I feel like we were just here, and now I am doing it all over again. 2024 was one of those years where depending on who you ask in the family, you will get a totally different answer.
I liked asking everyone what their top memories were last year, so I am doing this post the same way!
OUR FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS...
First of all, our family of 6 made our first move out of my childhood hometown, West Jordan! There are still moments where I feel like I am in a far off land, mostly in a good way. I have loved going to new to us restaurants, being close to Devin's gym and training{less driving}, and being close to a freeway. So, what is my biggest complaint? We have gone years without a visit from the church, move to Utah County, the missionaries don't stop knocking on our door. Who sent them!? I need to have words with you! Hahaha.
This was a year of road trips! We thoroughly enjoyed Arizona, loved the beaches in San Diego, had a blast floating the river in Idaho with Emily and her kids, we showed the kids Vegas and the night life, we survived Mesquite {don't make me ever go back}, there was a boys trip to St George and Idaho, a birthday trip, and lots of running away for staycations too! Of course we always have to mention our Christmas Little America stay, because it is always so memorable!
Rusty Bodagit Sell - age 1.5
He is a little more ornery than he was a year ago. Since he can't talk, I will try to figure out what he thought the highs and lows of his 2024 were. He got snipped, I will go ahead and say that was a pretty low time for him. He went from being scared to go outside, to chasing mice out of the garage! Proud cat Mom moment. He handled the move like a champ, spent hours in the car with kitty liter in tow for showings...and never complained! He learned that pup cups are delicious, no one tell him they are for dogs!
Drakey - age 9
I read last years letter, and I could almost copy and paste his entire part, only adding a few things.
I am excited to announce he made it the entire 2024 with zero broken bones! Bonus for Paul's bank account! He plays a lot of Brawl Stars and Fortnite, and from what the teenage boys say...he is sweat {which means something like really good!}. He tried out and made an AAU basketball team, and it is starting to get good...although, he still wants someone to come and sit for 2 hours to watch him practice. He is a big boy, and an absolute defensive beast on the court. He loves to play center, do the jump ball, and swat shots!
He definitely is still at a very fun age! We laugh at his quick remarks that you don't see coming from the baby of our family! He has officially taken ownership of the Keurig, and has decided that he doesn't like school. Except he must really turn on the charm when he is with his teacher, because I have only gotten outstanding reviews about him!
Sabrina - age 12
I have seen so much growth and change in this cute girl this past year. She is trendy, a friend to everyone, addicted to her phone, loves a good makeup/skincare routine, and can't keep her room clean for any 24 hour period.
She became the ultimate mermaid this summer in our pool! She ran for Student Council at a new school, tried out for her first play and landed a speaking part, made a new friend group, went to her first school dance, went to so many fun parties, and is the absolute social butterfly of our family.
Devin - age 14
When I asked Devin what his highlights were for 2024, I wasn't surprised by his answers, but I am sure others would be. Devin lives a pretty cool life for a teenager! He is going places because of his determination and his drive is unmatched.
He reclassified for sports, and in doing so got to take 3 PE classes and breeze through 8th grade again! When we were picking classes, I pressured him into being a peer tutor, and even though he wasn't thrilled with the idea...it has turned out to be his #1 highlight for 2024. He met Ryan, and that boy has absolutely changed my boy. He is disappointed if he can't go to school for Ryan days, I would say that Ryan is one of Devin's best friend. Other students wouldn't pick Ryan because he is "hard", and Devin would be sad if he couldn't take care of him.
Devin has played countless basketball games, traveled to other states to train and play with complete strangers, is in the gym 7 days a week, and has some of the best helping him succeed {especially his Dad/Manager}. 2025 is slated to be epic for him, and I can't wait to scream from the sidelines!
Other than basketball, he has spent the entire year prepping his mouth for round 2 of braces, which finally happened in December! Plays Fortnite and Brawl Stars with Drakey, grinds on Total Battle with Paul, and doesn't have time for girls.
Savannah - adulting
She sold her old car Betsy, but not without a lot of tears! She bought a brand new car, but still misses her old piece of shit. She is still going to school full time, and working full time at the same place. She is still dating the same person, but they don't work together anymore.
She went on her first couples trip, enjoyed a few concerts, took her car on a road trip, made new friends, and did a little house sitting.
Paul - forever 32!
Since Paul only gives sarcastic answers, I will try to fill you in on his year. He has become completely addicted to Total Battle, and has already unlocked G9 since starting to play a little over a year ago. It is mostly rich/smart old men that play, and I can't say he fits in with the old part...but everything else. {winky face}
He spent months doing TMS therapy everyday in hopes to better his mental health without much success, which was disappointing. He spends most of his time organizing Devin's basketball trainings, games, and workouts. He is the ultimate Dad Manager, and he can't get tired of it yet because he still has a 9 year old that expects the same thing from him.
He dipped his toes in the sand, which I haven't seen in 25+ years, and even said the beach was kind of relaxing. It was one of those times that I was most proud of Paul, and could see so much progress in who he is.
Evonne - 43 years young
I would honestly say this was one of the best years I have ever had. I enjoyed all the travel, adventures, swimming, change, and watching my dreams come true. It literally gives me the excited butterflies when I go to new places, and I felt that a lot this year.
I went on my first real diet in 2024, and I am proud to say that I was successful and can't wait to carry that into 2025. I started junk journaling in August, and have been totally obsessed ever since. I love when my family helps collect junk from places or helps me remember to take certain junk home! I kept a whole porch full of plants and flowers alive for an entire summer, and I wish I could take all the credit for it...but my Dad was here to help coach me through it!
I had a lot of disappointment, but the good outweighed the bad. I got more comfortable spending time by myself, even did a staycation solo. I have a lot to learn still, but I am finding my voice and purpose with every new trigger that comes my way.
We are excited to see what 2025 has in store! We have big goals to achieve, new places to visit, and lots of fun to be had!