Hello 2009!

I am not sure I've been this excited for the upcoming year on New Year's Day.  

Our holidays were fantastic.  We got just what we wanted and then some.  Shawn, being the expert present picker outer that he is, got the things I'd asked for and surprised me with some goodies I never would have.  Goodies like front row tickets to Phantom of the Opera, which will be here in March.... followed by a stay at the Brown Palace Hotel.  We haven't stayed at that hotel before but every president has, since it was built.  

We got home last night from Indiana, the magical place filled with grandparents, cousins and endless entertainment.  We had a really lovely visit and it was wonderful to spend time with the people we love most!  Our whole week was filled with visits and entertainment so we arrived back in Denver tired, fat and happy.  Unfortunately, we were too busy having fun to take many pictures, so I don't really have anything good to share.

Mom's still doing Ok and it was good to spend time with her and see that for myself.  She is still having occasional chest pains that they think is indigestion from the medication she's taking.  I think she's on the mend and we tried to make sure she got as much rest as possible while we were there, though she doesn't like to rest much.

In other news, Tyler's getting glasses!  We should be able to pick them up tomorrow.  His eyes are bad enough that he wouldn't pass a driving test (assuming he were 16).  He's excited to get them and he looks very handsome and smart when he's wearing them.  And to top it off, he lost another tooth tonight!  

I really do think this is going to be a good year.  I'm filled with hope for our future here in our immediate family and for our country as well.  Here's what I'm feeling optimistic about (in no particular order):

* finally getting back into my size 8's.  I've made little progress since November.

* continuing to build our savings account after finally paying off all of our credit card debt in 2008... and using some of that money for:

* our first family vacation to Disney World!  I've been several times but Gavin never has and we took Tyler when he was merely 7 months old.  Somehow I think the 7 years that have passed will make a big difference in his enjoyment level

* my relationship with Shawn... while we were in Indiana my Grammy made a comment about us acting like newly weds.  I think that might have been the nicest thing she's ever said to me.  Truth is, we do act like newly weds.  Our relationship has had normal ebbs and flows, but right now for some reason we're just crazy about each other.   

* the economy improving and life getting easier on everyone because of it.  I know Obama won't be a miracle worker but I really think things will improve because of him.

* the beginning of troop withdrawal in Iraq.  I'm so ready for this war to be over.

* sledding and snow tubing all winter and hiking all summer.  Swimming, playing at the park and spending time with friends.  

Happy New Year!  What are you looking forward to this year?