Hello 2009!

So here I write, straight from another year. I had the most wonderful holiday. I missed my family dearly but I had a great time with James and Emily and his family in Indianapolis. We went to the Children's Museum, which was friggin awesome!!, and watched movies and took the dogs out WITHOUT LEASHES. And ate. Lots. Oh, I got a fabulous new hair cut/color courtesy of James's sister Julie (pics to come, she cut like 7 inches!). It was wonderful. And the car ride was actually nice too thanks to my new ipod converter and book light. But to make up the lost time with my Clarks, I'm going to have a slumber party over at Lin's tomorrow. That should be fun.

As we got home late late last night, today is officially my day of 2009. The day that you start thinking goals, dreams, etc. for the new year. Since I was 11 years old, I have talked about volunteering abroad. Well this is the year I do it. I want to pay off some bills, save enough to pay those longer-term ones while I'm gone, and trek to Africa or India for 3-6 months. James said he'd come with me. I think it would be the most incredible experience!! So it's going to happen. And I have a reserved spot in the NYC Marathon in November. That's another goal. Of course, i have the typical lose weight, exercise more. Those don't even count anymore. :) I do want to continue getting closer to God. That's been something I've been striving for the past few months and it brings a certain sense of peace you can't find in anything else. Oh, and Hurley is FINALLY getting snipped on Saturday. I think that counts more as my sister's resolution though than mine. Lastly, I'm itching to adopt a ferret, but I'm pretty certain that resolution is going to be kicked in the behind by the man of the house.

I leave you with some pictures of my break. Em opening presents, the museum, and us ringing in 2009 (notice James blowing the horn RIGHT in Ick's ears). HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! (which really means Emily J, Jake, Andrew, Lin and Sally!) :)



Emily's visit from Santa




Tommy and Em at the Children's Museum




Craiggy digging up "Dinosaur" bones at the museum




Ringing in the New Year




Craig and Hurley watching the game. BOO on Katy's team!!




My favorite profile




Ichabob is POOPED after spending the week with seven kids!