Jim Goings

Last year seemed to go by so fast that I started thinking about the highlights of last year. A lot of things happened, some great, some less so.

Highlights

• We visited my mom, Thom, Aunt Lisa, and my grandparents. Mom took us on a tour of the fire station where she works. We even all got a ride in a fire engine!
• We spent a few days at Disneyland which was awesome as always. The kids were able to ride almost everything and boy did they love roller coasters!
• We visited with our good friends Damon and Monica and our adopted nephew Daniel and niece Samantha. We hit the beach, learned how to play Nertz, and Damon even setup a castle bounce house for the kids.
• We visited Rebecca’s Uncle Warren and Aunt Patty. They treated us to a nice dinner and a visit with her Grandpa. Although his health was clearly failing him, it was awesome to see him. He was happy to see his great grandkids. Uncle Warren was a laugh riot and I hope we can visit them again this year.
• We had a great 4th of July Party. Let’s just say that any party where circular saws and beer are combined equals a great time!
• We did a lot of remodeling. The dining room, kids bathroom, girls bedroom, classroom, and the kitchen all received improvements.
• Chibbs and I stayed up all night and well into the next morning talking about theology, faith, and other stuff.
• The WebTrends company picnic at the zoo was fun.
• My best bro Chris and his wife Karen came up for a week. I hope they move back up here. It was great to hang out with them.
• I saw my favorite band Flogging Molly live again. This time I went with a large group of friends.
• I really enjoyed the Christmas eve church service at Morningstar Community Church in Salem. We went with Mom, Thom, Steve, Kelly, Christian, Nathan, and dad. Great music and a good sermon. Praise God!
• Christmas was awesome and I managed to not do any projects while mom was here! I also beat Thom’s high score on Dynomite. My grandpa made my kids gifts out of wood.
• My kids got older.

Lowlights

• I didn’t see Jeff, Gabe, or Kevin enough.
• I didn’t go camping.
• I only took the canoe out once.
• Jeff Driver died.
• I didn’t go rafting.
• Bubba died.
• I worked too much. I love my job, but I just spent too many hours in the office.
• I found out that my step-brother Don died of cancer. I hadn’t actually talked to him in a few years.
• Rebecca’s grandfather died in December. His passing wasn’t a surprise, but it was still very sad news as he was a great guy.
• My kids got older.
• I got older.