Here's to a Peaceful, Healthy, Prosperous & Joyful 2009

Wishing the best in '09 for all my bloggy friends!
Now I had better drag myself away from this blasted computer, lest I miss the dropping of the ball. (My 6 year old is still awake! This may be the first year he makes it through midnight. Sweet little Brynie fell asleep in Daddy's big chair about an hour ago with the ipod in her ears, LOL and Happy Jack is snoozing away in sweet peace.) Hope you are snuggled close to a loved one tonight.
Cheers,
Melissa

Wordful Wednesday

The holidays were a blur this year. We had a blast and spent some quality time with extended family and old friends, which IMO is the most important thing. However, it went so quickly, and with such chaos at times, that I hardly got any decent photos. Most were too close or too blurry and we recorded no video at all. Contrary to years past, I really dropped the ball on capturing the moment in images. Big sigh. It makes me a bit sad that I'll have to rely on my own foggy memory to look back upon this Christmas. Unfortunately, I think that part of my brain is pretty well fried.
Here are a few pics that I salvaged from the cutting room floor:

Ready for 2009?

Hmmm, not sure I am. Looking back, 2008 was a pretty good year. There were the usual ups and downs, and some heart break towards the end. But, all in all I have to say I am thankful for many joyous moments. I must be getting old though. It sure seemed to pass in a blink, and my kids seem to be growing before my eyes! Sheesh, I can hardly keep up.

Anyway, weather I'm ready or not, here she comes...2009 is rolling in. Find out how to wish a multi-linguistic Happy New Year here. Find some holiday puzzles and games here, here or here. And crafts and printables here as well as fun, kid-friendly recipes here. Looking for a little history? Find out more here and here. Cheers!

Have you made a resolution yet? Mine's always the same...to be more patient and to yell less. I also need to buckle down and work on living in a healthier fashion. I'm no longer a spring chicken and though I really hate it, regular exercise would do me a world of good. Guess I'd better come up with something concrete though, or it'll get pushed to next year...again ;)

So, what's on your list?

Merry Christmas!

The Daily Dog Bone

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.


Maxwell Marmaduke Rich June 13, 2002 - December 22, 2008.
There are no words to describe how much you will be missed.

Track Santa's Progress Online

Click here to access some fun countdown activities, check out the specs for Santa's sleigh and track his progress around the world on Christmas Eve.
Ho! Ho! Ho!