2008....Here I come!!!

Yes, I realize how ridiculous I looked.  But it's all in an effort to keep this blog entertaining!

Since Jan 1 also happens to be my birthday, I get the double celebration of a New Year's Eve event AND the traditional brunch with the family the following morning.  Depending on *ahem* how much fun I have ringing in the new year it's sometimes tough to get up, but then again, we usually don't get together until 11:00 or so.  This year we convened at International House of Pancakes.  We like it there, it's casual enough that we feel comfortable bringing energetic little boys along, and Dad lives for saying "Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity" with each syllable fully pronunciated.  He even talked my grandmother into ordering the "Senior Rooty" so he could say it twice!

Here is Mom, my sister Paula, and my youngest nephew Ian...

And I got gifts!!  (I love gifts!!)  These people know what moves me:  it's a Starbucks giftcard.

But the BESTEST gifts were the kisses from my boys....being an Auntie is awesome!!!

My "second family" of my closest girlfriends threw me a dinner at Krissa's house.  It was SO GOOD:  fettuccini alfredo with peas and grilled chicken, and organic spinach and spring mix salad w/mandarin oranges, goat cheese, cranberries, and almonds.  For dessert we had chocolate cake, incredible brownies from a Williams Sonoma recipe, carrot cake, and key lime pie.  Oh, yeah.....my tummy is overstuffed but very happy! 

My advice?  If you're going to have incredible women friends, choose friends who can cook as well as support and encourage you!

Happy New Year!!!  I hope your 2008 is happy, healthy, and filled with yarn....oh, and other good things!  :)