Hurray for 2009

Happy New Year! I was reading just this morning in the Standard Examiner of their top ten news stories of 2009. Of the ten, I think only one was positive. For millions of people 2009 was a year to forget. In fact, many feel the same about the entire decade. Our family was no exception in facing trials and hard times. But, do you realize how blessed we have been? To confirm this statement, I would like to list the top ten reasons why 2009 was a fan-tabulous year for the Singleton family. (Disclaimer: these are not in any particular order...and please, don't be offended if I don't mention everyone by name.)

1. Our family added and multiplied. We didn't divide or subtract. The year began with McKean willingly (maybe even joyously) coming to our family. Cooper legally became a member, even though he had been in our hearts for months. We added Alicia midway through the year. And by the end of the year, Cooper was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his little sister...Okay, he has no clue that he will be sharing attention, but his parents are anxiously awaiting Cloe's arrival.

2. Sure, there were serious health issues to face. Stairs proved very hazardous for Kathleen and Linda. Grandpa endured months of treatments and doctors' visits. I continued therapy. Two broken arms healed: one pink and one blue. Lauren recovered well from surgery. Car accident victims mended. Everyone had their turn at the familiar, yet unpleasant, human pains and sicknesses. We are still together for another year.

3. Our family was no exception to hard economic times. It is scary to have responsibility to feed a family while being in a precarious employment situation. Some of you had to take on a second job to make ends meet. You are great inspiring examples of hard work and integrity. Rob endured in patience and faith until an opportunity came along (albeit in Moab!) David's teaching position was spared. Jes found advancement. Allen's job was retained and they found a beautiful home closer to Salt Lake to ease the burden of commuting. Ilene realized retirement was quite pleasant. Bottom line: we struggled, but we're okay.

4. When you are young, each additional birthday is exciting. Tyler and Jackson chose baptism this year. Nathan was ordained a Deacon and Ashley advanced into Young Womens. We've got a wide range of CTRs and other Primary descriptions. "Sunrise, sunset...when did they grow to be so tall?"

5. We can communicate with each other. There were some doubts, even anxiousness that some little members didn't have much to say. Some therapy, sign language instruction, and patience allowed Lilly, Bennett and Tate to progress at their own pace. We know there will come a time when they will talk incessantly (age 4-8) and then they will revert back to not talking (age 12-16), and who knows after that.

6. We saw the world! Scott and Alicia's trip was the most romantic and exotic...their honeymoon to Ireland. What a thrill! There were trips to Seattle, New York, Australia, Yellowstone, Chicago, Alaska, Canada, California, South Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey, Jackson Hole, Orlando, Wendover, Las Vegas, Alabama...(Note, the majority of these places were visited by one person: Nate).

7. We took advantage of opportunities: The adult ladies ran races. The younger ladies danced. The older men and the younger men went on campouts and raced in derbies. Too numerous to count were the piano recitals and concerts. Some conquered gymnastic moves, others excelled and even sold art. A few took advantage of additional schooling. There were spelling bees, Reflection contests, basketball...baseball...soccer games, chess tournaments, leadership conferences, talks in Primary, new church callings, singing events. The list could go on and on. We are more talented, skilled, smarter...and tired than we were a year ago.

8. Old traditions were renewed and new traditions were started. Most memorable was the flag raising ceremony on Memorial Day. I was so proud of the family for being reverent and respectful. I was so proud of our family scout leaders and cubs for their proficiency in handling that ceremony. Each year this tradition will grow bigger and better. Our family became so large this year that we needed to alter the location of our Christmas party. The accommodations were great. So even tweaking the "old" brought a good "new" tradition.

9. Rob was inducted into the Davis High Track and Field Hall of Fame. He was not the only hero of 2009. Every mother and father in our family deserves their names on the Hall of Fame board. (And sometimes I bet you feel you are running a marathon, or the 100 yard dash...or jumping high hurdles). You are great parents who love, teach, honor and take care of your families. That's the most important achievement of the year...and the eternities.

10. We loved each other. What more can I say!

So as you reflect on 2009, there will undoubtedly be some memories of heartaches, fears, anxious moments and times you would just as soon forget. Go ahead, I think we have permission to forget those. But do not forget reason number ten. This past Christmas was a very emotional reminder to me that we stick together in good times and in bad. We are here for each other. Thank you for reminding me in 2009 what this life is all about!