2009 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Out with old and in with the new. Now that the oh, so crazy year of 2008 is over, I was hoping to take a more relaxed approach to the upcoming year. So far, not looking so good. My resolution is to get back on track with this website and my family website. I am trying to get back in touch with the life I once used to know-it just seems to get crazier instead of slower!

I will start with the most recent news...Alayna tried out for the Girls' Basketball team and she made it! She's very excited and we're very proud of her. Her BFF, Mackenzie made the team too so hopefully they can make each other look good. She has never played before (other than in gym class) but she is like her dad and picks up things quite easily, especially when it has to do with sports. Her schedule will definitely keep all of us running. Practice and games will take up 4 nights a week. She also was on the cross-country team this year and really liked it. Again, something she'd never done before, but tried it anyway. Below is her picture from cross country. That's all I can give to you now because she still hasn't received her school photos yet. There was a big screw-up--long story. She also got her own digital camera for Christmas (nicer than mine) and takes MANY pictures of herself, her friends, and anything else that moves. I've included a picture of her & her Uncle Artie at Christmas. I guess she's not so little anymore.

Devyn doesn't have much going on with her. She is up to her usual story writing and her numerous craft projects. Santa brought her a student desk and is hoping that will give her the opportunity to create some amazing stuff. She is doing fantastic in school as expected. One of her classmates said to me that he thinks she's the smartest in the class. That was quite a compliment to her. She has a new BFF that is in her class so it makes it easy for her to hang out with her. Her name is Emerson and they are two peas in a pod. They have the same sense of humor and have the same temperment. They are both the youngest sister and they are good for each other. Devyn helps me a lot with the boys. When someone needs to snuggle, she is there. She is anxious for spring because she loves to be outside and needs to get some "winter" energy out instead of running all over the house. She's such an acrobat! Here is her 3rd grade school picture from the fall.

In no particular order, here's the update on Molly. She lays low during the winter, but seems to keep her social calendar full. Her friend Sarah lives close and they hang out or talk on the phone quite a bit. She happens to live across the street from Alayna's friend Mackenzie. Santa was "creative" with his presents for her too. Molly said that Santa would know what she wanted. Ugh! You ask and so you shall receive...she got a boatload of "school stuff". The basement is set up like a little classroom and she got more stuff for an actual classroom. She even got a teacher's planner book, hall passes, notes from the principal, etc. Seemed to be a real hit. Her other favorite gifts were her soft robe/slippers and an electric blanket. The kid is ALWAYS cold. I think that she'd take her blanket to school if she could. Molly is always a help too. She is growing up and I feel like I'm missing it due to the busy schedule around here. Time to change it. I know Molly expressed interest in running for class President next year and has informed us that she would like to go to Harvard for college. I guess between her love for teaching, history of Presidents, and her craving for knowledge will get her into teaching or something along those lines. Here is her 4th grade picture.

We spent our Thanksgiving at Jon's sister's house. Christmas was very eventful and had the chance to spend Christmas Eve at my Grandma's, Christmas Day with my Aunt, Uncle, cousin, brother, my mom and her friend. I worked New Year's Eve at the restaurant and then we had Jon's parents & his sister's family for a very nice dinner. We even used our china and crystal wine glasses. That was the 2nd time we've used them since we got them as a wedding gift! Ha! It's definitely a far cry from paper plates and plasticware!

Jon & I are doing well. Busy as usual. He is working and playing Mr. Mom when I go to work. He's the best! The kids and I are lucky to have him. I am still wotking at the restaurant 4 nights a week and work out 2 of the other nights. My resolutions this year are to get back on my weight loss regimen and to get some "projects" done that have been set aside for awhile. I'd also like to spend a little more "quality" time with everyone as a family.

Here's just some random (fairly recent photos) of the kids. There's no way to catch up for the last 3 months, but here's a shot.

Molly, Devyn, & Alayna on their way to dinner & to see the Nutcracker.

Dominick taking all of the credit for the gingerbread house. The only thing he did was help to eat it!

<> Anthony playing peek-a-boo.

Anthony & Devyn at a birthday party. It was the boys' first friend party.

Christmas Day: Molly, Mom, Alayna, Arthur, & Devyn

A self portrait of Alayna wearing the "benefits" of cousin Wendy working at Victoria Secret.

Alayna & Dominick hanging out.

That's all for now...hope everyone had a great holiday. Love to all and please remember to keep in touch. s.bilich@comcast.net or you can catch me on http://www.facebook.com/. I also post pictures on there too.