2007

2007 started out with the usual sense of a fresh new start, ready to tackle challenges and make the year a great year. Cameron turned 3 (we were excited about getting him out of his terrible two's), Bryce turned 5 and which put him in Kindergarten and Claire turned the big 1.

Summer was filled with going to the lake practically every Monday and swimming at a local pool near our home. At the beginning of the summer I could barely get Cameron to put his head in the water, but by the end he was swimming under water! Bryce learned to swim without help across the deep end and Claire (the little dare devil) wanted to jump in the water with or without floats!! Jesse's parents held a Sowards family reunion in July in Heber, AZ. The house they rented had everything you could imagine and we had a great time. The 4th of July was spent in Artesia, NM. We go there every year because they have the best fire works display, plus I get to see my parents and sisters!!

Jesse knows how much I love to paint (if you saw the inside of our house you would know that's an understatement). When I asked him if we could repaint our room he said, "Sure, as long as you do all the work!" :) Later I always see the wisdom in those words. I finished our room and also painted our Garage doors amongst the 100 degree heat, but it was worth it and I am very pleased with myself.

Summer ended and Bryce started a new chapter in his life by starting kindergarten. He loves school and loves learning Spanish!! His teacher always comments on how hard he works on his Spanish and that he has a great accent. Dinner time is always a Spanish review session. Cameron trying to learn some words. It's been a blessing for Jesse to have learned Spanish while serving a mission Venezuela. He uses it everyday.



We also got a dog named Bandit that has nearly been killed a few times during his potty training days, but he's pulled through and he's been perfect for the kids.





Jesse's practice has been doing well and he's staying busy. He's hoping to break away from Wal-mart and build his own building and move his practice there. We've been blessed to be in such a great location such as Wal-mart. Outside of work Jesse enjoys making his car go fast! (Which if it's any faster he might as well join Nascar!) He and his brother Abe did a Rally Road Race and did really well, getting them in the top 3 I believe if not better. They had to travel to San Antonio (not knowing that was there destination) by answering questions along the way. It's a nice outlet for Jesse and I must say that I'm very impressed with his and Abe's car knowledge.

I took a trip to NEW YORK with my sister-n-law Connie and had the time of my life. We stayed with her friend Katie (High School buddy) and she and her fiance showed us all around town! I had the blisters to show for it! Next time I'm wearing broken-in shoes. :) It was just for the weekend, but just what I needed to feel young again! Check out the slide show to view our trip.

Late October I found out that I was pregnant and was feeling good about myself for not feeling sick like I usually do, but a few weeks later it was back to the same ole' puking, tired self. Jesse and I kept it a secret until Christmas until giving a gift to our parents. I made fortune cookies with a little note inside telling the surprise and they loved it.

Jesse's father Greg announced that he was going to run for congress and so we're very excited for him. He lives and breathes politics. (We all do actually.) But, I think he has a good shot at winning and making a difference. Check out his Short, Bald & Honest link on my homepage.

Christmas was low key this year since I wasn't feeling very well, but I tried to make the best of it. Jesse and I tried to make it special while making and continuing traditions. Christmas Eve Karen made her traditional shrimp dinner by candlelight and it was delicious. I ate way too much cononut shrimp! Then we came home, watched The Nativity Movie, left out cookies and milk for Santa and put the kids to bed! One tradition we did this year that we'll keep is making donuts Christmas morning! Yummy, nothing says Merry Christmas like a good ol' sugar rush! :)

We're looking forward to what adventures await us for 2008!