Tuesday, January 20, 2009

January 20, 2009 A New, Better America

Wow is all I can say. The new President is such an incredible speaker I couldn't walk away from the television. That didn't go over very well here at work but that's alright. I felt so proud to be an American the day that I voted and feel the same way today. I hope that America can rise above the problems we face today and look back on all of this as something that drew us together. With the new President I am confident that we can.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Happy New Year!!!

I still can't believe it's 2009 already. Wow! A good friend of Joni's came to visit for New Year's and he brought his awesome wife and beautiful 2 month old daughter. She was so sweet, I didn't want them to leave. We all went to Joni's family's house to celebrate. They have great neighbors that always put together a block party on New Years Eve. It's so nice not having to worry about driving or wondering where you kids ran off to. Everyone looks out for everyone else, it's great. Definitely need more neighborhoods like that these days. We had a blast but we always do when we get to spend time with family and good friends. It doesn't matter where you're at, just who you're with! Joni & I went to Sedona on the 2nd for a night, that was my Christmas gift. It was a beautiful way to start the year.
I love how much hope and promise a New Year brings. It's almost like a clean slate. I know that I'd rather forget about much of 2008 but instead of forgetting I will try to learn and grow from the experience. I guess on a positive note 2009 can't be any worse right?? God Bless everyone, Happy New Year!! For some more pictures click here~
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12078&l=9d221&id=1436413128

Joni and baby Olivia, does he seem a bit nervous or it is just me??
Joni a little more relaxed with his nephew Antonio
Tony, Ed, Joni, & Youil
Joni & I
Tatiana, Blake & Bailey
Sedona, looks almost like a postcard

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone. I know I'm late, but better late than never! I had a great Christmas filled with family, friends, and lots of fun. I ate and drank way to much but you've got to do that right? I get to open gifts and spend time with different members of my family at different times so the celebration seems to go on and on which is fine with me. My dad and Raelynne came over to Joni's on the 23rd. My mom, Grandpa, Nate, and Jaelynn came over on the 24th and on the 25th I hung out at my mom's house with my cousins. I spent most of the day on the 26th sleeping! Although it was great I'm glad it's over. The decorations and lights are down now so seeing these pictures brought back the memories. Maybe I should always be this late with my blog! To see more pictures click on this link~
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12074&l=23749&id=1436413128

My little Bruno taking it all in
The tree at Joni's. A little bigger and more dramatic than the one at my house.
Bailey, Blake and Jaelynn on Christmas Eve
Blake, Bailey, and Raelynne
Joni showing off his gift from my Dad. Liquor, how'd he know??
Joni & Nate on Christmas Eve
Joni & the puppies after a long night of opening gifts
Joni on the 26th. We got the Wii for the girls but you know how it goes!! Poor Grandpa sat there and watched us play for hours.

Happy Birthday Joni & Tony!!

I am SO behind with my blog. I am going to try to get caught up today. The first thing is Joni and his brother Tony's birthday party. Joni's birthday is December 23rd and Tony's is December 17th. We had a little get together with family and friends on December 20th-I did say I was behind-to celebrate. We also did the Christmas gift exchange with each other that night. It was a great time and as usual went well into the morning hours. I think the last of last stayed until 6:00 am. Maybe next year everyone will realize we're not 18 anymore and we can't party like that in our old age. I think I was hung over for a week. Happy Birthday guys, may there be many many more!! You can look at all the pictures from the night by clicking here~
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12046&l=08770&id=1436413128

Joni and his parents

Tony and his hot wife Gladis, she keeps him young :)
The kids, still going strong at 3:00 am
The guys
Antonio opening his Christmas gift. I'm thinking Larry Fitzgerald's autograph may be worth a little more now than it was last month. Go Cardinals!!
Isn't that a cool cake? It tasted even better than it looks!