2008 Year in Review

I tend not to focus on the past all too often. In fact, more often than not, my entire focus is on the future. I refuse to be stagnant, and worrying about yesterday or last week is wasteful. That said, I do keep a steady grasp on where I have been in order to have perspective and in order to charter the course for where I am going. While 2009 is already on my mind, here is a look back at the far from all-inclusive "shapers" of 2008:

1. Katie and I took our first major vacation to Europe together (along with Kevin) and discovered our mutual love for travel, new experiences, and time together.
2. I ran another marathon, but more memorably, ate pizza and drank beer with my Dad and Uncle Dave after and gambled at the casino that night with Terri and Cindy. Good times.
3. I practiced law for a full year and loved it. I am reminded daily why it is called "practice," because I am far from perfect, but learning and growing daily. My travels to both the east and west coasts for mediations, my first trial, and management of a practice highlight the start of my career.
4. Katie and I started golfing together, along with the McClatchey family.
5. We upgraded our house and yard (i.e. new basement, new patio, etc.).
6. We experienced Mackinac Island together, after I caught fish (and a buzz) in Canada.
7. Katie and I got to share in Leadership Grand Traverse and learn more about our community, our leadership strengths and weaknesses, and our potential to truly shape our and others' futures.
8. Katie lost her job, and it has allowed us to appreciate all that we have that much more. Katie is a trooper, and given the right opportunity, she will excel far beyond what she could have in her prior situation. Perspective!
9. We babysat three boys while housesitting and learned a great deal about our relationship and eachother. Katie is going to be a fantastic mom.
10. We celebrated Thanksgiving in Tampa, and had some long overdue quality time with my Mom and Don.
11. We enjoyed Christmas in Goodrich with the my family (including my favorite Emily, Macy, and Nolan) and in TC with Katie's family.
12. We completed our first full year living in TC, in our home, on a street that continues to fill with our friends.

As always, there were ups and downs. I accomplished many of my goals, but fell short in other ways that will motivate me into 2009. Fortunately, as it stands on December 31, 2008, I am healthy, gainfully employed (which is an accomplishment for someone who spent 7 years in college), married to the love of my life, and continue to be blessed with the best of family and friends.

I have already written down my goals for 2009. Have you? Keep in mind new year's resolutions last for a year, goals can last for a lifetime.

All the best in 2009,

Brian

Hanukkah Dinner at Kate's House...

On Saturday we went over to our friend Kate's house for a Hanukkah dinner...
It was a wonderful time...

We enjoyed lots of yummy food and dessert! Happy Hanukkah!

Snow Removal...

The snow is building up! Enough that Brian had to remove snow from the roof for good measure! Are we even half way through winter yet???

Snowshoe Adventure...

We went snowshoeing today with our friends Jason, Kirsten and their friend Josh....
Jason and Kirsten...

There is a bench somewhere under all this snow that Brian is standing on...needless to say we have lots of snow!

A winter wonderland...

The hiking group including the dogs...

Merry Christmas 2008...

Merry Christmas 2008.....
Webster made sure everyone got up early because Santa came...it is his 1st Christmas so he was really excited :)

Santa Kevin was too..

Webster got a bone from us~yummy!!

Santa brought Kevin and Brian MSU pictures!

An "after unwrapping presents" hug ;)...

Webster and Brian...

Everyone was sleepy after our yummy brunch so they took a nap...

Then it was time to make a roast!

Dad, Brian and Kevin assembling the roast for the grill...

And a cheers to Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Webster was getting "ancy" he wanted food now...

Before dinner we wanted to take a family picture..cute!!

Time to eat! Yummy!

What a great Christmas celebration! We love you Mom & Dad McClatchey!

Christmas Eve...

Merry Christmas Eve!
It was a snowy night for the annual Washington Street lighted walk which we got to see this year! The 400,500, and 600 blocks of Washington & State are lit with luminaries and all the neighbors walk about..it is very neat.

Christmas at the Polasek's...

This past weekend we went downstate to celebrate an early Christmas with the Polasek's and Dad & Terri.....
Their pretty Christmas Tree...
little Nolan in front of the mound of presents...

Macy trying on her cutie new vest...Aunt Katie likes that vest for herself!

Emily with her new Barbie!!

Nolan and Grandma Terri opening presents...

Everyone opening presents...

After presents we made Christmas cookies! This is the baking crew...

Everyone helping...

The best part, licking the mixers! Notice the pure joy on Macy's face :)

Sneaky little Macy getting another lick :)...

Grandpa Rick playing with the new toys....

Emily and Grandpa "jamming" together :)...

My cute little nieces! They are such cuddle bugs...

The sisters in front of their Christmas tree..

It was a great weekend and Christmas with family!

Cookie Exchange 2008....

The Girls Night "Christmas Cookie Exchange"
The girls cookie boxes...

The martini glasses ready for our "Mistle-toe-tinis"...

All the girls filling their cookie boxes and eating along the way..which is half the fun!

In our second year of doing this everyone is making GREAT cookies!

Girlfriends: Kate, Kara, Lindsay Lu and Mackenzie

Girlfriends: Kirstin, Me, Macare, and Molly

Mia :( Jenna & Tricia...

The cookie spread....

After the cookie exchange we had a wonderful yummy dinner at this quaint new little restaurant called "The Cook's House"!!

Santa's Elves....hehe

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/TENZKInNxxVwevjZ

Christmas Tree Hunt 2008....

This year we went back to the same Christmas Tree farm we found our tree at last year....
But we because we were a little tired, it was raining (not snowing) & icy we decided to make our hunt a little easier than last...and we pick our tree off the lot!

This is our tree being taken to get a little "hair cut" and its a good thing because it would have been a little too tall for our house! We learned our lesson after last year! Granted it was our first Christmas tree last year and we were really excited but it was TOO big!

Here is our tree!

All ready for Christmas! :)