A Few of My Favorites of 2008

Favorite Movies
Mama Mia--hilarious fun!
Australia--yum...'nuf said
Twilight--quite..m...intriguing (Wendy's comment, "I want one of those!")
(Would have been much better with a handsome Edward)
Iron Man--Surprisingly good for a comic book movie

Favorite Moments

• My first airport hug from My Man after six months of separation--my life felt whole again
• Watching Duane working on his workshop in his too tight, too short green overalls
• Having Zachary want me more than anyone else in the room
• Cooking with Sydney and having her poke her little finger in everything we made to taste (She liked the refried beans in the 7-layer dip the most)
• Hearing Valerie's adorable giggle and watching the sparkle in her eyes when she looks at Dillon
• Going to a rockin' Brad Paisley concert where Brandi and I sang and danced with no inhibitions (well, maybe a couple)
• Watching mom being brought to tears because she is laughing so hard at her crazy daughters
• Dressing up like Calamity Jane and singing "Whip Crack Away" karaoke with Duane at the top of our lungs
• Getting People's Choice and Best of Show for my photography
• Being amazed at the brilliance of Mindy--her hilarious YouTube presentation; her amazing natural ability to play Guitar Hero without getting boo'd off the stage; and the way that she exudes calm
• Wanda turning up the tunes and singing as we drove back from Grand Junction
• Simply visiting with Paul while Brandi slept
• Golfing with Blue! (I drove the cart...)
• Watching Josh and Brandi knock each other's blocks off in Wii
• Paul's real hugs
• Chrystal and I laughing our heads off in a near empty movie theater
• Having Blue call just to visit
• Movie nights with my sisters and mom--especially the Johnny Depp night when they came in costumed to the hilt
• Having Wendy trust me with her innermost feelings
• Spending one-on-one time visiting with Dillon one late night
• Going to Mama Mia with my sisters and singing every song together with the movie
• Driving back and forth to Provo jammin' with my tunes turned up to the max
• Duane singing "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (Def Leppard) with me
• Chatting with Josh more than I chat with anyone in the world
• Having Josh "consult" with me for help on his web desiginging--that was cool
• Charm stopping to help me stack wood and visit for a bit
• Watching Gabe grin at me when we were camping
• Having Layne drop everything to come and help me whenever I needed help while Duane was gone
• Watching the patience of Layne as he teaches Landon
• Paul coming home from work eager to hold Brandi and his son
• Taking pictures of kids (for money!) and having them turn out rather good...
• Chrystal shopping for a Christmas wreath for my dad's grave
• Laying on the hammock in the back yard visiting with Megan
• Having Jonathan share his favorite songs with me--finding that quite a few were my favorites too!
• Hearing the news that we have a new granddaughter with a very cool name, London Marie
• Watching the sun set glow on Split Mountain every evening from my kitchen window
• Driving up Diamond Mountain with Duane
• Having Abi jump inot my lap for a cuddle
• Watching little Jaxon eager to give me a hug
• Messing with Colton until he gave me a hug
• Spending time with Pam and Landon when they came over for an afternoon
• When Candice (the goddess) told me that I was glowing (not in the radioactive way, I don't think anyway)
• Our witch's night out at Wanda's when we couldn't close the doors for over an hour because of so many visitors to our event
• Getting to visit with Duane on the phone and ending each day with his voice in my mind all the months that he was gone
• Finding out on Christmas Eve that we are going to be grandparents again this coming June!!! Wahooooo Josh 'n Mindy!!!
  

Favorite Books I've Read the Year
The Book of Mormon
Lectures on Faith
The (be still my heart...) Twilight Series--all four in one week

Favorite Conquers
Chocolate (well, perhaps not totally)
Landscaping the yard with a wheelbarrow, a shovel, and a well-worn pair of gloves
A smaller pair of jeans

Heartwarming Favorites
Watching Dillon and Valerie raise their little Sydney with the patience of Job
Seeing the absolute love and devotion of our kids to their spouses
The contented smile on Brandi's face as she watches little Zachary grow before her eyes
Feeling the loving protectiveness that Josh has toward a wife that he cherishes completely
Being in the loving arms of a man who is totally dedicated to me and my happiness

Love and laughter seem to sum up the greatest bits of my year--thanks to all those who touch my life in the little seemingly insignificant ways each day of the year.
Life is good--and there is sooooo much more fun and excitement to be had!