Cross Country: Good-bye, 2008, Old Friend! Welcome 2009...

The 2008 roller coaster has come to a complete stop, and it's time to get off.

We had a year filled with change, and hopefully, growth. (in character, not girth...)

In January 08 we begin our journey to UT. We pack up a UHaul with various furniture, Christmas items, and a whole lot of whatnot (and half the Oldhams' whatnot) and Joe and CR drive it all up here to UT and unload it into Darren and Jill's garage. (very gracious of them to host our junk for nearly 6 months, don't you think?)

In Feb 08 we list our house and the showings begin. Ugh. I seriously NEVER want to do that again.

In March, April and May the showings continue. Meanwhile, the Oldhams sell their house and buy one up here.

In May we get an offer on our house. After some negotiations (but no love songs) we get a contract we can live with and we're all set. Packing commences.

June 5, 2008 we move into our new house. The rest of the summer is spent going back and forth from AZ to UT tying up loose ends and saying good-bye. We buy a lot of Kleenex.

July 08 we enjoy the cool climate, and adjust to our new life. No job opportunities on the rise for me, but we remain sure that God will provide something.

End of July 08, I apply at Starbucks in a last-ditch effort to make ends meet with upcoming tuition payments. Two days later I'm offered a teaching position at LCA. We rejoice in God's provision and wonder why in the heck we didn't trust Him more.

Aug 08 I begin teaching high school geometry and biology at LCA. Brad, Lindsay, Nathan, Kaylee and Hannah begin life at their new school. Homesickness is apparent, but all kids adjust over time and begin to thrive.

Sep-Dec 08 Family is in survival mode. First year teaching is difficult, but rewarding. Joe working remotely has snags and thorns, but God is faithful to bless his pursuits. We overdraw the checking account twice, and rearrange billpaying. Life stabilizes. Smiles are beginning to thwart furrowed brows with all of us.

Dec 31, 2008 Family says good-bye to 08 with Mom and the Oldhams at the O's with a yummy Mexican meal and a Wii bowling tournament. Hannah sweeps, beating all adults, friends and siblings to take home the victory. Perhaps we adults could learn from the "ballerina bowlers" just how it's done. Watch the second slideshow to see what I mean.

Jan 09 Resolutions are made, much-needed rest is taken, and preparations for the new year are made. Special time is spent with family, friends and neighbors, closets are cleaned out, and family gears up for new adventures.