2008.... A year in review

It's been a long time since I last posted on here so I wanted to do a little something to catch up or whatever you want to call it. I'll sum up the last 2 months of 2008 quickly then get on with the show.

As a family we had a wonderful Thanksgiving as we always do. It's a great Holiday for family to get together and enjoy each others company and that's exactly what we did. Lots of food and some good company is always pleasant. Did I mention that I'm allergic to that stuff in Turkey that makes ya sleepy? I eat it anyway. Too good to pass up.

My oldest son turned 15 on the 4th of December. He's a great kid and never complains about anything and does what is asked without hesitation. Knowing this I wanted to do some special stuff for him. I got him the rest of his paintball equipment and scheduled a huge outing for a bunch of us to go paint balling. It's gonna be a blast.

Christmas.... Usually the most stressful holiday of the year for me. I want my kids to be happy, not just with gifts but with us as a family. This year, they all gave me their list which were incredibly small. Granted, they are all older and their ideas are more expensive but it made me proud that they didn't expect a ton of things. They each had one large (expensive) gift and the rest were small, relatively inexpensive things. It took a load off my mind. All 3 of them told me that as long as we were together as a family on Christmas, they were happy. That was enough to make me cry. So far, we've raised good kids. I spent less money on gifts this year than I have since I only had 1 kid. Not so stressed anymore. Once again, Heather and I did not get each other anything. We have each other, our kids, and a beautiful home, that's all we need. Life is good.

OK, now for 2008.

My life has come to a point where I have all the right things in place to make it better. I received a massive raise at work while many places were laying people off. Heathers disability payments are in effect. Heather is working a part time job for some extra income. Our relationship has grown even more. Our kids continue to do well in school. I will look back on 2008 and know that it was the year that it all began to come together.

I learned who my friends really are.

I learned not to expect more from someone than they are willing to give.

I learned that when someone says something that upsets me, I need to walk away and settle down before I react.

I learned that little things mean a lot.

I learned that no matter what I want, my kids are still going to grow up.

Most of all, I learned.....

The glass is always half full!