Happy New Year!

And so the New Year is here, and the sun is actually shining as I speak. What will 2007 bring I wonder.....

More challenges, and more laughter. More adventures, and more steep learning curves, without a doubt. More memories to be treasured, and more refining by fire too, I suspect. My resolutions? Well, I should be listing thousands. I need thousands. But I am not going down that road. My hope is that I will manage to simplify my life, and focus on the things that are important. Really important. My children, my family and my friends. People, not things. And that I will be able to meet whatever challenges I have to face with grace, dignity and faith.

Last night, David and I stayed home here, and did not go to the party we were invited to. It was really nice to just sit in front of the TV and watch the amazing spectacle from the London Eye. The fireworks were simply stunning. I don't think they have ever been as amazing. It was a wild and stormy night, and cosy is good. We had been to the babes for lunch, and that was perfect. Lots of noise and excitement, and Chris is so funny..... if there is a "boy" in the house, then he is, of course, just there to play with the boy. That means my 6ft 4in son was attacked around the kneecap and dragged off to play cars with a 3 year old. Hysterical. He loved every minute of it. And Mims is clearly destined for Broadway. Drama queen does not begin to describe her. I considered getting her autograph then and there, just in case. I was instructed to take her photo at the dinner table. She looked mournful. I asked why and she raised that little eyebrow, and said "The ice cweam is all finished and so I am vewy vewy sad", and produced an even more mournful face. Watch this space. The child has a future. Bekah was on top form too, and it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. I cannot tell you how much those babes have brightened my life. They are my "practice" grandchildren, and the babes of my heart.

I have 2 days left till I go back to school on Wednesday for a training day then the kids are all back on Thursday. I intend being a slug. I may get dressed in a while. I may read a book. I may cook something. I may not. There is always chocolate. Oh, and by the way, here in England, there is no way you take the Christmas decorations down until the 12th day, which is the 6th. So all our homes are still very festive. Europe is the same. I suppose our decorations all go up much later than in the States though, so it is good to still have them around.

Now I am off to make more coffee........... have a very Happy New Year, all of you!