The End's Not Near, It's Here

This past week has been a blur. First was Christmas Eve service at Westminster. I have to admit that I was kind of dreading this service. I was more interested in leaving early and getting to Louisville earlier. But going to this service is a tradition that Kevin has had for several years, and it his one of his favorite parts of the holiday...so we stayed and sang. Halfway through "Masters in this Hall," the opening song we sing each year, I realized how happy I was to be there. The service went so quickly this year. All of the songs went better than rehearsal and the sermon was interesting and uplifting. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this church and I am happy Kevin convinced me to stay for it.

The original plan was to drive after the service (around 11:30pm) to Louisville so we could wake up there on Christmas morning. However, Kevin was extremely tired and I didn't want to make the drive with him asleep, so we went to Middletown and slept and drove the next morning. If you've never driven early on Christmas morning, you really should sometime. There were only a few cars on the road. The morning was beautiful. It was just peaceful...being in the car with Kevin and Oscar, driving along. It was really nice.

We arrived for breakfast with the Bratcher's around 9am. It was really great to be with the family. We had breakfast, opened gifts (I got a new Kate Spade!), went to see the new Jim Carrey movie (the only one we could all agree on :) ) and then Derek made us dinner. It is always nice to be home in Louisville for Christmas. The home I grew up in, the home I hope to someday take my kids to. I am thankful for my family and the time we get to spend together.

Tonight Kevin and I are going to see a movie and have dinner with Mark. It will be a nice, relaxing evening...we might even go to bed before midnight! I guess we're getting old...hahaha. Tomorrow morning I am setting off for a little social trip. First I am going to Chicago for a few days to see my good friend Jordan. We are planning some shopping, some sushi and some catchup time. Then on Saturday I am going to make a stop in Indy to see Marci, Leah and Lauren. It will be a nice weekend and hopefully will get traveling out of my system for a little while.

As I look forward to the beginning of 2009, I wanted to look back on my favorite moments in 2008. Kevin finding out that his residency would be with the Air Force was definitely one. Not only were we excited that he got placed, but we were also happy that he got his first choice. We had no idea at the time that 6 months later the economy would take a swift downturn that would have made it difficult for him to get a job at the end of his residency year. His four-year commitment to the Air Force ensures that he has a job for the next four years...Something that felt so up to chance has truly been a blessing in our lives.

Another great moment was when Lauren told me she was pregnant. I know Lauren has wanted kids for some time now and I feel so happy for her and Andrew and the addition they will soon be making to their family. Even though the baby won't actually come until 2009, I think her getting pregnant was a 2008 highlight. And I can't wait to be an Aunt!

While this might sound corny, I think the best part of 2008 was spending another year with Kevin. I have a hard time leaving him for extended periods of time, and my favorite part of the day is when we're home together. I keep waiting for that feeling to go away, but it hasn't faded yet in 2.5 years. I guess the hope is that it never does.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and a Happy New Year. See you in 2009!