The Swicegoods
Patti and Allen - Established 1979

The last day of the year is here...time to reflect on all that has happened this past year. 2009 has been a very busy year and a very sad year so it is one that I am glad to see come to an end.

We have lost some family members and friends this year. One of Allen's cousins passed away suddenly and shortly after that a good friend was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died less than a week later. We were especially saddened when Allen's Uncle Bill passed away this fall. He always had a special place in Allen's heart.

I had to have breast surgery last April (but everything was benign). One of my cousins was diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery and has been undergoing chemo treatments all fall. At Thanksgiving, another cousin fell and suffered a severe head injury and has been in a coma since and is not expected to recover. My parents have had several health issues this year but both seem to be doing better now but the saddest part is my Mother's memory issues.

The year has had some very good and happy times as well. 2009 saw some special birthdays as my brother, Wendell turned 50, Sarah's husband, Keith turned 30 and Allen celebrated his 60th birthday! Allen and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary at a very special party.

We also made a trip to Colorado with my parents in August. My Mother was able to spend her birthday with 4 of her 5 children. Denver was the only one who couldn't join us but Mom and Dad had just spent a week with his family in May when his youngest daughter graduated from high school.

Travis and Megan are doing well and enjoying their new home. Sarah, Keith and Alex are also doing well and Alex is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe that he will be 5 in April. We are so thankful that they all live close enough for us to see on a regular basis and spend holidays and special occasions with.

So, as 2009 draws to a close, we are looking forward to new opportunities in 2010 and hope all of our friends and family have a wonderful new year! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas! Blizzard warnings have been issued for the Kansas City area for tonight and tomorrow. Heavy snow (up to 14" expected) and wind gusts to 50 mph. Travis and Meg drove in this morning from Lawrence and Sarah and Keith and Alex came over for a Christmas breakfast and we exchanged gifts in an effort to get everyone home safely before the storm hit. When Travis and Meg headed home around noon Sarah and Alex rode with us to my parents' house with their gifts. They were invited to breakfast too, but Mom wasn't feeling well this morning so they decided to stay home. We didn't linger, just let them open their gifts and then got back home as sleet started falling. Keith had worked last night so he headed home and slept this afternoon. Sarah and Alex decided to spend the night here tonight since Keith is working overnight again. We've been enjoying the fire tonight and watching "It's a Wonderful Life". We hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas!