Christmas 2008 Wrap Up. 2008 IS ALMOST OVER!

So, 2008 is finally coming to a close. I don't know about anyone else, but I am ecstatic for this year to end. It's hasn't been the greatest one. Christmas this year was a good one-we've been blessed beyond measure, and love the spirit of service that comes with this time of year. Though I had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, I did unexpectedly perform a Christmas service and was glad I did-you'll have to ask me about it sometime. So, here's our little 2008 wrap up. I've included our ten things we're grateful for this year at the bottom for those of you that didn't get our Christmas letter.

In November Jer took Misha with him on a much-needed visit to see his family. It was our niec Sophie's birthday while they were there, and I know that they had a blast seeing all of his family. Here's Misha with her Grandma Brown enjoying some birthday cake.
Misha made out like a bandit this year as usual. Thank you to everyone who sent her gifts-we had a hard time devising things to get her this year. Here she is opening a few presents.

I finally got the thing I've wanted for a couple of years now. It makes me happy.:)
Jerry got great gifts too-he's just not pictured here.:)

So, here's our grateful list (in no particular order). We hope all of you had a fantastic Christmas and that 2009 goes better for all of us.

10) Misha finally began walking in June!

9) Jerry finished precepting early in October for his EMT-Intermediate.

8) Hayley got a full-time job with the National Institutes of Health as a Respiratory Therapist-therefore no longer having to work night shifts! (Though, she does miss her co-workers at National Naval Hospital across the street.)

7) Misha has finally begun using WORDS to tell us what she wants. (Sometimes)

6) Hayley and Misha came out (mostly) unscathed after being hit as pedestrians by a truck at the beginning of April.

5) Finally being financially independent (though, maybe it’s our parents that are more grateful for that).

4) NOT having our car stolen, though, the catalytic converter was…

3) Jerry and Hayley BOTH having Thanksgiving and Christmas days off work.

2) Having two wonderful friends (Pam Harmon and Melinda Cole) who have been willing to watch Misha when Jerry and Hayley are both at work. (They are AMAZING.)

1) Our wonderful friends and family who have helped us through the difficult moments.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! (AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR-WE'RE STARTING OURS IN THE BAHAMAS FOR OUR 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!)