Friday, January 1, 2010


"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

A very Happy, Happy New Year to all. We had a laid back New Years Eve. Matt was working. His night was relatively quiet considering it was New Years Eve. Then again, his shift ended at 1 am and the craziness most likely went on after he left. Taylor went to a friends house to watch movies. Not happy with her being out and driving home late so Mark went and picked her up at 12:30 am. Jess hung with us. We made some super yummy homemade macaroni and cheese from her new Barefoot Contessa cookbook. So good. We also made hot chocolate from the book, followed by hot fudge sundaes and figured by then, we had more then fulfilled our fat/calorie intake for maybe the next several days! The boys were in heaven. Wii and board games were played and at 11:45 we turned on the TV to watch the Times Square ball drop. Joe fell asleep within seconds but Jake made it until midnight. Mark, Jess and I stayed up until 2am. Matt came home shortly after and we all collapsed, fat and happy, into our beds.

2010 is here. I am anxious to see what lies ahead for us all. Excited in fact. I look so forward to seeing my life and my children's lives unfold. Oh and my beautiful, beautiful granddaughter Charlotte's. We came home from round 2 last year on New Years day. I re-read that post just a bit ago. I re-visited pictures and it took but a second to tell myself, once more, how absolutely blessed I am to be living in this very moment. Right here. Right now. In years past, I have found myself becoming melancholy as the holidays came to an end. Wishing I could stop time. Freeze frame what ever place we were in. Sad to see my children growing up and not needing me the way they use to. Finding myself scared of change and the uncertainty of the future. No more. One of the greatest gift of this last year has been cancer. Yes,cancer. With that devastating diagnosis, we were brought to the lowest of low and had no way to go but up. We looked to God for our strength and to Zoey to lead the way. We gained the ultimate perspective of what was truly important and that was and still remains the gift of our moments. All of them. Even the difficult ones. So today, as I take down the decorations and pack them away for next year, I will joyfully do so and feel immense gratitude for new beginnings.

17 comments:

Claudia said...

What a beautiful new picture.
What a beautiful quote.

It came to my mind just now, what it is that I always find here. It´s peace. It`s love. A beautiful spirit.

Wishing you all a happy healthy new year. I`ll send you an e
mail later, my friend!

For now, giving you back some of the love you send out, every day.
xo

Gabriela said...

Alles Liebe und Gute für ein gesegnetes neues Jahr.
Danke für deine lieben Worte auf meines Seite!
Gabriela

Reagan Leigh said...

I love the new pic of Zoey! She looks so grown up...and darling.

Stephanie said...

So wonderful!
It's going to be a great year!
Love ya!!!

Anonymous said...

Wishing your family health and happiness in 2010!

San Jose Mom

Stephanie said...

And I forgot to mention, the beautiful pics from Christmas on your previous post,and how gorgeous your blog looks! That picture of Zoey for your header is the best.

Cheri said...

Heather, I just love you! Sending you hugs!

Tish said...

Happy New Year, my friend!!

Oh my gosh, I LOVE the new look of your site. Princess Zoey looks so pretty and happy... and she also looks so dazzling in her Christmas dress, posted in your previous entry. All your photos capture so much joy and love, Heather. It is evident that your little light is shining brightly as she continues to guide the beautiful Needham family into a new year.

The VW's said...

Happy New Year!!!

I love the new blog header! Zoey is just precious!

Love and Hugs!!!

Lacey said...

Love the new blog and the picture is gorgeous. Could that girl have possibly grown that much since August? Sheesh. March 2 is a Tuesday, if you could have her birthday party the weekend before or the weekend after, we will for sure be there!!

julie said...

love your words of hope and love. Sounds like you guys had a great Christmas. Would love to see the book Caitlyn made or your blog. Miss you and Madison does too!
Hope to see you guys soon. Love ya,
Julie and Madison

Googsmom said...

{{{{{{{{{{BIG GIANT HUGS HEATHER}}}}}}}} I love you guys!!!

Scrappy quilter said...

Happy New year to you and your family. I love the new heading picture. Zoey is one amazing little girl, such an inspiration to us all. Wishing you all the best in 2010.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR NEEDHAMS!!! Freshness of spirit steeped in gratitude and wonder. Love the new blog decor and Zoey's photo. Have you been using your new camera??? xo Christi Harman

Jamie said...

OMG can I just squeeze you Zoey! I love the new blog design :) I get so bored with mine..I think I have had every background! lol
Happy New Year :D

Kisses For Noah said...

Happy New Year, my friend! Thank you for reminding me to look forward to the many blessings to come and not dwell on the post holiday blues. Much love and hugs to you!

Tina said...

I wish you and your beautiful family a wonderful new year, yes I too feel that it's going to be a great year, I look forward to what lies ahead, with excitment, unsure yes but positive and full of hope.
I love the new look, so beautiful, you've done a great job with it. And what an amazing picture of Miss Zoey, but then she's beautiful in all her pictures.