Happy New Year!

We had a great time celebrating the new year last night at the Blackwoods' house. There were 5 families squeezed into the house, but it was just cozy and fun! The kids played together well. For the most part, the women were in the kitchen gabbing (or as my dad would say, having a hen party) and the men were in the family room playing Wii. Ah, the natural order of things.

We're a bunch of wimps though, and all of us gave up and went home by 11:15.

We really, really love this ward and the friends we've made here.

2008 was eventful, to say the least. It will be very interesting to see what 2009 has in store for our family, our ward, the country, the world. . . it seems like so much is in upheaval right now, especially the economy. Our greatest prayer (other than of course the health and well-being of our family) is that Matt's job remains stable, and the jobs of our loved ones.

I do have to say that I love this time. A chance to evaluate where we are, and where we were a year ago. To think about where we want to go over the next year. I know goals can be made any time, but I like the tradition of starting the year anew with a plan. That's what I'm thinking about today; making lists in my head and thinking of each facet of life, what can be done away with, what needs more attention, what needs tweaked. . .It's a hopeful feeling.

None of us are victims or prisoners of our past; we never have to just accept things as they are. With planning, work, determination, and a lot of prayer, we can grow into who we want to be.

Here's to a year of growth and positive changes!