Goodbye 2008

Happy New Year from the snowy mountains in western CT. We're having a blast today walking and sledding in all the fresh white stuff and can not WAIT to say goodbye to 2008 tonight and hello 2009. Here's to a fabulous new year full of hope, health and many blessings.

Running free in the New England snow

It appears that Winston loves the snow just as much as I do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRl8BpX-ty8

12 Days of Christmas

12 dozen cookies

11 pairs of socks

10 crazy New York drivers spotted (so far)

9 crazy NJ drivers

8 cylinders in our "sleigh"

7 hours driving

6 pairs of shoes

5 states to drive through

4 wheel drive

3 bags of presents
2 Starbucks lattes

and

a beagle in the back seat.

How much is that doggie in the window?

Birthday Weekend Extravaganza

My birthday was actually this past Thursday, but as usual, I was able to stretch it out to a weekend affair. My husband took me to dinner at one of my favorite restaraunts, The Melting Pot, on my actual birthday. On Friday I had a special visit from my nephew who delivered handmade birthday gifts from him and his siblings. My favorite is the macaroni necklace. After being out very late on Friday night at our community holiday party, we woke up early and spent the day with a bunch of friends over on the eastern shore at Saint Michaels. The guys raced their model sailboats and all 6 of us ladies spent the day shopping and lunching it. It was very nice to sit down on a Saturday early afternoon and share some drinks with good company! Thank you everyone for all of my cards and wonderful gifts.

Mo and Sarah working up a thirst shopping.

Amateur Hour

Today at lunch time I snuck away from my computer and did a little photo shoot with baby Ryan. I have taken an interest in photography over the last few years and have loved taking pics of my adorable niece and nephews. This was my first pro-bono official photo shoot. This one is my favorite. It was a challenge in itself to keep a 2 1/2 week old awake for 10 minutes or so!

Just when you think you're having a rough time...

Someone always seems to be worse off. A coworker of mine was in a terrible accident several weeks before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, he ended up passing away in the hospital on Thanksgiving day, leaving behind a wife and five children ages 18 months to 12 years old. I can not seem to stop thinking about this family and how they will make it through this Christmas without their dad. Their 18 month old will never really get to know him.

I didn't work directly with this person and only met him once at a managers kick off meeting, but this has affected me so much more than I thought. This past year has been a very rough year for Brad and I, him losing his job and other personal issues we're facing, but hearing something like this really puts things into perspective. I'm not making light of my rough times, because they certainly are difficult, but I guess this is just another unfortunate reminder that things could always be much worse.

My thoughts and prayers are with this family through this holiday season.

Happy 35th Anniversary Mom and Dad!