The Best Year Ever: 2009

I am reserving my blog for positive feats and stories. I'm so tired of complaining and being down on life. So, in the spirit of things to be happy about, here is why 2009 is probably the best year ever... (hopefully this will morph into a Christmas letter)

Jonathan got his dream job as a photography teacher at the new high school! He is loving it and I am appreciative that I can see all of my old students play sports or participating in other school activities. Since we don't have our own children, it's fun to be a small part of their lives.

We FINALLY got our house! After months of waiting and frustration, we finally landed our dream home. I am thankful that J made me look at this house. He was right, it was wa

y better than the one we had thought was it for us. I love every aspect of our house. I love that my laundry room is upstairs and that it's an amazing green. I love that I have a huge bath tub. I love that we can and are having many people fill our house with laughter and love. It finally feels 'lived in' and now we can just make small improvements as we go. I never want to move.

In July, we expanded our family to include our yellow lab, Kobe. After thinking for a few weeks, and filling our the application for adoption, we found our dog. He is so sweet. Kobe never barks, was super easy to train, and now we can't imagine our lives without him. He had definitely spoiled us for any other dog I'll have. He's also made me healthier. I have no excuse to just sit around anymore!

August brought new family as we watched J's sister Elizabeth marry her love, Jason. We had a great time before starting school again.

September started with our engagement and led into October's wedding. I learned to do it my way and not care about what others think. I am happily married to a wonderful man who holds all the traits I want in a life long mate. We had a small ceremony with our immediate families by our side and then a small party a few days later. No frills, just love and family and friends. Oh, and I RAN a 5k. I ran the whole damn thing. I am still proud of that!

And let's not forget the record season of the Iowa Hawkeyes... That is enough to make this year rule!

Mostly, I am happy that I have the best family and friends. People who would do anything for us and vice versa. Life has been kind to us this year and I can only hope that it continues and protects everyone who is precious to me. Life's too short for bull shit.