Ringing in 2010

2010. Can you believe it? And just out of curiosity, when you read "2010", did you say to yourself, "two thousand ten" or "twenty ten"? Just wondering. So here we are at the end of a decade or are we at the beginning of a new decade? Has it really been 10 years since I was hoarding up gallon containers of water at the grocery store because of all the hysteria around the "Y2K" computer bug at the dawn of a new century? If that computer bug caused anymore than a few minor glitches, I certainly didn't hear about it. If anything, I think we sailed right through the turn of a century, and now, 10 years later, the world is, in my opinion, in a lot less stable position. Now I'm hoarding gallon containers of water for fear our economy is going to collapse.

But, despite the difficult times, 2010 is a new year that brings hope for better days ahead. And the new year definitely brings an excuse to have a party! The past couple of years we have celebrated New Year's with the Ericksons at the cabin, but with Janae being great with child (baby due in a couple of weeks) and with Lacey's baptism a couple of days away, a New Year party of the cabin will have to wait until 2011. So this year, Madi hosted a New Year's party of her own with Brad and I as somewhat reluctant chaperones. We were reluctant only because this was our party girl's 2nd party of the holiday season. So - I would say we are pretty cool parents to chaperone not one, but two parties within 2 weeks of each other! Though we were reluctant at first, the party was a complete success and left me ready to host a party just like it next weekend. Madi's guests included siblings from 3 families in our ward - the Trumans, Cottrells, and Messinas, along with Parker Judd. Throughout most of the party Brad and I sat in the dining room putting together a puzzle (we're party animals, let me tell ya!), listening to the kids, which was extremely entertaining.

The party started with an entertaining game of "Would You Rather", which presented some thought-provoking questions to group such as "would you rather have your grandmother's name or her hair cut?" or "would you rather shave your head and eyebrows bald for a year OR wear a really good looking Elvis wig for a year?" Difficult questions, I know.


The best part of the game was the challenge questions when the kids had to complete challenges in order to advance in the game. Here Parker is completing his challenge by having a lovely dance with a mop.


And while the big kids were playing "Would You Rather" in the kitchen, the little girls were playing an intense game of Super Mario Brothers on the Wii (just look at that concentration). Rachel Messina came with her older siblings and Katie invited Meredith to come and hang out with us too.


Meanwhile - Madi had to pass her own challenge - identifying foul-smelling items chosen by the other players. Mmmmm - somebody's sock! I wasn't overjoyed when all the guests started rooting through my refrigerator looking for old and moldy food to put in front of Madi's nose, but was thankful when they didn't find much more than a container of leftover broccoli.

And even though Madi's number-one texting buddy was seated right next to her at the party, her cell phone never left her hands.


"Would You Rather" was followed by a roudy game of "Imaginiff" - and I didn't get any pictures, but I could tell the kids loved it. Things then winded up in front of the Wii for a little bit of "American Idol" playing. Brad and I had some great laugh-out-loud moments as we listened to the boys all sing along to Fergie's "Big Girl's Don't Cry". (please note the extra appendage in Madi's hand - and no, I don't mean the Wii controller)


Right before midnight everyone came into the kitchen to get their drink and toast in the New Year. (Please don't panic, I am not serving Mormon minor children wine - it's sparkling grape juice!)

Rachel Meredith and Katie

The whole group - Harry, Spencer, Parker, Nate, Madi, Mason, Maddy, and Emily (back row)
Rachel, Meredith, Lacey, and Katie (front row)

Friends - I am thankful for Madi's friends who made our New Year's Eve a night to remember.

After the clock struck midnight and the guests all went home, I found these little beauties sound asleep on my bed. A new year has begun.