Its that time of the year again

when we regale you with all the accomplishments of our family in 2012. Actually, most of our accomplishments this year revolve more around what we didn't do rather than what we did.

I (president), for instance, didn't get fired and didn't get sued. I put over 1500 miles on my bike getting to work and back and managed to avoid the sculpted physique that many bikers get.

Alex (supreme dictator) didn't get kicked out of medical school and is now halfway through his third year. He has not yet decided what kind of doctor he wants to be. Any input would be appreciated.

We didn't lose our house and we didn't get divorced. We are happier and more beautiful than ever. We didn't get in any car accidents. I did bounce two checks of my own and one of someone else's. We killed 4 rosemary plants (working on the 5th)  and couldn't get our basil to grow.

Lucy and Lola didn't bite anyone that wasn't family (they almost never do) but bowled over (and probably mortally terrified) a few kids. They are now officially middle aged dogs.

Master Ruben managed to not get arrested.

The chickens and rabbits managed to not escape or get eaten (at least the rabbits that are still alive did not get eaten.)

Ok, a few things that actually did happen to us this year.

We had a great road trip out to Utah/Idaho. See blog post here.

I went all home ec and did some canning and quilting. 

We had a goat roast.

We made a bunch of cakes. See here and here.

All in all, it has actually been a fabulous year and we are so grateful for the many blessings in our life. Most of all, we are grateful to be able to celebrate this special time of year and remember the gift of God's son to the world and to each of us. We wish you all the very best coming year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With love, Katie, Alex, Lucy, Lola, Ruben, Johnny, Frankie, Wasabi, Jadwiga, Yaroslaw, and Bogdana