You heard me right, finally the time has come to get these Cataclysm alpha and beta phases rolling. I'm more interested in the beta, since we'll be in on the action, however typically that occurs shortly after the F&F alpha is over with, so it won't be long now! Zarhym, one of WoW's Community managers had this to say:

Yes, we can confirm that the Family & Friends phase of the testing process for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm has begun. The closed beta test phase has not yet started, but we will provide updated information when it does.

Just be wary of scam e-mails. They'll take advantage of people hoping to get into the alpha and/or beta. The beta phase has NOT started yet, and the F&F alpha is only for those invited by Blizzard employees. So if you see any e-mails saying you've gotten in, I would either delete them immediately, or e-mail Blizzard directly and ask them about it - all before clicking on anything or entering your log-in information in on any site. That was your friendly Public Service Announcement for the day.