Oh, so that's how it's going to be 2010, huh? You'll go by really fast, I see. What's that you say? A big snow storm will bless Vermont in your first week? Wonderful! The kids will be filled with joy that their vacation will be extended one extra day? And all the goats will rejoice at the snow piles created by plowing!
And babies who were only sitting just last year will all of a sudden decide to stand on the first of the year! (We lowered the crib right after the picture was taken, don't worry.) (I am speaking to my mother-in-law)
And I will spend days in my robe (because I hadn't done laundry since last year) drinking coffee and vacuuming pine needles?
And in 2010 a white couch's worst enemy will still be a black cat?
And walking into the breezeway in 2010 to find a goat and an alpaca will be the norm?
Oh, and the alpacas will just be getting cuter and cuter?
Ok! I'll take it! 2009 was a doozy for us. Lots and lots of challenges (job loss, incredible financial stress and serious health issues) but also great joys (the birth of our third child and the start of our farm). Greg and I live a life that not many people would choose. We take BIG risks and chances, we always have, but only when we are chasing a common dream and when our hearts tell us what we are doing is right. 2009 put a lot of doubt into our hearts. It felt like one bad thing after another was happening. But we never took it lying down and we never gave up. 2010 is already blessing our dedication to our dreams with new and wonderful work, priceless new friends, relaxation and joy, and the ability to finally start helping others after a year of receiving tremendous amounts of help ourselves.
I am a firm believer that no one should ever put off their dreams or desires. That is what life is all about! I hope your New Year is filled with dreams that are realized and desires that are filled! Happy New Year everyone!
I loved your pictures and your post. I wish You and Yours a Very Happy New Year, and i do hope all of your dreams come true!
Posted by: mare | January 05, 2010 at 10:47 PM
And thank you for the inspiration to follow my dreams. May 2010 continue to find you achieving yours!
Posted by: Kathy | January 05, 2010 at 11:09 PM
Sounds like a perfect beginning. +Chelsea
Posted by: Chelsea Slaven-Davis | January 05, 2010 at 11:46 PM
There's nothing like a snow day to extend a vacation! Happy 2010! Nice post with great pictures. It's nice to see all the kids enjoying the snow.
Posted by: Mary | January 06, 2010 at 06:16 AM
Sounds like the start of a great year! The alpaca are totally adorable.Thank you for the shot of you in your robe, vacuuming...although I love the beauty & inspiration I find in the few blogs I read, sometimes it is nice to see a dose of reality:)
Posted by: jess | January 06, 2010 at 09:22 AM
i chuckled my way through this post. thank you. i sense big changes and big growth this year and i am psyched. bring it on!
Posted by: Leah | January 06, 2010 at 09:22 PM
Thanks Mare! The same to you and yours as well!
Posted by: Abi | January 06, 2010 at 09:34 PM
We are all in this together! I learned from some amazing people that sharing your dream with others is essential to succeeding! I wish the same to you :)
Posted by: Abi | January 06, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Holy Crow, I *love* your blog! Off to read through your archives :) Happy New Year to you and yours!
Posted by: Abi | January 06, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Oh, we love the snow, we better or we seriously picked the wrong place to live ;) Happy New Year!
Posted by: Abi | January 06, 2010 at 09:37 PM
So true. I come away from reading some blogs feeling completely inadequate and dysfunctional. But you know it's all a big mess behind the pretty pictures :) Oh you should see some of the messes we make here!
Posted by: Abi | January 06, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Yes! I am so excited!
Posted by: Abi | January 06, 2010 at 09:40 PM
wishing you a happy new year, keep up the big risks.
Posted by: Monkey Lobster | January 08, 2010 at 08:44 AM
Happy New Year, o Brave Ones. :)
Posted by: karin | January 12, 2010 at 12:33 PM