2009 Year In Review. Another year has come and gone!

Is it just me or did this year seem to come and go right before our eyes.. I heard someone say recently that as you get older that is what happens- the years just go by faster and faster. Not sure I like the sound of that! If that is the case we need to make the best of each day..
This year has had it's shares of both good times, milestones, and of course it's share of dissapointments and sad times. That is part of life I suppose. We gotta take the good times with the bad.. I think it's the bad times/rough spots that show our true strength and even make us stronger!
So let's see..
The boys turned another year older; Marc-16, Justin-14 and Ricky 10. Marc started driving and got his first car.. You know one of those milestones for parents that is more on the nervewracking side followed with a teeny bit of excitement for your child. Of course we see him less and less now because of this!
The boys have kept us busy as they all remained active in sports.
Marc played for his high school from Feb-end of April. He played throughout the year on several travel teams. He had a girlfriend- that I actually knew about! HAHAHA. Not sure how long the relationship lasted but I am glad it's over. Lets save the drama till he leaves high school please!
Justin loves all sports. He played basketball and football this year for the school. He also joined a select travel baseball team. As if we had time.. We had always shyed away from any team that involved travel and select- those two words combined spell MONEY. Thankfully we were with this team from it's foundation so with fundraisers,etc the expense has been bearable thus far.
Ricky played basketball and baseball this year. I'd love to put him back in soccer. It just conflicts with other sports. Acting classes are starting back up in January once a week so he will be back into that.
We've tried our best to keep them active in all these things and help keep them out of trouble.. Kids have their ways of making time to be kids- that includes being mischievous!
I managed to escape these children, husband included twice this year! How nice is that?! Went to Mexico in Feb/March and Miami in the summer. I definitely look foward to these getaways that is for sure!
We had our annual family reunion up at Lake Murray back in July. Always good times with the family!
Still plugging away in school. I'll let you all know when I will be finished though just going at it one class at a time it may be awhile!
We rejoiced in Ameli and Kevin having their firstborn in August, Henry Jackson. He is a very handsome little baby! Can't wait to finally meet him next week!
We also rejoiced in Maryann and Ryon having their firstborn on December 21st, Bella Renae. She's had a rough start in the world but she's a fighter and sure is cute. I get to see her this week.
We tried to end the year off with a bang.. taking a family cruise right before the holidays. Mother nature turned out to be our enemy. We got fogged in in Galveston which caused us to leave one day late and having to cancel a port. Then in Key West we experienced a massive flood.. The trip was quite memorable to say the least. All in all we still had a good time. I know for sure the boys did as they are hopeful we can go again over the holidays.. I'll leave that open and see what the year has in store for us reagarding trips. Dont think it will be anything elaborate this year- but I'm keeping the options open. I'm not one to sit around for too long without the need to take a trip somewhere!
Some of the year ending sad notes. Some of my closest friend's father suffered a stroke back in September. I was able to visit them in NY the beginning of this month, though I wasn't too much help on the caregiving end of it.. I am certainly not cut out for a nursing position that's for sure! It's soo hard to see loved ones experience this kind of devastation. At the same time the love and devotion they have given their father makes you smile..
To add to the true sadness, Little Bella Renae, as many of you know got sick shortly after her first day here in the world. She's still in the hospital fighting to get better. No doubt she is one her way to coming home. We all just wish it would be sooner rather than the "she'll be here for a long time" news the docs gave Maryann and Ryon.. When she finally comes home we will have a great homecoming celebration!
Soo there's my long/short recap of the year.. Ready to leave it behind and see what 2010 brings all of us.. I hope it is nothing but sunny blue skies and rainbows in 2010 after ending 2009 with rain/tears!
We all have alot to be thankful for! I am grateful for many things including good health and family!! God Bless!