17 February

Today....

was all about soaking up the sun that a 44 Degree day in February brings. I sat outside and read some, played, stomped in puddles, filled trucks and buckets with the melting snow, ran down piles of snow catching a little boy and spinning him around , and we rode bikes, "long bike rides". There was, "Mom, look what I discovered" (I love that word "discovered"). Then, after the afternoon buses came, we came in and read Frog and Toad because it's our favorite book right now. I think all that took 6 hours with lunch in between, because really, what else did we really have to do that was that important?

16 February

Our upstairs kids/guest bath is finished! Someday we will change the countertop and faucets, but for now a little paint (in my favorite color) , some new medicine cabinets and some little details look wonderful:)

Love this.

15 February

The other day, Lucas come up to us and said, "guess what?! We are going to have a PAJAUHMA party at school with pancakes!" it turns out he was right and he wore those pajamas the whole day and even walking down to the bus stop to pick up his brother and sister in the afternoon (it was 40 degrees and we were ready to get out the beach chairs!). How cute is this kid.

14 February

Forever can never be long enough for me
to Feel like I've had long enough with you ~Train

Happy Valentines Day to the loves of my life.....

This is good.

This video was funny.....paints a bad picture, is not all true, but still pretty funny. I like the voices.

13 February

And because Bre doesn't ski with us yet, Josh took her on a date to a very special Valentine's Day Princess on Ice show and out to dinner. What a lucky little girl (who has an antibiotic rash AGAIN-poor thing!) !

12 February

Lucy, Lucky kids! They got to go skiing with Gammie and Grampa! The conditions were fantastic, and the warm lodge "beverages" were wonderful. The kids are becoming quite the skiiers, and Josh even took Lucas down the "double black diamond" (I have know idea how he does it). What a fun and amazing day!

11 February

naptime?!?

10 February

After all I posted yesterday I wanted to follow up with it's really important to celebrate all of Breanna's successes in the classroom. Her wonderful Regular Ed classroom teacher was sharing some pictures with me today of Bre in school, snowshoeing, reading, and doing art projects. Here she is on the lap of her, "best" friend. Her teacher said that Bre was the one who was reading to her friend. Just precious, and amazing. What a wonderful group of kids this K class is. I just so enjoy each and every one of them, and what big hearts they have.

About school and special needs stuff

I have a lot of faults....I know I do. I can be dramatic, anxious, hasty, insecure and impatient. I set my expectations too high. This Kindergarten year, it's been hard. I ache inside wondering if I'm doing too little or too much. I wonder what people think of me. I don't know the system or all the people just yet. Gosh, in 6 years I have been through so many ups and downs with this daughter of mine. A year ago, I lost a really dear friend over "stuff", and I know there are a ton of people judging me out there on a daily basis. The people I try not to think about, the friend, that one really hurt.

Recently, a new conflict has come to be with the school, which is really not a big deal, but has turned into one for me. A small little behavior issue that seems to be getting bigger by the day. To make a long story short, I'm starting to lose confidence and It's not a good feeling. We have a large school district, so I assumed when we started here that they have a ton of experience dealing with problems that come up when trying to teach kids with special needs. This team is acting like they have no idea what to do, and then proceeding to take a guess at what to do without even a plan in place. Totally, not what I expected. I expected procedures, plans, and timelines. I expected things to be done, them to be holding MY hand, not the opposite.

You see, I LOVE telling someone (and their boss) what a wonderful job they are doing. I hate confrontation and I hate accusing someone of not doing their job. I see the people who educate my kids as important people in my life. Some of them I have even called my friends. You see this is the problem with me, when It comes to my kids, I expect the best (not perfection, just the best). Tonight I hugged Breanna goodnight for the longest time. She smiled at me, and hugged me back. I whispered, "You and I we are going to get through this school thing, and then onto the rest of your wonderful life...."

The people I try not to think about, the friend, that one really hurt.

9 February

I'm thankful to be home enough to take my kids on playdates throughout their preschool years. An more importantly, It's so relaxing for me to get out of the house, away from all the chores, and have adult conversation during my days. It's therapeutic actually. Lucas and his friend tear up the house yelling loudly, banging, and running like every three year old boy should. Lucas says it's how he get's his "exercise, MOM!" (Sorry about the broken spoon!) Every once in a while they slump down for a rest, or a snack, it's always peeled apples and apple juice. These two are so cute together.

8 February

This week, at Trevor's school all the kids are participating in a storytelling contest. They have to pick a book, or make up a story and memorize it and act it out loud in front of the class. Trevor has been practicing his story every night and every morning while waiting for the bus for two weeks. Trevor knew right away, that he wanted to act out Tacky the Penguin for his story. He said it was because his friend in class did it last year and came in third in the whole school because it was so funny. I think it has a deeper meaning. The book is about a little Penguin who is different. Tacky is " an odd bird, but pretty cool to have around" because he rescues the regular penguins from some hunters. Good choice Trevor, being different IS cool. We're proud of you, and you came in third in your class of 25 students!

7 February

report card time!

2011 Handbook

HANDBOOK 2011

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2010 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

6 February

Superbowl XLV

We are big fans of the Superbowl no matter what team is playing especially the FOOD (that is so bad for you we only eat it once a year). Homemade Chili (steak and sauce....no beans) and cheese over Tostitos or white rice, cookies and milk, Josh's famous sharp cheddar melted over Doritos (salty goodness to him, but really a little gross, those chips can't be good for you, I READ the ingredients), and some good beer to wash it all down. And the Commercials....Trevor's favorite was the Doritos commercial which involved licking a finger and the "baby" commercial (E-trade) and the fact that he got to stay up until 9 PM on a school night.

5 February

Today....

Had some time this morning to clean, change sheets and open windows to let just a little fresh air in. Comfort=a clean house.

An impromptu trip to Friendly's for a vanilla fribble (I haven't had one of those in years).

a trip to Lowe's to FINALLY pick out some paint for the kids bathroom. It has been white since we moved in 4 1/2 years ago and Josh and I aren't big fans of white walls.

a trip to Dick's sporting goods to get Trevor new sneakers, size 2 1/2. I think he just grew into the two size a few months ago!

Pulling out one of my childhood favorite games for family game night. It is so much more fun with 3 plus players.

4 February

I came down stairs this morning to find Breanna sharing (and reading aloud) her favorite book with our dog Lucy. These kids love their dog (and I think Lucy likes being read to, don't you?)

3 February

Tonight....

Trevor's winter concert. The songs were wonderful 3rd and 4th graders together singing and playing their recorders. Trevor even got a drum solo and his artwork featured in a slideshow. It was fun, and best of all Bre and Lucas really seemed to enjoy the whole thing as well. We're so proud of you Trevor!

2 February

Happy Groundhog Day, And happy 8 1/2 to Trevor!

1 February

Hello February.

Today.....

much more snow on the way, ALOT of snow. Snow day tomorrow. At least I got out of working. I had to make it through the grocery store today (a super-crowded grocery store) however with a cranky three year old begging for stuff and having a tantrum while I was trying to check out an enormous amount of groceries. Good times.

And here's one that made me laugh out loud (and please excuse the language)....

MOVED TO NEW ENGLAND



October 1-

Moved to a new home in Vermont. It's so beautiful here.
The lake to the north looks so majestic.
I can hardly wait to see it snow covered.
I'm going to love it here.

October 14-
New England is definitely the most beautiful place on earth.
The leaves have turned all the colors and shades of red and orange.
Went for a ride through the park and saw some deer. They are so
graceful. Certainly they are the most wonderful animals on earth.
This must be paradise, I LOVE IT HERE.

November 10-
Deer season will start soon. I can't imagine anyone wanting to kill such a gorgeous animal,
hope it will snow soon. I love it here.

Those red and orange leaves have covered my yard. Looks like a magnificent
multi-colored carpet. HOW BEAUTIFUL. Raking and cleaning up the yard will
be an opportunity for invigorating exercise in the cool crisp air.


November 15 -
Ah, more leaves and more exercise.

November 18 -
Jesus, still more leaves. Guess it's best to wait until they've all fallen before I rake again.

November 25 -
Finally, all of the trees lost their leaves and today's final raking it's over for this season.
Chiropractor suggested I use a lawn maintenance service next year.
Only four blisters became infected. Should probably remember to use gloves.

November 30 -
What the f--k? Where did all of those leaves come from?
A little wind last night and the lawn is covered again.
Oh well, they'll just have to wait until spring.

December 12 -
It snowed last night, FINALLY. Woke up to find everything blanketed in white. It looks like a postcard.
We went outside and cleaned the snow off the steps and shoveled the driveway. Had a snowball
fight (I won) and when the snowplow came by and we had to shovel the end of the driveway again.
What a beautiful place. I Love New England

December 14 -
More snow last night, I love it. The snowplow did his trick to the driveway again.
I Love it here.

December 19 -
More snow again last night. Can't get out of the driveway to get to work.
I'm exhausted from shoveling. F---ing snowplow.

December 22 -
More of that white sh-t fell again last night. As if dealing with the leaves weren't bad enough, now I've got blisters
all over my hands from shoveling, must remember to wear gloves. I think the snowplow hides around the corner
and waits until I'm finished shoveling the driveway. The a--hole.

December 25 -
Merry Christmas.
More frigging snow. If I ever get my hands on that son-of-a-bitch who drives the snowplow.
I swear I'll kill the bastard. Don't know why they don't use more salt on the roads to melt the f---ing ice.

December 27 -
More white sh-t last night. Have been inside for three days except for shoveling out the driveway
after that plow goes through every time.
F---ing gloves got wet and then froze on my hands. Doctor said it was just a mild case of frostbite, disfiguration
is probably only temporary. Can't go anywhere, car is stuck in a mountain of white sh-t. The weatherman says to
expect another 10 inches of the sh-t tonight. Do you know how many shovels full of snow 10 inches is?

December 28 -
The f---ing weatherman was wrong. We got 34 inches of that white sh-t. At this rate it won't melt 'till summer.
The plow got stuck up the road and the bastard came to the door and asked to borrow a shovel. After I told him
I'd already broken six of them shoveling all the sh-t he pushed into the driveway, I broke my last one on his f---ing head.

January 4 -
Finally got out of the house today. Went to the store to get food and on the way back I hit a damned
deer that ran in front of my car.
Did about $3000 damage. F---ing beast should be killed. Wish the hunters had killed them all last November.

May 3 -
Took the car to the garage in town. The thing is rusting out from all the f---ing salt they put all over the roads.

May 10 -
Moved to The Villas in Green Valley AZ .
I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would ever live in that God-forsaken area of New England

31 January

This boy.

Has been so excited to do his own weaving projects at home ever since they learned this little craft in art at school. Today, he asked to go to the craft store to buy some yarn (yep, you heard it right, he didn't ask for the latest video game, app for the ipod, sports equipment or movie....YARN people!). He was so busy doing this during ALL his free time yesterday that he forgot to eat lunch. It's so therapeutic to have a hobby no matter what your age, especially one where you can make something with your hands and see the results. More than that, I think I just really love seeing him work hard at something he loves. See, they still do teach kids valuable things at school:) I'm so proud of him. Love this.

30 January

One of our favorite little girls is turning three next week. Today, we celebrated her birthday party. One of my favorite things about their family is that they are 100% all about kids having fun over anything else in life (hence the man-made snowblowed huge giant sledding hill in their backyard, and I think last year it was an ice rink). Good times.

29 January

Just a fantastic day out on the slopes for Mt. Abraham's 50th anniversary party (the four of us skied the whole day, both mountains for 20 bucks total). Here's a few things that I've learned about teaching skiing and skiing with little kids

1. Before skiing with any such whiny three year old, downing 1-2 microbrews in the lodge is a must.
2. Never eat lunch at noon.
3. the ski harness is probably the best invention on the planet (even though it's really hard on the knees, it saves your back)
4. bribery with candy......it's good stuff
5. be sure to eat the worst food possible even though your brought your own healthier food (ie red hot dogs, pizza, brownies) and wash it down with another microbrew at snack time
6. with little kids it takes 1-1.5 hours to start enjoying it after you get there and it takes 45 mins to an hour to prepare to leave
7. Just let them sleep on the way home, even if it makes them go to bed later than they usually do.
8. With older kids, it's good to let them develop A LOT of confidence before they take even one fall on a harder trail.
9. If you just get 1/2 of a good fast run down (because you were thinking of yourself for one millisecond and you allowed yourself to speed ahead of them) before you have to pick up a crying kid off the ground, then it was a good day.

28 January

Out of the mouths of babes.....

Lucas: Dad, Can I help you fix the stove today?

J: Well, I'm not sure you will know what to do.

Lucas: I know what to do.

J: How do you know what to do?

Lucas: Because I'm a genius!

27 January

You gotta love winter driving (and walking), and the mud and the sand and the salt and the slush.........

26 January

Somehow....these little electronic devices have made their way into our home and into the hands of our little ones, it was inevitable (and they are kind of cool-I especially like some of the photography apps for the ipod touch, maybe someday, I'll get to have one).

25 January

Dinnertime around here. It's a madhouse (a very LOUD madhouse)....Joy.

24 January

::On Monday, it was a bitterly cold morning, -10.5 to be exact, the kind of cold that freezes your nostrils together and takes your breath away when you step outside.

::On Monday J was traveling, so I got to take an extra day off of work to take care of things at home, it was a good thing.

:: On Monday there was lots of crying in the morning by the littlest which made getting ready for two buses a real chore.

:: On Monday, I had some time to sweat through a great kick boxing class.

:: On Monday, I had a special lunch date with the littlest after preschool at the local coffee shop. He picked a cranberry muffin and a strawberry milk. I picked a curry chicken sandwich on homemade whole wheat bread. We ate and I read him some books I brought from home.

::On Monday, We sat by the stove (which was cranked up almost to the max) and played animals all afternoon

:: On Monday, Liana came over in the afternoon and played games with B and L while I made fish for dinner

::On Monday, the time between the morning and afternoon buses seemed to go by so quickly.

:: On Monday, Breanna got home and watched her Thomas.

::On Monday, Trevor got a ride to swimming lessons. I love that we're old enough for carpooling now (I just read that ages 8-12 were considered "tweens" Really? I have a tweenager?!?)

::On Monday, I felt like I had the strength to be a good Mom and handle whatever came my way,

On Monday, my heart felt happy and full.

journaling inspired by this post.

23 January

Today....was about remembering, a service for our dear Eckart, and Nanny on what would have been her 87th birthday. No one would have guessed the sudden passing of these dear people. But no matter what you do, life, as Eckart always said...."just happens". Both your lives and service to others are so missed.

(Sung to the tune of Edelweiss)

May the Lord, mighty God

BLess and keep you forever,

Give You Peace, perfect peace,

Courage in every endeavor.

Lift your eyes and see his face,

Full of grace and love,

May the Lord, Mighty God,

Bless and Keep you forever.

Shirley T. Prager

January 23,1924-January 12,2007

You will always be in our hearts.

A copy of this poem (old and yellowed) was found on Nanny's bulletin board, this is how she would want to be remembered for it was the giving to others that gave her the most joy.

To Remember Me--A Poem by Robert N. Test

by Robert N. Test, American Poet

Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby's face, or love in the eyes of a woman.

Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.

Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play.

Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week.

Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.

If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses, and all prejudice against my fellow man.

Give my sins to the devil.

Give my soul to God.

If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

things about her that I'll never forget.....

The way she loved her family so much with all her heart and soul, and how she cherished every minute of them

The way she never threw anything away---she saved every plastic cool whip container and every plastic bag

The way she gave of herself, even when it was hard or she was tired.

How she was so involved in her community, church and neighborhood, she had too many friends to count.

The way she always remembered everyone's special days.

Her home cooking, her card playing, her conversation

The way she always sat on the end of the table so she could get up if anyone "needed anything"

HOw she always told everyone how much she loved them and how special they were to her.

How she spent time with me when I was a little girl, teaching me to sew and cook and do girl things (I wish you were here to teach me more things now...)

The way she loved music and played the piano.

The way she hugged and never wanted to let go.

The lunches she packed "for the road"

I miss you Nanny....your life touched mine in so many ways, ways that I am still realizing to this day.

We rejoice you and your long, beautiful and meaningful life
:)

22 January

Today....was all about a new Dance class session, new electronic devices (namely an iPod touch) and working all afternoon with some ladies from our church on a memory scrapbook album with words and photos and memories (one of the most meaningful projects I've ever done).

21 January

I Love you Daddy (even if you are mad at me for licking the bus window)!

AND another snow day today.....I'm convinced it only snows on my work days:(

20 January

Only a three year old would need to sleep in his new light up car sneakers.....

19 January

And Just like that...another workday/school day begins.

18 January

Today, swimming lessons, grocery shopping and SNOW! Unfortunately, when you get to this time of year life does not stop for it anymore. Everyone was out and about trying to get all their to do list finished before the kids got out of school (early!). This boy, is the supreme helper (after he gets his snack, drink and gum) at the grocery store every Tuesday. He's too big for the cart now. When I remember, I make him bring his own money to pay for the gum, just so he thinks that he's not going to get things every time we go to a store (that would be a disaster) . I think I'll miss our little shopping trips when he goes to school.....

17 January

Our first ski trip of this year.

It was Cold...really COLD, 12 degrees cold. We did OK, we had all the gear even hand warmers and boot warmers, and it wasn't windy.

Liana watched Bre all day.

It was Lucas' first time on skiis, he was the cutest little thing. He had ALL his gear on and he was proud...he was a BIG boy. He started out very whiny, then sort of got the hang of it. By the end of the day Lucas even rode up on the chairlift twice, skiing down with Josh holding him under the arms. After we were done however, Lucas had a full out meltdown about having to give the rental skiis back, and then soothed it with the fact that he got to "keep his goggles". He then got a snickers bar for the ride home, but instantly fell asleep with it in his hand.

Trevor is even going too fast for Josh now on only his third time out ever, they took a wrong turn on their last run and had to WALK back on the road to our lodge (there are two lodges) 1/2 a mile, they WERENT happy.

All in ALL, aside from the the driving, the cold, the meltdowns, and the wrong turns .....it was so worth it. Swishing down the side of a mountain, breathing in the fresh air, seeing the moon come out during in the day and taking in that view. I LOVE this sport:)

16 January

Last night, when watching the football playoffs a commercial came on for a video game , Josh said, "Video games, those are a total waste of time, what you need to do is build a luge track in your front yard..." Yeah, Josh and Trevor spent all day building a Luge track in the front yard and if you know Josh, you know it was a really BIG production complete with water from a hose to ice everything down and make it real fast. Well, Trevor spent all day on it, Lucas took a couple of turns with his helmet on (and it was so cute how Trevor helped him), and Bre, well she had to be bribed to take this one and only turn. Good times.

15 January

I get his great magazine called Seeing the Everyday. It is filled with inspirational quotes and essays about the writer's memories and every day lives (no advertisements). The thing I noticed the most is that when people write about their childhoods it is about the things, "we ALWAYS did." " We always went for ice cream on Sundays or we always played games in the neighborhood." Our lives, they have a rhythm. A rhythm of doing the things we love and with the ones we love. Making those the things we "always" do. Whether it's baking bread and kneading it by hand (I call it adding the love) with Mom or building a sledding hill with Dad on a lazy Saturday afternoon. That's what they will remember, I'm sure of it.

inspiration for your weekend

this is a a fundraising campaign....but I still like the photos and the message (and her blog).

And these:

Statistics Turned Upside Down

Mean People Suck

Test of Acceptance

14 January

Sometimes (I know this) I struggle to take a step back. But I know in my heart letting you have the freedom to be who you are is one of the best gifts I can give you. You are all so different, yet the sum of you is what makes our family whole. Who needs Couch cushions to sit on anyway:)

13 January

Today a big meeting, our 7th annual to be exact. Well, I say a big meeting, knowing NOTHING is ever set in stone. No matter how much practice I get at these, I don't know if I'll ever leave one totally satisfied that I said all I needed to say, or that the plan is the best it can be. I don't know if I'll ever leave one without my head spinning, thinking about the people I need to talk to, get advice from or things I need to learn or look up. It's just a sucky process and I don't know if it will ever get any easier or ever be less work. But hey, who said having kids would be easy?

And Exactly one year ago today....My LASIK surgery! It's not for everyone (or without side effects), but It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself.

12 January

Snow Day.

Trevor: I like days off, I like being at home...

Me: Well If you didn't go to school how would you learn?

Trevor: I could teach myself things.

Me: How would you teach yourself the things you don't know?

Trevor: There is alway stuff you don't know.

I love it when you are right (and you say stuff that makes me think......there IS always stuff you don't know), and I love that you like being at home.

11 January

Hives again. Sleepless nights, AGAIN.

This poor child has been through so much in her life (yeah it could be worse), it's just not fair. I can't imagine how this feels....get better soon pumpkin!

10 January

My new favorite, my little iPod shuffle that Trevor gave me (it's his old one). I love listening to stories and "my music". I say, "Mom, I LOVE my iPod." and Most of all, I just want to be like my big brother....

9 January

Thank God we live where we do, these kids love playing in the snow!

8 January

Today.....a whole lot of nothing. I think we're true hibernators. Everything seems to move a little slower this time of year, everyone seems to be on each others nerves a little more. We still have ALOT of winter ahead of us. Right now, this is Our game, me and my boy every night for "special time" Trevor loves getting "his" music set up next to our game. It's fun. I hope he remembers "special time" forever.

7 January

6 January

saying goodbye to some favorite neighbors and friends as they pack up to make the move to Colorado. We'll sure miss them at Trevor's bus stop and for playing soccer and riding bikes after school. Change is hard.

5 January

Just the price of gas and the cost to fill up the van today....it's getting soooo expensive!

4 January

Just our weekly grocery shopping trip after swimming lessons. You make it through with an ipod listening to kids stories, taking you shoes off, eating a lemon Luna protein bar, a slice of cheese and a bottle of V8 fusion.

3 January

And TODAY......

back to the grind of school and work and a little quiet for one mama who gets a few extra days off at home :)

2 January

And every weekend morning in the winter, we walk. Last year, I remember we had two crying little ones on this trail....and this year big kids. The fresh air feels good and we have an exercising start to our day....all 5 of us and one happy muddy doggie:)

1 January

Our traditional morning sparkling apple juice toast and watching the ball drop (that we recorded from the night before.) An awesome walk in the snowy woods (it was so warm today!), a nap on the couch while we watched the parade and leftovers from our yummy dinner from last night. Cheers! and Happy New Year!