Bye Bye 2009

I don't think I've ever been happier for a "New Year" to come as I have been this year. It's been a roller coaster ride for sure. I'm not really big on roller coaster rides to begin with, much less my personal life feeling like one. Ha! But I couldn't let it just pass me by without touching on the life lessons I've learned while riding.

My faith has been tested and taken to a new level. I've learned how to believe/Trust.
I've learned I can, with God. BIG TIME!
Marriage is hard, harder than I thought it was the first year we were married. I've learned the sweetness of endurance though.
I've learned I loved Markus more than I thought I did. Miracles do happen, and ALWAYS when you least expect it.
Life goes on without you... even though you work 75 hrs+/wk...it goes on
I've learned that I was put in my calling to work with the youth and in nursery at church for a reason. I can make a difference and I'm good at it.
I've learned if it wasn't for the aforementioned above, I wouldn't have been able to keep going this year.
Manage money better. Preparing for kids.
Best friends are put in your life for a reason.
Things work out when you are faithful and have done all you can do. The Lord will carry you.
Listen to that still small voice... He's right you know!
Blessings come with paying tithes
How to cry... a lot
Praying is good for the soul... especially when you do it every day and even better more than once a day
Nauvoo is one of my favorite places I've visited... a beautiful place/feeling
Improvise... eat less food, if you don't have it any... undoubtedly it finds you
Charity really is the pure love of Christ... you can have/give it even though you don't have money
You have to want to keep love alive... It doesn't live because it wants to, it lives because you make it live
If it wasn't for my belief in my church, I would have had a nervous breakdown
I almost didn't need health insurance. Ok the good Lord spared me this year :)

Last but not least, to be grateful. I have really been blessed and just because a storm comes, doesn't mean I still haven't been blessed with so much. When it rains, it pours, but bottom line if we looks towards the Light who is our Savior and our Father in Heaven, ultimately He will clear the storms and it He will make something beautiful of it. We just have to trust Him and He will bless us in more ways than we could have imagined.

I'm grateful for this crappy year. I'm grateful I was able to learn such valuable lessons to take with me for what lies ahead for Markus and I. I'm thankful for my husband. I just had no idea what I would get when I married him. But I discovered a love I haven't seen before this year. A love that can be strengthened in the hard times and tested, but ultimately blessed with the endurance of sharing our lives together. I just never thought I would see the sweetness come from this (year), but Markus and most importantly my Heavenly Father have opened my eyes to something that was more beautiful than I imagined. I'm so grateful I can share all the good and bad times with the person I love the most in this world.

To my hunny bunny, sweet pea, love bug, sweetheart, hunny, baby, baby doll, sweets, lover and anything else I can come up with to call you, it's been a fun ride this year... but let's get on with it :) I love you more!

A Christmas Surprise

Markus did so good, don't you think? She's a cute little thing :)
P.S. This is the 2nd piece of diamond jewelry I have. Weird I know (but I'm obsessed with pearls... least they are cheaper!)

My favorite picture from Christmas 2009

I love this man. We opened what was in our stockings on Christmas Eve after we got back from his parents. It was fun to exchange gifts. We've never done it before so this Christmas was a first. I think Markus thought this was something it wasn't, but nonetheless I got the best picture of him. Look at him...HE HAS TEETH! I know some of you find that hard to believe. He is such a great man. I was so spoiled by him this Christmas. I'm happy we were able to spend so much time together and not have to worry about him being on call (his old job) and it was such a surprise that he didn't have to work Christmas Eve! He is really trying hard to finish up and I think 2010 has good things in store for us. I'm so grateful for the Christmas Season to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that you all had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day @ The Wilsons

A Photo Collage for Esther

I made this for Sarah's new house, it's going in the guest bedroom.

She was very surprised

I love this picture of Esther. She looks so happy. Not sure who gave her the ring.

My baby in his new winter coat from Aunt Ursula & me :)

Sarah got pearls

Markus was VERY surprised at his cashmere sweater from his parents! In fact he is still talking about it, LOL

I love Aunt Ursula's cup/mug thingy.

I made Sarah a recipe book...something for starters, she wanted some of my recipes

Pete was so excited about his new desk chair for his office. I know for a fact it is comfy cause that is the one I picked out for my office at the gym.

Sarah didn't want to open my gift it was so pretty. Least that was what she said. haha

Chester was tired. Look at his nose how big!

This is about as calm as you will see this dog. He loves to jump, play and have fun :)

We had a great time with Markus' family. We played Scategories which I just so happened to have on me cause mom got it for me for Christmas. It was so funny because Sarah happened to mention while we were eating that she wished we could play a game like Scategories or something like that. She was surprised I had it in the car. We had a ball. We also had leftover blueberry cobbler I made for my sisters that turned our teeth blue. It was great fun to be with them. I'm so happy that I was lucky enough to marry into such a great family. They really are my 2nd family. I love them so much and couldn't have asked for anything better.

Christmas Day (in pictures) @ Naomi's house

The Christmas Spirit

This just gave me chills. My how children think so simply, but can teach us such profound lessons.

The Christmas Spirit

I HAVE PROOF!

I have proof that Markus will be a good Daddy. I was buzzing around in my iPhoto and found the cutest pics of Markus and some kiddos. Just thought I'd share the cuteness we have to look forward to :)

Uncle Markus & Lydia (She loves her Uncle Markus)

Cutler didn't even cry when Markus held him... crazy!

Markus & his cousin Ava...this is one of those priceless pics

Markus & his cousins... they adored him

Markus & his cousin Megan. She took the liberty of putting his party hat on & showing him how the noisemaker works. Precious!