Mouth By Southwest

Happy New Year, all!

It's Jan. 6...are you still sticking to your New Year's resolutions? I rarely make resolutions, because I don't usually follow them for longer than a few days. But this year, instead of resolving to go to the gym every day or swear off fast food, I'm going to resolve to make myself a better person. I would like to be more useful, more generous and an overall better human being in 2009.

As a part of this year-long journey of self-betterment, I've decided to give blood regularly and the Grundy chapter of the American Red Cross is going to help me do just that.

Starting Monday, the local office at 117 W. Washington St. in Morris will host a monthly blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of ID are required at check-in. All blood types are needed. For more information, contact the local Red Cross chapter at 815-942-1046.

Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to help save someone's life; all you have to do is show up and have a seat!

It's Jan. 2 and Morris Hospital has yet to see the first baby delivered in 2009.

No worries, I just got a call a couple of hours ago that a mother has just gone into labor. So Morris Baby 2009 is on the way.

Keep your fingers crossed for the poor women that she doesn't have a 24 hour labor.

Once we get word that he or she has joined the world, we will have a full story for you so keep your eye out.

You can read about Joliet's first babies here.

It's been more than a month since Amanda Jahn and her two children were killed in a fatal crash allegedly caused by a drunken driver.

The Grundy County State's Attorney's office is pushing along trying to give Josh Jahn, the surviving husband and father, some closure.

Also working hard is the public defender's office. Both offices were in court Thursday arguing over the release of the accused, Ann Marie Getz's medical records from the day of the accident. Click here to read the latest.

For the first time since Getz has begun her court appearances, Josh Jahn came to court Thursday. He sat in the front row directly in front of Getz's view.

A few rows back sat Lawrence Dingess, Getz's fiancé, who has been at every court hearing.

In need of some holiday spirit? Could you use a good holiday carol?

The Morris High School Madrigal Singers are your perfect fit. OK, I've never heard them sing myself, but I have no doubt that their vocal stylings will do nothing, but please.

So gather the family and head out for a night of holiday cheer. Below is a listing of when and where the Morris Madrigals will be.

There is nothing better than a Christmas song to get you in the spirit of family, giving and tradition at this time of year.

Whether it is on the radio in the car, pouring out of department store ceiling speakers or even during commercials, Christmas songs just make me smile and sing along.

But do people sing Christmas carols live anymore? I don't mean in church or during school programs, but at your front door like they always show in Christmas movies?