Goodbye '08, Hello '09...

Our year in pictures...

1. The 'girls' - January 2008

2. Easter 2008

3. Madison "Maddie" Delgado, born 4-14-08

4. Papa with the girls, May 2008

5. Papa Kurt and Aubrey, painting the kitchen in our new home, June 2008

6. Shelby Grace turns 1...has her cake and eats it too, June 2008

7. Austin Robert Owens, born 8-15-08, with Nate & Allie

8. Our princesses at Disneyland, September 2008

9. Aubrey Anne turns 4...but thinks she turned 14, October 2008
10. Halloween 2008, Alice in Wonderland and the Chesire "kitty" cat

11. The Owens Family, Thanksgiving 2008

12. The Delgado Family, Christmas 2008

13. Christmas morning, which makes waking up before dawn totally worth it!

Hi Everyone,

I was worried about getting our Christmas cards out on time, only to realize that I haven't updated our blog whatsoever...or at least not enough to give any "updates and photos" as promised! Staying current on our blog was our 2008 resolution, so lets see if we can make it work for the new year - this new year! I hope you enjoyed our recap, in pictures, of the year.

Like many of you, our past year was filled with highs and lows, but still filled with a definitive belief that God is in control of it all. In that way, we were continuously filled with gratitude for it all, knowing that it is all a part of the story of us, written by our creator. We feel most fortunate that the common denominator in both the good and bad times, is the strength we have as a family (and in our family). We have relied on our parents, siblings, and friends many times during the year, and hope that we have offered our support in return. As spouses, we rely on each other in so many unspoken ways, and we are so thankful for each other. Our "family" consists of so many more people than just the 4 of us, and so please know that you are among those we are thankful for ~ you (yes, you!) are but one character in our 'story,' but still one that we wouldn't be who we are, without!

As far as our "big" family goes, we welcomed two new little miracles into the world this year. First, in April, Madison "Maddie" Taylor Delgado was born to my brother, Greg and his wife Dianna. We got to meet Maddie (finally) at Christmas, when they came to visit for a month, and she is so beautiful - a perfect, happy little girl! Also, Kasey (Jeremy's bro) and his wife Charity, had Austin Robert Owens in August, their 3rd child! If we decide to go that route, we'll be consulting them first :-)Many friends also had babies, and each one is a reminder of how lucky we are to experience that kind of love!

The other "big" news of the year is that we bought a home in June. It is absolutely perfect for us, and was exactly what we were looking for. Mostly we love that it is close to family, in a safe neighborhood, and will be the place where so many memories will be made!

Jeremy has had a busy year with his business, Three Generations Improvements (3GI), which he owns in partnership with his dad, Kurt! Their main focus is on windows and siding replacement, but have been branching out into different areas of home improvement. The economy is difficult now, which goes without saying, but it takes on a different meaning when your business relies on a healthy, functioning economy. That said though, Jeremy and Kurt work with such skill and integrity that it hasn't affected them as much as others, and the year was successful nonetheless. Jeremy will be getting his own contractor's license this year, and we are praying for a great, successful year to come! If you're interested, you can check out their website at http://www.3generationsinc.com/. Jeremy is also a big part of a men's group at church, as well as plays rec basketball, which he loves!

I have had a very full year too, and I could not have had more fun, or felt more blessed, in my many roles! The latest path I have decided to walk down is to earn my Master's in Education, as well as obtain my multiple and single subject teaching credentials. I should be done within two years, but I'm not rushing it. I've decided that I will work hard, but not sacrifice spending quality time with my kids ~ I've quickly realized that they grow much faster than I ever thought they could. I often repeat the poem, "Dust go away, Cobwebs go to sleep. I'm holding my baby, and babies don't keep," quietly to myself when life's busyness tempts me to move too quickly. In other words, I'll take my cues from the girls, rely on my instincts, and pray lots. My parents watch the girls for me a couple times a week, so that I can help 3GI with some administrative tasks, as well as substitute teach when I choose to. I've also been very busy working as a parent aide in Aubrey's preschool. Watching my own little baby grow into this beautiful, caring, friendly child is so fulfilling, and I can't wait to do it for Shelby when she's old enough too! I've recently been learning to sew, mostly so that I can make fun things for (and with) the girls, and I'm constantly trying to find time to scrapbook, or create things for the girls to have when they're older!

Aubrey is now 4, and already talking about turning 5! She loves ballet, playing make-believe, being read to, dressing up like a princess, and lately, discovering the wonderful world of make-up! She spent most of the year as a 3 year old, but only her size would have given that away. She is incredibly tiny for her age, but her personality is very big, at least with those she is comfortable around! Although not loud, she lets herself be known. She is delicate, but expressive; compassionate, and loving; determined, but cautious; creative, and imaginative....and absolutely a walking spirit of joy! She is our sunshine!

Shelby grew from 6 months to 18 months, which in terms of capabilities, is enormous. She went from being this small, quiet baby to our now loud, very funny, very cuddly toddler. Shelby loves the outdoors, singing, carrying around dolls, and playing with playdough. She is a shoe fanatic, and has them on from the time she wakes up until she falls asleep. We can take away her toys all day long, but if we really want to punish her, all we have to do is take off her shoes (which, of course, we don't do!). Like Aubrey, Shelby is quite small for her age, but also like Aubrey, you know when Shelby is in the room. She is a giant cuddle bug - loves to be held and hugged. In fact, I wake up to kisses from her every morning, and not just pecks, but loud smooches, over and over! I cherish it, knowing it won't last forever. Shelby is also hilarious. She charms us by trying to immitate everything Aubrey does, but with much less coordination, as well as calling our attention first with a basic, "ma ma," which escalates into a full blown "MA MA!!!!," faster than I can respond to. Shelby is independent, but likes to know we're nearby; she is the first to hug her sissy if she's crying, and the first to join in on the tears; she is easy to love and makes you smile at the sheer thought of her!

Like I said, our girls are easy to love. Their personalities are so 'theirs' and it seems as though they have always been in our lives, even before they were ever a possibility, if that makes any sense. It is as if everything in our lives directed us towards the creation of each of them. I guess knowing that every pain and struggle in my life was part of the path that led to these two amazing children, and to this moment in time where I am truly blessed, I am able to fully rest in my faith. With that in mind, I'll close with one of my favorite verses, "For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for peace and not for disaster, plans to give you a future and a hope." ~Jeremiah 29:11.

We pray that 2009 is filled with hope, courage, family, friends, faith, and love, for us, as well as for all of you. I will also make sure it is filled with lots of blog entries!

All our love!!! ~ The Owens'