By the time many of you read this, it will be 2009, and we’ll have already endured the completely unnecessary midnight fireworks show outside our bedroom window. We got a small precursor to it last night and Delton didn’t like it. It’s hard to blame him. Who really wants to be awaken by the sounds of explosions? Anyone?

2008 was a good year for the Phelps family and I think 2009 is going to be even better. There’s many good things on our horizons. However, I’ve been thinking. Yes, I know it’s dangerous for me to do that. But I’ve been thinking that there have been a lot of things that happened in 2008 which few would have predicted. Gas for $1.35 a gallon, after paying over $4 for the same gas 3 months ago. Phillies win the World Series. Bristol Palin giving birth. You know, crazy.

So, in addition to a 2008 recap, along with photos. I will also make some 2009 predictions. Who knows what 2009 holds??

Delton had a good year in 2008. One of the memories I hope to not forget is that hair on the back of his head that never quite grew right. It was almost a full combover before we finally cut it off.

In 2009, I predict that President Barack Obama will be sworn in on January 20 and immediately mandate that everyone wear camo all the time. It will be a like an economic stimulus thing because people will worry less about what they are going to wear, and no one will care about their appearance because everyone looks good in camo! 

 

Delton welcomed a cousin named Zoey in 2008. Zoey is fun and we’re real excited about her first birthday coming up around the corner.

I predict that the trend of retro cars being cool will continue in 2009. After the Big 3 experience success with the rehashed stylings of the Charger, ‘68 Camaro and Mustang, they’ll decided to bring back other great autos like the Pinto, Edsel, Citation, Ranchero, El Camino, and, I’m really hoping for this one, the stationwagon!

 

 

Delton got his first haircut in 2008. This isn’t his first haircut though. This was his first backporch special haircut. That is much more momentous in a young lad’s history. Any man who doesn’t remember his first backporch special is either lying or too traumatized by it to remember.

2009 will be a good year because everyone will realize the value of gas station snacks. I don’t know what it is about gas station food but it’s just so good. Normally, a taquito or hot pocket is the most disgusting thing on Earth but if it comes from the gas station, I love it. Others will follow this trend in 2009 as they realize the value of such thrifty shopping.

 

 

Delton really came into his own personality in 2008. He is a happy little man and always has a smile for everyone. Except when he’s sick. I hope none of us get sick in 2009. That would be just fine with me!

Also in 2009, the world will realize the addictive substance that’s been right under our nose the entire time: Sodas. Pops, Cokes, soft drinks, whatever you call them, they are no different than the devil’s candy. I could give up every vice that I have but if you try to take my sodas away from me, I will fight you. And I’m talking about any soda there is. Blue Mountain Dew? yes, please. Pineapple Sunkist? Thanks! It doesn’t have to just be Dr. Pepper or Coke. And if you aren’t on the bandwagon for these other variations of addictive soda waters, I suggest you never open that Pandora’s box. Once you know about these other flavors, you can never ‘unlearn’ it.

 

 

Well of course Delton went swimming in 2008! I hope that 2009 holds many more swimming activities for us. It’s a respectable summer activity that all can enjoy!

Speaking of respectable activities, I predict that 2009 will be no holds barred on shooting your mouth off. We’re pretty much there already, but 2009 will see us either reach the peak, or descend all the way down the slope, depending on your slant. When the DA of your county can send lewd emails and say it was all because of prescription medication, you’re well on your way. I think 2009 will see an increase in shooting your mouth off and saying whatever you want, whenever you want, to whoever you want. Just watch and wait. It’s pretty much happening already.

 

 

Also in 2008, there was Hurricane Ike and our unscheduled vacation from all responsibilities for about a week. Delton didn’t really notice. It just meant that he got to hang out more with Mom and Dad during the day. And that we stayed the night at some different houses than we had before. He loved it.

Also, in 2009 the Houston Texans will win the Super Bowl. I’m just going to go ahead and lay that out there. Although technically it won’t happen until 2010 since they aren’t in the playoffs this year. A man can dream can’t he?

 

 

And of course, Delton hit the big “1″ in 2008. That was a good moment for everyone but I think Delton achieved the most because he got to have a piece of this cake. And every dessert consumed in our house for the next 17 years. He gets a bite of all of ‘em. Even if the spoon is on the way to your mouth. He still will want a bite of it.

And also in 2009, I’ll be glad to see the demise of Tom Cruise. I was worried about this since some people I know cheated on me and went to see Valkyrie. However, since it performed poorly at the box office, I predict that Cruise will be recognized as the Box Office Kryptonite that he is. It just goes to show.. you can be crazy and narcissistic and completely self absorbed if you want. But in the end, everyone, even Tom Cruise, needs you to go see his movies and support his Scientology cult lifestyle.

 

 

 

In 2008, Delton wore pajamas. Probably not that momentous in the grand scheme of things but him sleeping through the night was and is momentous. Hopefully 2009 will have many more full nights of sleep for everyone!

2009 will be an important year for me as people realize that I’m the next Chris Farley. I’m hilarious, quick on my feet, and good at physical comedy. That’s just a winning combination for everyone!

 

 

 

I have no idea what the relevance of this picture was for 2008. I started out picking out my 10 favorite Delton pictures and then got sidetracked and couldn’t eliminate any. So, Delton learned about cowboying in 2008. Yeah, he rode his first bull.

 

 

Delton made many guest appearances in 2008. We went to Abilene a couple of times, we made drop in appearances at people’s work. We snuck up on people at the supermarket and tried to scare them. It was great. 

 

 

Delton hung out with me in 2008. I’m pretty sure that trend will continue for 2009.

 

 

And I can’t fail to mention that Delton sat up for the first time in 2008. And look, isn’t he just an adorable little angel?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

All the rest of the pictures that didn’t make the cut.

Our Christmas consisted of a trip to Abilene to see family and a trip to Conroe to see family. Unfortunately, Delton had the ear infection card up his sleeve and decided Christmas would be a GREAT time to play it. It wasn’t.

Nevertheless, we did manage to find some time to be happy.

 And hang out.

Make new friends!

And enjoy some Christmas treats.

 

The End.