Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,


It's been such a busy Christmas season, I've barely had time to "think" about what to write. Every day and most evenings we have something happening. I end up passing out on the sofa by 10:30. I'm writing a "Christmas (New Year's) letter" not only to share what's been happening here, but also to document for ourselves this past year.


Although the season is busy, it is constantly in the forefront of my mind and heart WHO we are celebrating. The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is why we celebrate, why we give gifts, party, and see family. I absolutely love this time of year. We've been blessed with a few extra activities, but it's all been fun. Hubby is staying busy at work, and taking on more responsibility all the time, as his father has partially retired. However, I am blessed that he has stayed true to his family commitments, being there for us whenever we need him. Sometimes that means dropping off the kids at his workplace while I can run some errands, or go to an appointment, or take somebody to dance class. Although I do most of the planning and running, we truly partner in this area. If Hubby doesn't have a meeting, I know I can count on him to help out with the kids.


Picasso is growing up so fast. She's 12, turning 13 in January. She has gone back to school this year...7th grade...and is turning into a most beautiful person. We've had teachers share with us how she is a role model and a leader among her peers, meaning she is making good decisions, and following closely to the Lord. She was on the honor roll first quarter and continues to strive for excellence. Her first love, though, is singing. She began singing in church this past year and a half, and at school she auditioned for a solo in the Christmas program. She was chosen, along with a few other middle school kids, to sing a solo. She sang "My Father's Heart" by Rachel Lampa. She also sang at the adult Christmas cantata as well as the kids program at church. This has kept us very busy. Both girls also danced in the local Christmas parade with their dance studio.



Scout is still very much enjoying his Scout group, and went camping again this summer with his troop. He will crossover to Boy Scouts in the Spring or Summer, and has already said he wants to reach the ultimate goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. This will be a challenge, but I'm glad to see he has goals, and excited about it. He is in his second year of homeschooling, and showing a lot of improvement in all areas. He especially loves reading and math. Legos are his passion, and he will sit for hours to put together his sets of 500-1000 legos. He's getting so tall!! He will be passing up Picasso very soon (she's 5'2, and he's 5'). He also was involved in a Fall Baseball league. He played outfield or second base, and was one of their "lefty" batters. He's had enough of baseball, though, and wants to take this next year off. That's fine with us.

Princess Girl has been doing well with her first year of homeschooling. Most of her best buds are homeschooled anyway, so it's been an easy transition. She's very goal-oriented and loves crossing things off of her "list". She's enjoying dance, but more than anything just loves a good book, family time, and her American Girl doll. When Scout and she do get along, they like the outdoors, too. The trampoline has truly been the best purchase we made for the kids. Princess is growling taller, finally, but still so teeny. She can still give the best hugs, though.

We thank God everyday for our children, and our families. It is such a blessing everyday to be parents, and love these kids. Our prayer is to raise them as godly people, turning their hearts to God in every situation.

NOTE: This note was written after Christmas, I placed it in the "draft" file, and forgot about it. I'm BACK now, looking forward to blogging again and checking out everyone else's blogs.