I realize I’ll be seeing all of you tomorrow at the family Christmas party, but I wanted to publicly tell each of you how much I appreciate and value your friendship and love. Yeah, I know, I know. Mushy. But people always talk about what a husband and wife must do to keep the fire burning and one thing that never gets mentioned, at least very often, is extended family. I can honestly say that all of you feel like true family to me and I think that’s because we’re all friends. I’ve told Sandy on several occasions the friendship I feel toward you isn’t because of obligation. It’s real and I think we could all be friends if we weren’t connected via marriages. It’s something I treasure and hold dear. So, honestly, thanks.
Also, thanks for making this site so fantastic. I love the banter that goes on between us. So far we have 195 posts and, even better, 822 comments. Keep it up.
Lastly, one small item of business for 2007.
I know we’ve had some issues with photos loading and photo size and some confusion in that arena altogether. Another concern is oftentimes the homepage takes an extremely long time to load because of how many pictures are uploaded in a post. I don’t want to discourage people from posting pictures because that’s what this blog is for, however, here’s my idea:
Write a post and put one picture on the post to “tease” and then upload the rest to a Flickr account I created for the family. You can access Flickr by going to Flickr.com and signing in with the username fredoteabaggins and the password norman32. From there, it’s quite simiple. Just go to upload photos and then put the link in your post. I’ll do a sample post to illustrate what I mean. Some other cool things about Flickr are the ability to add notes inside the picture (I’ll illustrate) and the not-so-good thing is that if we want unlimited bandwith and uploads every month, it’s $24.95 per year. However, split between eight households that equates to 26 cents per month, which, I pray, everyone can manage. 
Hopefully you all think this is a good idea. If not, please email your complaints to crymeariver@youhavenochoice.com.
Just kidding. I love all of you.
I don’t see why we can’t just post pictures like we have been. The page doesn’t take THAT long to load….sorry but that is how I feel……I love you though and appreciate all you do!
I will do what ever. I liked the comments in the picture it was quite fun! It might make the blog quicker to load each time also without so many pictures I mean.
Hey, Sandy - go do the dishes!
Hey Andy…only JJ can get away with a joke like that you little silly. I too…think you rock and am glad that I have you and each member of the family as my friends. Lots of love!
Us old folks hate a change. I just got used to the blog. It might take a little to load but with Flicker you would have to go to a second program. I do like some of the features. I like creating a slide show. Maybe we could compromise and if you have up to three photos - put them in the blog. 4 or more you go to flicker and create a slide show.
We love you too, Andy. You’re so awesome. We do have a great family. I love all of you. It is so neat that we all get along so well. I, too, know families, not even extended families, who don’t get along well. It is a blessing. I know we’re not perfect and we have our issues, but I love you all.