What a Year!

What a year 2008 was...one unlike anything my family had ever seen and at times if we would ever get through. The year started out like any other, a few celebrations and then back to work. From there the roller coaster started. I broke up with my boyfriend, decided to try online dating and found Jeff, my prince. He is the most loving, considerate and wonderful man I have ever known and I am blessed to have him in my life. My amazing, funny, and healthy step-father Barney started to not feel to well and much to the total shock of us all died in May. It is a blow that I don't think any of us will ever get over and the question of why still lingers in our minds and hearts. From there, Mom sold their house in Houston moved back to Conroe...my brother moved his family into their new home in Conroe and told us they were having a baby.... and I moved from my apartment to Mom's house then to my new home with Jeff in Huntsville. The summer flew by so fast and then it was back to work for me. I was living with mom, planning a wedding and getting ready to meet my new nephew in December. The wedding was wonderful and from there I started my new life with my husband. Christmas came and went, Philip Payton was born and we all finally got settled into our new homes. I guess you can say that is the full circle of life that took place in my family this year. We had marriages, babies and deaths. Through it all though we have laughed, cried and loved together; those are things that we all do well...as my Grandma says "a family that stays close can survive it all." I guess you can say that is certainly something we have done this year. SO goodbye 2008 and hello 2009! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL