Our House

“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”

President Ronald Reagan

January 18, 2009

Greetings from Snellville!

Nearly three weeks into the new year and we’re finally posting a 2008 Christmas letter to the family blog. A few friends emailed or called with messages after Christmas lamenting the annual Glaser year-in-review. What we did not want to do was send a laundry list of everything Witt accomplished this year or burden you with an economic sob story. By September 2008 we were already praying for a better 2009 – commercial real estate started feeling the economic crunch fall 2007 and we were tired. So with a little time to reflect between the old and new year, we decided for posterity’s sake, we needed to chronicle the success of surviving 2008!

In March Witt turned one and we celebrated with a Bubble Bash. Our little one crawled for a few days and then started a mad scoot that was outrageously quick. We were in physical therapy from May until September; hats off to our therapists, Ms. Karen and Ms. Cicely, who tirelessly worked with our little guy two and three times a week. On September 30^th Witt walked for the first time at 18½ months and has not stopped; we rejoice. He has a wonderful sense of humor and is quite affectionate. Witt and Ilene have a unique connection; he calls her both “Sissy” and “Iween.” Like most children Witt is curious; he is constantly asking his favorite question, “Was dat?” On the last day of school in May he said “tanks” for the first time and continues to be a little gentleman. We realize that his brain is a sponge; daily it absorbs all the information it can hold – then he sleeps.

Marc is still with Atlanta Commercial Real Estate Services; thus far in 2009 he has signed more listings than all of 2008 – we are thankful and trust the opportunity will continue to present itself. Tammy is in her eighth year at Berkmar High School teaching all sophomore classes in a trailer. Life has a way of traveling full circle right back to where we started – hopefully a bit more enlightened. In October the Washington County High School class of 1988 gathered for a wonderful 20^th reunion celebration; where has the time flown?

An election year is never dull; this one actually started in 2007, a year before the primaries. What an emotional fight to the finish! Senator John McCain was gracious in concession and President-elect Obama will take his oath of office in forty-eight hours. This is an exciting time to be an American; we must tighten our economic belts, support our troops and pray for the new administration. May we not grow complacent after 7½ years without a terrorist attack at home.

Glaser Annual Review: Our family gives four paws up to The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Sarah Gruen’s Water for Elephants, and Joyce Carol Oates’ Black Water; Witt will do a happy dance for any ABC board book and Rufus Butler Seder’s NY Times best seller Gallop. In addition we applaud the movie Vantage Point, the SciFi show Battlestar Galactica (Marc) and NBC’s coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics (Kudos to Michael Phelps and Team USA!)! For two years running the following have not changed: We always look forward to USA Network’s Monk and Psych and the TNT drama The Closer as well as Disney’s Little Einsteins and Noggin’s Jack’s Big Music Show. Like the rest of America the words ‘google’ and ‘bailout’ have become a part of our daily vernacular.

Remember our troops who boldly protect the freedoms we enjoy daily as Americans! We wish you quality time with those you hold dear. From our hearts to yours -- peace (of mind), love and opportunity in 2009!