2008: A Year In Review

A big Happy New Year shout out to all my peeps! I can't believe it's 2009 already! I was so sure that I'd be living like a Jetson by now. Oh well... 2008 was a pretty good year for us. We were blessed with good health, good jobs and our children continue to surprise and amaze us. I can't wait to see what 2009 brings, but first let me recap our 2008.

Jerry feels much more comfortable in his new job position, and he's rockin' and rollin' (well it's Jerry, but you know what I mean). He got another raise this year, and it wasn't even a merit raise, so that was a really nice surprise. After a visit to my parents early in 2008, and his wonderful mother-in-law's observation that he resembled something close to the Pillsbury Doughboy (okay maybe not those exact words, I'm paraphrasing, and it's not like she said it to his face, no no I was nice enough to share it with him later...such a good wife I am), he began his strict workout and diet regime. I believe he's lost 16 pounds to date and he looks amazing. His head is getting a bit large, and pretty soon I worry he won't fit through the door. Who knew that a compliment from a 14 year old boy would send him into such a tailspin of egocentric delight! Yes, you read that right. Libby's boyfriend Ian commented that Jerry was "very ripped and buff." Excuse me while I pause and laugh hysterically. *deep breath* Okay, I'm good now. Anywho, he's earned the admiration of teen boys, so 2008 was indeed kind to Jerry. On top of the generous compliments regarding his physique, he continued to wow the masses with his extraordinary teaching abilities. Sometimes I sit in these classes and hear the praise and admiration for my husband, and I think to myself..."my husband? Jerry Butler? Not real tall, dark haired, flaring nostrils Jerry Butler?" Only kidding, in all seriousness he wows me too :)

Moving on to the Libster, what a year 2008 was for my oldest munchkin! She attended her first concert, Avril Lavigne with her mom and bestie Madi. Oh, what fun was had by all! I learned two very important things about Libby and Madi. My goodness they have a set of lungs, and they are horrible dancers. Sorry girls, sad but true. We started out in the nosebleed section, but after the girls sweet talked a security guard we got a little inside tip, so by the time the concert began, we were very close to the front! Here is a picture of those crazy pink-haired teens:

Libby became a Rice Cheer Flyer. She absolutely loved cheerleading, well except for the cheer part. Hmmmm...could that be right? Yep, that's what she said. Go figure. I guess my dreams of being the psycho cheer mom from hell are dead. Thanks Libby.

School was school. I don't think Mensa International will be calling anytime soon, but her grades were consistent and good. I was kinda hoping she would be the youngest contestant on Trump's Apprentice, but alas that dream will be buried next to the replicate cheer uniform I made for myself. She fully discovered the world of cramps, PMS and monthly oopsies. Let the good times roll people. We began remodeling her room, she got her first pair of uggs, and she got her hair highlighted for the very first time. Speaking of her hair, I think it multiplies exponentially each year. You be the judge...

She made her first solo trip to Cali to visit her cousin Madeline. She experienced several firsts while there. She flew on the plane, with a layover, all by herself! She took a train from LA to San Diego, and that was really cool. She toilet papered her first home, and learned a vital truth. Stealth is not her forte. Naturally, this experience led to a repeat performance at home with mom driving the getaway car. We hit 3 houses and I was a nervous wreck. At one point, I was lying down in the front seat paranoid that I was going to get caught and accused of being some stalking pervert hanging around people's homes in the middle of the night. The novelty of being the cool mom lasted about 5 seconds, and the ding dong ditching did nothing to help my anxiety. Jerry washed his hands of the event completely, and I knew he wouldn't be my one call from the cold harsh reality of jail.

She became a true baywatch babe...

She came home full of stories, a really bad sunburn and the worst breakout of her life. A mark of a truly good time.

Oh, and did I mention she got her first boyfriend this year? Take a moment and jump up and down screaming like a teen girl! Yes, that was my reaction too!!! I worry she might get spoiled with a very good first boyfriend. He is complimentary but not smarmy or effusive. He calls when he says he is going too, and he cares about her well being. He walks her to class, and offers to have a "talk" with anyone bothering her. I mean, how cute is that?!?!?! Of course, somehow she did manage to find the only person shorter than her to go out with, but they are very cute together. I especially like that neither of them are in any hurry to further progress their relationship. They enjoy each other and are taking it very slow. Seriously, snails and turtles are faster. He is big on hugs though. And there was the almost-not quite kiss, but really a more innocent couple you couldn't find. I hope I'm saying that next year at this time. Actually, I need to go find my happy place because that thought sent me into the dark abyss of dating teenage daughters. Ugh. Of course Libby has the Advance sex talk with mom to look forward to this year, and she might act like she's dreading it but deep deep deep down, she's excited. I'm trying to find a pop-up book. If a pop-up penis doesn't scare her off, I don't know what else to try! Maybe pop-up STD's? I think that pretty much sums up Libby's year, now let's move on to....

Two more members of my wonderful family, Emily and Lindsay will be featured in Part Deux.