Thank you for posting and telling us. I'm so glad it went well and you are all getting along better now. 2010 will be a better year for your family.

What did you end up serving? Old family favorites? New discoveries?

I served: baked ham bbq meatballs
scalloped potatoes baked beans
cauliflower salad pear salad perfection salad
veg and relish trays
mt, dew apple dumplings many many assorted cookies
We had a great time!

That sounds like real comfort food. I know your family enjoyed it.

My daughter makes us a small scrapbook each year with family pictures she's taken during the year. Actually she makes such a scrapbook for each of our immediate family (4). They are a real keepsake and not too expensive (but they do take a lot of planning and time to assemble).

This year we gave our grandkids season passes to the local children's theatre. That means we'll have 4 planned "outtings" with them during the next year. (And their parents will have 4 afternoons "kid free".) We also bought them a scooter to share at our house. More toys they don't need.

My dad buys whatever he wants whenever he needs it. This year I fixed him up with a snack sack - crackers, nuts, candy, cheeses, summer sausage, etc. I also tucked in a pair of slipper socks. He should be set for the New Years Day ballgames!