happened, and I was fine. I know, I am a big baby....... :) Let me ask you though, be honest.... do I look 30? I don't think so, but I am biased.
September 2008 - Back to SCHOOL!!!! Yay! The kids were so excited! It also was Madelines' first year in Preschool. She can't wait till next year when she gets to go to the "big school" too. Also, my Kassie turned 7!

October 2008 - Autumn arrived, we got our first wood for the winter to come, and Halloween. We got even more settled into our house and neighborhood. Have I mentioned we LOVE our home?!
November 2008 - Of course, we had our first Thanksgiving in our new house. Since I host it, I am very grateful for the extra space we have now to accommodate both sides of our growing families!
December 2008 - And finally the busiest month of them all. Holiday parties, concerts, trying to cut off thumbs, snow, snow and more snow, Christmas, nothing was slowing the Happy Ketter Family down! We managed to do it all, and still stay somewhat sane.
This year has been so amazing to us. Don't get me wrong, we did have our "downs" but the "ups" are what we remember, and were so much more prevalent. I just hope 2009 is just as good to us, and to you too! Happy New Year!