Happy New Year, ...

2009 began with gusting 50-60 mile an hour winds. Surprise! We have been our usual busy selves. In fact, I just typed my Christmas letter yesterday. I will work on getting the cards done on our road trip to Evanston this weekend. Ten hours in the car ought to do it!

We are starting this year with a black cloud hanging over head. Mike's dad is being put into hospice by Monday. He was given one day to six months to live. However, since that diagnosis he has rapidly gone down hill. He has round the clock care at his house and they have increased the morphine to keep him comfortable. His organs are beginning to shut down and his body is filling with fluids causing too much strain on his heart. Mike knows that this is probably his last chance to see his dad. It is a huge dark cloud hanging over head. How do you say goodbye to a parent? Stephen is also having a hard time dealing with this. He hasn't seen his grandpa much but seems to feel the urge to say goodbye.

We are also taking Tally with us. That should be fun! She can't be outside because it is suppposed to snow and be cold. The kennel is full and I can't leave her in the house for those long hours alone. So she gets to go in the car...all the way to Evanston and stay in a hotel room with us. I will decide after this weekend whether or not she is still a GOOD dog!

Teacher's go back to school on Tuesday. We get four days of inservice before the students arrive on the 12th. I really don't like this schedule that the district has implemented. Ashley and Stephen are left to themselves because I have to work.

Stephen tests for his next Tae Kwon Do belt on the 24th of January. He will be a brown belt. Only two more levels until he can test for the black belt.

Ashley has at least three definate competitions coming up and two possibles. She was also cast as the lead in the dance production: "Alice in Wonderland." While we are thrilled that she got the lead roll there is a lot of extra practice involved. I complain a lot about having to drive her everywhere but I am not ready for her to drive herself. So I guess I will keep complaining. There is some comfort in that.

Happy New Year!  Make the best of it!