For a few days now I've been trying to decide whether or not to write a summary of 2007.  I looked back on last year's review and loved reading it, already having forgotten some of the events of last year.  So, if for no other reason than it serves as memory for me, here is the recap of 2007:

- After two years with our nanny, we parted ways and the kids now go to a home daycare.  It's working out well - the kids like it, I think it's good for them to get out of the house, and once we even left the house on time.
- Both of the kids started pre-school this year.  Martin at Montessori and ECFE, Sophie at ECFE.  They both love it, and I think they're learning a lot.  Plus, they are making friends and having fun - two of the best parts about branching out of our home.
- Three years ago I worked full time.  Last year I went to part time, which turned out to be about 20-24 hours a week.  This fall, I went to super-part time, planning to work two days a week.  Since then, there have been a lot of exceptions and I've been working a bit less than planned.
- We had a medical year.  I had laser eye surgery, Marty spent time at the Mayo, and then had his hip replaced.  The kids were a breeze.  I'm hoping for continued and improved health in 2008.
- This summer we painted the deck, transplanted some hastas, split some flowers, thinned out the front garden, and conquered the ants.  Maybe next year we'll beat the crabgrass.
- I stripped wallpaper in three rooms and had them painted.  I hated the color in one, then out of laziness and indecision I made the decision to like it and decorated around it. 
- I discovered the pure joy that is cream in coffee.  I broke my own rule - trying a new fat-filled additive when I like the plain version just fine.  For example, I've never had a baked potato with sour cream on it.  I know I'd love it, but I like a plain baked potato just fine so why mess things up?  This was how I always felt about cream and sugar in coffee.  After a party this fall, I had some cream left over and thought I'd just try it to use it up.  And - IT WAS SO GOOD.  I've tried to wean myself off of the delicious elixir by switching to half and half, moving onto fat free flavored creamer.  But they're not the same.  They're not as good.  So why bother.  I've made a compromise with myself - one cup with cream, the rest black.  If you can't bargain with yourself, who is left?
- I only entered one recipe contest this year, but it was the mother of them all.  The Pillsbury Bake-Off.  No luck this time.  But I didn't really expect to make the cut with my recipe this time, there are too many steps.  It was good, but I don't even feel like making it again.  And that's a bad sign.
- Marty and I went on two trips this year without the kids.  Once to London to bask in the glow of Sevda's newly engaged face.  Once to Napa to bask in the glow of Sevda's newly married face.  Both trips were wonderful and deluxe.
- We took a few small trips to hotels and resorts with the kids this year - the main attraction at each being the pool.
- And of course, there is the camper.
- I lost nine pounds this year.  Marty lost probably forty, now weighing what he did when he was in high school.  It hardly seems fair.
- I hosted three baby shower/momma parties this year and saw three new babies join our family.  Baby Anna, Little Maddyn (with whom I now share a birthday), and my favorite boy Miles - so many shrimps to share the table with my own.  There is one more baby on the way - set to arrive in Arizona to Jeff and Rachael sometime in February (Sophie says another boy).

Here's to 2008 - may we share lots of good meals and time together.

Planned for the table tonight: Rib-eyes, crab claws, Hasselback potatoes, creamed spinach, mocha pudding cake.
Actual meal on the table tonight: Noodles, pop tarts, mocha pudding cake.