At least someone with the last name Manning....

is in the Superbowl. Peyton didn't make it, but Eli did. I had hoped that the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre would win, as they probably have the best chance of beating the hated Patriots. But perhaps Eli and the New York Football Giants will surprise me and kick their butts. Maybe Eli can do it for Peyton!

Some Random Thoughts for the New Year

After a long and enjoyable trip to Florida for the Christmas holidays, we have returned to freezing Nashvegas (although it's supposed to climb into the 50's tomorrow). Several thoughts to share as we begin the new year:

1. Christmas is so much more fun with a toddler. Ella loved every present that she opened, even the socks and underwear! We also enjoyed the fruits of reading her a new book "The Fruits of the Spirit" in which she learned that patience means waiting your turn. She patiently waited while other family members opened pictures. What an angel. While at my aunt's house, there were 17 members of our extended family. Before going to bed each night, Ella gave a kiss and a hug to every person in the house. She is a very loving child!

2. Brad and I made it to see a movie, without paying a babysitter (which then makes a 2 hour movie a $40 event). We saw Juno, which neither of us were sure about. But, it was incredible. All of the reviews say that it had quick and witty dialogue and it really did. It is a little racy, but we thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

3. The 2008 elections have started! Tonight, Brad and I have the T.V. tuned to C-Span as we watch the interesting event that is the Iowa Caucus. How cool would it be to live in Iowa and get to participate in this awesome portrait of a democratic America. If you haven't taken the time to watch it before, you're missing out. In precinct 53, it looks like Obama is going to win. The only question is what will happen in the rest of the night and the next few weeks.

4. It's one of my favorite times of year, NFL playoffs. The Colts, having earned a bye, will sit out this week, but there's still plenty of excitement to be had. It would be even better had the Giants pulled it out on Saturday night and kicked the Patriots butt. I hate the Patriots and if they make it to the Superbowl, I might just puke.

I head to California next week for a Pastor's conference, and I'm excited to support my pastors, spend some quality time with some of my closest friends, and enjoy the California sunshine :) Until then...