You may be wondering why I haven't gotten a newsletter our for several months. And you probably noticed that yet again I didn't get very many Christmas cards mailed in time for the holidays. This borchure is a new format for our family newsletter and should help illustrate some of the tremendous events and changes that have been happening in our family over the past several months. We only barely resemble the folks who greeted you last Christmas season. So, sit back, relax, and when you wake up from your nap read this brochure. It will bring you up to date on what's been happening here.

Once upon a time, on a tropical beach far, far away, sat a middle-aged MInnesotan watching her three lovely daughters bobbing in the waves. "THis is our last vacation together as a family before the girls head off to school and their own lives", she thought to herself with a sigh. "By summer I will be all alone."

It was the dawn of the new millennium as well as the beginning of her daughters' transitions to adulthood and independence. It seemed fitting to mark the occasion with this family vacation to Acapulco. She wanted to be there when the girls saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time, sentimentally aware that this was the start of countless firsts she would no longer be planning and share with the girls.

Just then, her reverie was cut short. She looked around with a start. There she sat in the midst of a living room full of kids, cats and toys in the center of snowbound Minnesota. The nest, which is far from empty, now includes two fun and irresistibly cute granddaughters. As she wants to be there when they see the Pacific Ocean for the first time.

Baby girl, Maia Ann, on August 30, 2000 to Natalie and John. Maia smiles readily and jabbers to all who will listen. Maia is still a little tipsy, but plans to be sitting independently in no time. She is a happy baby who brings joy to those around her.

Baby girl, Allison Ann, on December 6, 2000 to Belle and Shawn. Allison arrived three weeks earlier than expected because her mom was very sick. She weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces and was 18 ½ inches long. Belle is still taking medicine to control her blood pressure and she is recovering from the emergency Cesarean section. She started back to work two ½ days per week now and plans to take a class at St Cloud State University spring semester.

The year 2000 marked the first time in a long time this family had "in-laws" with whom to coordinate holiday dinners and opening gifts. For that reason, all eight of us converged on Grandma's house to spend the weekend prior to Christmas as our family holiday.

The first to arrive were Ann, Belle and Allison on Friday evening. The next morning, Samantha and Dan arrived, followed by Natalie, John and Maia. Grandma went all out and even had a real tree! Everyone had a great time; full tummies, sound sleep and a beautiful view of fresh falling snow on the pines.

This proud mother doth hereby proclaim Monday, January 8 to henceforth be known as Nurse Natalie day in honor of Natalie's first day of nursing school. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, everyone is invited to doff her nursing cap for a moment of silence.

Take cover! Aunt Jo got her Christmas cards out on time again this year! Scientists are carefully studying this rare sequential phenomenon. Until the results of this highly sensitive research are made public, proceed with caution when opening seasons greetings. Any envelope you open before Christmas day just might contain Aunt Jo's signature.

In the spirit of family fun and to celebrate the postage rate hikes, everyone is asked to send a card or note to a relative by the end of this month. Let someone know you are thinking of them. (Please do not gloat if you are taking a tropical vacation in mid-blizzard.) It is preferred that you send your post to someone you have not written to for some time. Be sure to save the paper backing from your stamps and bring it to the 2001 Mabry family reunion. The person who mails the most cards and letters to relatives this winter and spring will be honored and win a prize at the family meeting in July. Thank you for your help in spreading cheer and helping to strengthen our family ties.

ANN HITS DEER ON TRIP HOME FROM WORK -or- Hood wrinkles but windshield holds when assaulted by large venison butt roast

SNOW SLED SINKS IN LAKE WHILE SKIPPING OPEN WATER

FUNNY GRAY CAT NAMED BEAR LICKS FROST OFF WINDOWS DAILY

DAUGHTER DISCOVERS JOYS OF SHOPPING ONLINE -or- Old Navy web site sells out of size 6 in record time

ANN TEACHING AGAIN NEXT SEMESTER

BELLE FORGOES SLEEP TO AMUSE INFANT DAUGHTER

ANN CELEBRATES ONE YEAR CAFFEINE-FREE -or- How to sleep better and save money too