A Year in Review

Wow! I can't believe that 2009 is already coming to a close. What a wonderful year this has been. We have certainly had our trials but we have also been so incredibly blessed. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband who loves and cherishes us and works so hard every day to make sure we are taken care of. I am blessed to have two wonderful children who are so kind, loving, and beautiful inside and out. I am fortunate to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and a loving Savior who has atoned for me and makes it possible for me to be happy. These are the things that are important. These are the things that make my life wonderful.

January

• We were able to bring our wonderful Natalie home and enjoy her sweet spirit in our family.
• Josh and Lindsey were married. We were able to celebrate that wonderful occassion with them.
• Roland turned 27!

February

• Natalie was blessed
• Alicia turned 24!
• Alicia and Roland celebrated their 5th Anniversary of their 1st date (on Valentine's Day!)

March

• Alicia finished her final class for her bachelor's degree
• Alicia gave her official resignation to University of Phoenix. She didn't return from maternity leave and became an offical stay-at-home mom!
• We were blessed to receive Oma and Opa's old Chrysler so that Alicia could get out of the house during the day. We drove out to California and spent some time with Oma and Opa and brought the car back with us. We always enjoy our visits with them. What treasured memories!

April

• Enjoyed a Brown Family Reunion

May

• Alicia started whitening teeth as a side job

June

• Enjoyed our annual trip to Oceanside, CA. The kids LOVED the beach and the water. We also enjoyed another wonderful visit with Oma and Opa.
• Roland finished his last class for his bachelor's degree!
• Roland had his second ACL replacement surgery. That was an interesting experience.

July

• Held a baby shower for Amanda and baby Cason
• Roland and Alicia walked at the University of Phoenix graduation! We loved sharing that experience together.
• Enjoyed visits from family

August

• Attended Cael's birthday party
• Witnessed Hillary and Tyler's special day as they were sealed in the Arizona Temple for eternity
• Enjoyed a visit from Great-Grandma and Grandpa Summerhays

September

• Celebrated our 4th Anniversary! What a wonderful four years it has been!
• Alicia started teaching her first piano student since we have been married
• Roland started playing rugby. He enjoys his new outlet.
• We enjoyed trips to the Phoenix Zoo with Fry's free admission days! What a great deal!

October

• Spent an enjoyable General Conference weekend in Benson with family
• Attended Cason's baby blessing
• Went to Tucson Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa Summerhays and Great-Grandma and Grandpa Summerhays and cousins!
• Gave our 30-day notice to our landlord after experiencing some scary and unnerving situations

November

• Moved in with Zane and Callie (we are incredibly grateful for their generosity)
• Enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family in Tucson
• Held Weston and Natalie's birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza. We enjoyed a wonderful day with family celebrating these two wonderful kids!
• Roland started a new job with Charles Schwab as a Retirement Planning Specialist. What a wonderful blessing after almost six months of job searching. Roland has learned so much already!

December

• Weston turned 2!
• Natalie turned 1!
• Celebrated Christmas surrounded by lots of family

We look forward to a wonderful 2010!