The Bojo's Year in Review

Since I haven't posted yet this month, I saw it fitting to post on the last day of the month and year. Also, Dawn's last post was her favorites from the past year, so I thought I do something like that, as well. Just alittle different. This is a highlight of the past year in our lives. Thank you to all our friends and families for being a part of our lives, we love you all!

2008 was my 3rd year of teaching at Saint Elizabeth. I feel extremely blessed that God has led me to this job, which I almost didn't get. Not many people know this but, I had just finished a grueling round of interviews and second interviews for Bullock Creek schools when Gabbie called me to come in for a second interview for Saint Elizabeth. I had to teach a lesson to some parents and students; aargh! I had to figure out what to teach that would be quick, easy, meaningful, and wow them! I spent a couple days getting it all together only to wake up the morning of the interview and just dread going. I called my neighbor/friend and told her I didn't think I was going to go. I didn't want to go through all that again, it was to much stress. She convinced me that I would always regret not going. So, I guess I owe my job to her:) Thanks, Anglea!

February brought a milestone anniversary for Dennis and I. We celebrated our 15th year of wedded bliss:) I'll be the first one to admit that is hasn't always been a bed of roses, but I wouldn't do this with anyone but Dennis. He may drive me nuts and make me want to cry at times, but he always makes me laugh! He has supported me in my life when we've had to make difficult decisions. He stood behind me when I quit my cushy job at the credit union (where I could take naps, do homework, surf the Internet, and do basically anything) to go back to school and follow my dream of becoming a teacher. He also stood with me as I a returned to the Catholic faith and supported bringing our children into the faith. Low and behold, he has followed suit! Without any nagging from me, I might say! So, now we have talked about renewing our wedding vows and having our marriage blessed in the Catholic church. My dad jokingly told me to make sure this marriage is going to last, because as of right now, according to the Catholic church, I'm not married.

In May, Emily decided that she wanted to try out for the competitive dance team where she dances. She tried out in May and we didn't find out until the end of June that she had made the team. She was so excited and I was proud of her. We approached this with a try and see attitude. We would give it one year to see if she liked it and we could afford it. So far, so good!

We had quite a busy summer! First, we flew to Florida for 10 days to spend time with Dennis' family. While we all had a lot of fun, I will admit that 10 days was just too long! We went to Busch Gardens, Clearwater Beach, the Nickelodeon hotel, and visited with friends and family. The girls hadn't been to Florida in several years, so we were due to visit. They love everything about Florida, especially the warm weather and beaches!

Then a few days after getting home from Florida, I boarded yet another plane and headed to New York City with 3 of my girlfriends from work. I've never had so much fun, although it was especially difficult for me to board another plane, after both flights, to and from, Florida were rough. Dawn was the lucky one to sit next to me and she did a terrific job of keeping my mind off of the plane, although it didn't stop my trips to the restroom:) We had so much fun, I would do it all over again. It was nonstop fun, laughter, excitement, and good times! We visited and did many things that I hadn't done in my prior trips, so I was glad. If you want a recap of this trip you will have to click on my past posts for a more detailed version of what we did!

In July, Lauren began Driver's Education classes! Boy, was that a treat! I believe both Dennis and I lost some sleep and years off our lives! She has never had any prior experience with driving before, so this was all new. She did and does well driving. She hasn't done much driving lately, as I won't let her drive on the snow yet. She needs to become more experienced before we cross that bridge:)


Also in July, we took the plunge and had a big above ground pool installed in our backyard. Both girls love to swim and that inflatable pool just wasn't cutting it. Again, this was another experience in itself that was a joy to go through, between mad neighbors, late pool installers, broken filters, and no power! Several weeks after getting it installed, we finally were able to swim and enjoy it. I'm glad we got it!

This summer, Dennis and I also played summer and fall softball. We enjoy playing this together and with all our friends. I'll admit I didn't play as much this past year, as we had so many people on our team, but I plan on playing more next year. It is a great way to get some exercise and spend time with friends. We have a good group of friends who aren't too competitive, which makes for good times!

In October, Lauren had her first Homecoming dance, as she couldn't attend her Freshman dance. Her and I had so much fun finding just the right dress, shoes, and all. We made Dennis go with us, to warm the bench:) I think he enjoyed himself as he sat there and said yes or no to each dress. Lauren values his opinion alot, so I'm glad he went, even though towards the end, I was getting the evil eyes! She attended the dance with her then boyfriend, Jeremy, and they went to eat at Spencer's Restaurant and drove around in a limo. For her first experience, I'll say it was a good one.

We rounded out the end of this year with our yearly trip to Bronner's with our neighbors and friends, the Lupisella. Every year we go out to eat and then take the kids to Bronner's for an ornament. This year, we went to Genji's, which turned out okay for me, thankfully. I haven't had the best of luck eating there as I break out in hives after each meal. I decided to not eat any meat and that must be the trick, as I didn't break out in any hives and wasn't sick afterwards. So, now I can eat at one of my favorite restaurants again!

The kids always love going to Bronner's, even Lauren. I always worry that somethings will be too boring for her because of her age, but I guess Bronner's is ageless. She picked out an ornament that was in the shape of an old fashioned candy snowflake and Emily picked out a dance ornament. Our neighbors have two young kids, 2 & 3, who love to run wild! The youngest one, Avery, has always been on the "plump" side and she cracked us up when she picked her ornament. She picked a pig and wouldn't give it up, only to break it when she got home:(

For our school Christmas program this year, my kids, all 6 of them, were going to sing a song and sign it at the same time. They had learned the song pretty easily, until we introduced the signing. They ended up concentrating so much on the signing that they didn't sing. Our Daycare director, Jill, knows sign language and was so good teaching my students the song. I swear she needs to be a teacher, as she is so kind, patient, and understanding with kids! Thanks Jill for taking time out of your day to teach my students! They enjoyed themselves and I know their parents did as well!

We had a good Christmas; the girls got a Wii among many other things and I got a new camera, as mine died! Dennis got a new watch and thing for his truck. We spent several days at my parent's house visiting with my sisters and their children. A good time was had by all!

Lastly, Dennis and I have both decided to live a healthier 2009 as we have both begun to exercise. Dennis gets up every morning at 5:30am to exercise with his friend Jason, which I'm proud of him for! I couldn't get up that early to exercise! I usually exercise when I get home from school with my friend Anglea. She is 6 years younger than me and kicks my butt on the cardio machines! The first day I stepped onto the elliptical machines I thought I was going to die after only 3 minutes! I managed to make it to 5 minutes, but that was it!

I'll post pictures in the next couple of days, as my goal was to get this written before the end of the night. So, here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year and see you all in 2009. A special "Hello" to Kentucky from Dennis!