And So It Begins . . .

We have begun a new year. Do you wonder what the next months will bring? Do you even think about it? Or are you one who enjoys life as it comes and rolls with it? Whatever "type" you are, I hope that 2010 will bring you joy and contentment.

Our new year began with a get-together with the Mackin family; James, Amita, Kelly & Kate. We "adopted" Kelly & Kate as granddaughters when Kelly was born in 1998. Their mom, Amita, and I worked together and just clicked. Since Randy & I retired, we've made a point to be in each other's lives and to continue to care for Kelly & Kate as our own. The last few years we've had our Christmas with them on New Year's Day. It allows us to enjoy a leisurely day of catching up with one another. And today was no exception.

We arrived about 11am for brunch. Amita always feeds us soooo well! :) She makes this french toast casserole that is scrumptious.

Joining us were Amita's mom, Virginia, and Amita's sister, Sheila and her family. Amita and I have the ability to just pick up where we left off and can talk for hours. We were on our way to doing that when Kate asked if they could open their presents. Poor girls - we'd been talking and talking and didn't think about them wanting to open gifts! Bad Nana! :)

We immediately moved to the family room so the girls could open their gifts. Well, 30 seconds later, it was over. :) I had time to snap just a picture of each of them and that was it! But, they were happy with the gifts and that's what matters. Soon they were settled in front of a video and the adults went back to chatting.

Kate

Kelly

About 3pm it was time to say our good-byes, at least until the summer. Kelly & Kate are on the local swim team and we'll be sure to get down to see a couple of meets.

Now we're back home at Lindsay's and settled in the night. It's pretty quiet 'cause Jason, Lindsay & Reagan are celebrating Christmas with Lindsay's dad and family. They'll probably be home late.

I hope that you take a moment each day of this new year to be grateful for something. Gratitude for the blessings we have been given provides a means to contentment. And contentment is way underrated in my book - I'd rather be content than anything else. Contentment to me means that I want for nothing and have found peace. I hope that you can find that, too.

Until the next time . . .