The rock stars

Check out the Rock Star and the back up dancer jamming to High School Musical's Stick to the Status Quo via Wii Karaoke! Hillarious! Watch out Milli Vanilli, here is some serious competition :)

A great day

After the hurricane winds died down, we went for a hike up at Chautauqua. What started with serious whining, ended in some serious fun and exploring.

Robert and I realized that he proposed on this very trail, on this very day eight years ago. Hard to believe. We reminisced and really enjoyed the day as a family. (Wow! I do think he still is quite attractive as he ages!)

So, as 2008 comes to a close and '09 starts up, we look at how much we are thankful for during a year of so many ups and downs, emotionally, physically and financially.

Some of our 2009 hopes and desires (ok, a resolution list- I just didn't want to use the word!)

- training, training, training. I want my climbing ability back! This means shedding a good 12 pounds and training for the Red Rocks trip in March with Helen. I can't wait.

- moving! Somehow, at some point we have to move. The driving is killing us. I do believe, honestly, that our vision will happen, though I'm not quite sure how. Wishful thinking perhaps, but we have to start somewhere. Is there a way to make it all happen with little or no work or effort involved? We'll see...

- Road trips! Sand Dunes is one and a road trip to Cali (two weeks I hope!) in July. Now that we have the parks pass we have to put it to good use!

- overcoming Kellan's challenges. Too long to discuss and too emotional to dive into, I just want it to work out for him this coming year.

- Less stress, more play and more fun, both with the family and individually. '08 was a year of so much stress and strain. '09 needs to be a year of relief and fortune!

It doesn't get any better...

than this.

Seeing my kids hold Stacey's daughter (my niece!) was amazing! I didn't think I would feel as much as I do for my sister and her baby. We are all very enamored by Kendall.

Now I just need my own time with her, without my own kids hogging her (and my sister!) all of the time. I really love my sister!

I think, no, I know that I have really changed A LOT this past year. I look at these photos and really do feel true joy. Honestly, I don't think I could have said this a year ago. I am truly so fortunate to have had another chance. Life is really good! I may not climb well anymore (can't climb well when you hardly climb) but I've gained more...much much more than I had in myself a year ago.

What a difference a year makes. I'm learning to appreciate the gray in my hair now! I earned it!