My How Time Flies....

Mom & Dad

Fountain Family

Stauffer Family

It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in 2009. Where did the year go? For me the year was filled with lots of work and church activities. I traveled to lots of places for work last year including North Carolina, California, Texas, Paris, Germany, New York, Nevada, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Washington D.C. It was fun to see some new places, although traveling for work is nothing like traveling for vacation. This year seems to be shaping up as another busy travel year...I guess it will be nice to rack up more frequent flier miles for when I actually have time to take a vacation. My family has been busy and on the move this year too. Here's a rundown...

Mom and Dad (top photo) are still here in SLC. Mom just had another foot surgery and is healing well. Dad continues to work for the State of Utah in the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

James and Lindsey (second photo) moved to Owensboro, Kentucky in September. James took a new job and although the move was difficult at first, I think they are settling in well and enjoying the beautiful State of Kentucky. I hope to travel there in May for the Kentucky Derby. Tristen was baptized in May, and started playing football. Lauren was a cheerleader for Tristen's football team, and she loved it. Maddie is enjoying school and loves to talk. Ethan (whom I have never met in person) is, according to Lindsey, a snuggler and I can't wait to see him and his beautiful blue eyes in May.

Michelle and Colin (last photo) still live in Darien, Connecticut. With my travels to New York last year I was able to see them a couple of times, and they also made the trip out here to SLC last summer. It is great to spend time with them and to watch their 5 kids grow. Mckinley is a busy high school sophomore, playing field hockey for Darien High School and participating in lots of social activities. Cassidy played field hockey last year and recently landed one of the lead roles in her upcoming Jr. High musical. Addison also played field hockey last year (hmmm..seems like a trend). Garrett played football and baseball last year and he is an avid Yankees fan. Wyatt is a talker. He loves to tell stories to whomever will listen. He is a joy to be around.

Jon and Heather (photo to come) moved to Flower Mound, Texas in November. Flower Mound is close to where we lived in Texas (Colleyville) and I hope to visit in February when I am in Dallas on business. Zachary will turn 18 in February (wow I feel old) and he stayed behind in Connecticut, living with Michelle and Colin, to finish his senior year and to play lacrosse for Darien High School. Avery made the move and has adjusted well, although according to Heather, she has taken too quickly to the makeup and hair rituals of Texas teens...oh how I remember those days. Taylor struggled more with the move, but has finally settled in and just turned 7 yesterday. Jonathan and Warner started preschool this past week and both the boys and Heather are thrilled!

Although it was a rough year in a lot of ways for our family, we all came out pretty well and are grateful to have each other. Everyone is employed, which in this economy is a huge blessing. At the beginning of each new year I reflect on the past and what I could have done differently, and look to the future. My main goal for this year is to see the beauty and wonder in the small things with which I am blessed, and to take a breath every now and then in this busy life, to enjoy the ride. I also hope to be better at posting in this blog...hope springs eternal!

Happy New Year!