What a fabulous way to ring in 2009!

Hey I don't think 2008 was a stellar year for anyone, so all the more reason to bring in 2009 with utter Joy. That's exactly what we did at SadieDey's for our 3rd annual New Year's Pre-Eve party. This may have been our third NY's event but it was the first one I got to truly enjoy and I have my new Event coordinator Misty to thank for that experience. Instead of rushing around as the frantic hostess, I poured some of my secret bubbly stash (shhh) and got to dance to Asheba with my kidlets and catch up with old and new friends. In other words I got to attend my own party rather than run it. I highly recommend this wonderful demotion to any of you hosting big parties in the new year. Try to get a chance to enjoy your party and see if you can find someone else to actually organize it. I'd recommend Misty but she's mine now so you'll have to find your own "party angel".

The best part of the night for me was seeing Miss Sadie, who has yet to participate, even minimally, in any sing-a-long event I have EVER taken her to, step up to the mic and sing her ABC's with her dad and her idol, ASHEBA. I could not even believe my eyes, or ears. This girl is completely nutso around friends and family, but totally shuts down in a crowd. I was so very proud of her for being so brave.

After every kid won a prize, all the meatballs and cucumber cups were gobbled, and the clock neared 6pm, we counted down to midnight (somewhere in the mid-Atlantic ocean I guess) and welcomed in 2009 with open arms and open hearts. Happy and Healthy New Year's wishes to everyone.

Susan Older-Mondeel is the founder of SadieDey's Cafe (formerly known as tumble & tea). Sue wanted a community place where she could enjoy her children and enjoy herself, preferably with a strong coffee in hand. Where was this common ground for children and the weary adults who love them? Well it was in her head and in her heart and now at 4210 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland CA. Check it out at www.sadiedeyscafe.com or call 510-601-REST (7378) SadieDey's Cafe-You've gotta eat, Kids gotta play!