Amen and Amen

What a great day to be an American.

Honestly, I think that pretty much sums it up, and yet, I feel like I need to say more.

I was listening to NPR's coverage of the inaugural celebration this morning & it was mentioned several times how this is a peaceful transition of power. This is a special day for many reasons - the swearing in of the first African American President, the end of the Bush era, a fresh beginning and a challenge to the American people to wake up and get busy. With all of that going on, and all of us swimming in history, it's easy to loose sight of what today really is - a PEACEFUL transition. We are so blessed to live in a country where our new President was elected democratically, rather than through a military take over of the White House. We are blessed to live in a country where we are united in hope for the new administration & a new day in American politics, rather than united in fear of a new ruler. We are blessed to live in a country where we can wave a flag, say a prayer, and join together as people of all color and creed - as Americans.

Amen......

Hallelujah......

Close enough.

Additional pictures

We had a nice visit with Aunt Sandi, Uncle George, Grandma, Franklin & Clinton on Saturday. Here are a few additional pictures to commemorate the event

Sandi, Max & Grandma

Max wearing Clinton's hat

Sandi, Max & Grandma (again)

Max loves Guerro's beans & rice!

Sandi & Max at the Capital

Max grooving under the rotunda

First pictures of the New Year

Here are our first pics for the new year. Max got his first hair cut last Friday and you'll be able to tell how short it is. Jen said he did fabulous for it, didn't fuss or wail at all. It's already growing back quickly. We also got some good pics of him baking with Jen this morning. What started as him helping her make biscuits quickly degenerated to him and the floor being covered in flour.

Happy New Year!

Well, we made it through another year relatively unscathed. I mean, the world seems to be falling down around us, but what else is new, right?
Anway, I thought I would sit down and take a look at the goals I set at the beginning of last year, and see how well I did. Let's see......

• We are going to create a will - um, no - but we are closer to getting this done than we were this time last year
• We are going to establish Max's college fund - ditto the answer from above
• We expect to start working on child #2 (yep, I think I am officially certifiable at this point for even thinking about it) check
• We are either going to go to Arizona or to a wedding in Florida to see family members who have not yet met Max - well, this didn't happen in 2008, but I'm planning a family reunion for this year
• We will get some official/professional pictures taken of Max - check, and check.
• Plant a "Max tree" in the back yard - We didn't really plant a "Max" tree, but we did plant a fig tree that we've had for a while
• I'd like to start and finish two books (just two - that's all I ask!) check! I actually manged to read 5 or 6 books this year - and that doesn't count the ones that Max wants to read
• I'd like to get some stuff in the house organized - book shelves, wall shelves, storage containers etc. - that's a negatory
• I'd like to get the garage set up so that it's functional - sort of check. We can get one car in the garage, but still need some more organization to it
• I'd like to set the garden for the spring & build a large compost bin . Half check. I did build a garden bed, but did not get the compost bin built - I do have a very large pile though.

Other things we did accomplish this year that we didn't set out to do:

• Max is completely weaned off the bottle now (still has his pacifier, but we'll work on that this year).
• We have helped Max develop an appreciation for reading and music. He has even started to sing
• Chris got a new and better job
• I know there is more, but I can't think of it right now....

Now on to 2009. What do I want to do this year? I have no idea! I'll get back to you on that. In the mean time Prospero Ano mi amigos!