Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone. Time for resolutions which I probably wouldn't keep so will only make one...to lose 10 pounds in '09. I've let the weight creep up the last two years and it's time to reverse the trend.

I had a really nice Christmas this year. Erik and the girls arrived Sunday night, the 21st, and were here all week. On Monday, I took them to Palooka Boutique for custom-made flip flops. They were able to pick out the color, ribbon and bling and were able to watch them being put together. They were given several ribbons so they can change the look when they wish. We then went to the Phoenix Zoo where we had a fun, but chilly, afternoon.

On Tuesday, the girls got their hair trimmed and I took them swimming for an hour. I had on a winter jacket, gloves and earmuffs but they were warm in the water.

Christmas Eve, we went to church at 5 PM. Santa arrived at 6:30 and brought a smile to all our faces. After a chili supper, we opened gifts. You would never know we were in the midst of a recession by all the gifts under our tree.

Christmas Day, the girls got more presents from Santa, including Wii and Rock Band 2. Throughout the day, the rock band performed with different family members playing the guitar or drums or singing. Mark, Marla, Megan, Andy, Drew and Kayley came over at 3 PM. We had dinner at 5:30. We were blessed to have Danny in attendance as we hadn't heard from him in several weeks.

Saturday afternoon, 27th, we had a family bowling party to celebrate Taylor and Nick's birthdays. Taylor turned 13 on the 19th and Nick turned 22 on the 29th. This was Drew's first time bowling and he was having a great time.

Erik and the girls drove back to New Mexico on Sunday. Gracie was very sad to be leaving, as was I to see her go. Arne and I spent several hours getting the house cleaned for Open House on Monday.

Longtime friends, Jody and Merlin, arrived yesterday and will be here until January 7th. We haven't planned any activities as they just want to relax and enjoy the nice weather.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2009.