In anticipation for the new year, Alex, like millions of others, resolved to eat better, lose weight, and get in shape. I made many resolutions this year, all including the word "more". I figured that this was safer, because even if I only did one thing "more" than I did last year, I succeeded in meeting my resolutions. These resolutions included being more eco-friendly, having more patience, being more positive, saving more money. Unfortunately, the new year brought sad news with the passing of my Grandma Burgess from COPD. We packed up and made a whirlwind trip back home, in which patience and positivity were in short demand, diets were rich in fast food and gas station treats, and money and gasoline were blown through. The silver lining to all of this, was that I got to visit with family that I had not seen in years. I got to see my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Cindy, both of whom I had not seen for over a decade. Bitter in circumstance, but sweet in reunion.

Eli and Lucy fared well on the drive. Eli loved staying with Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Tammy. Eli, Maddie, and Allie spent one 40 degree morning exploring the creek out back. Eli fell in. They had a blast. It was sad that the trip ended so soon.

           Maddie, Allie, Eli, and Lucy playing with Uncle Lawrence's race cars!

      Papaw and Grandma Raike with the grandbabies and great-grandbabies!

                                         Three generations of ladies.

                                  A great photo with Grandpa Vanderpool.


The drive back to Minnesota was filled with snow and slippery roads, but we made it back without incident. When we arrived home, Eli said "there's no place like home". I have to admit, I agree.

The second week of January, we got back to our routine. Alex went back to work, Eli back to school. Lucy started mobilizing, and I started picking away at my resolutions. Alex still hasn't started working out, but he has been eating a little better because I am preparing only those foods that I can eat - lower in fat and heavy in vegetables. I can't say that either Alex or Eli are particularly happy about this, but it does make my life a little easier to not have to prepare foods that tempt me!

2011 came in a little rocky, but we are excited to see what the rest of the year will hold!

Cheers!!!