Thursday, January 3, 2008

To a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

What a year it is starting out to be! Paul's dad bought all the kids new refrigerators for Christmas! We are so excited around here! We've not ever had a good fridge, or even one that suited our needs! Now we will move our old 18 cu ft. one out to the garage and have the new 24.8 cu ft. fridge in our kitchen. It is like a new baby is coming!!!!! Just kidding!
We all had a fabulous Christmas this year. We homeschooled for only a couple of weeks and then spent time shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and decorating. I got the house decorated, cards out and shopping accomplished with very little stress. This year was actually enjoyable, which is exactly what God envisioned!
We decided to make an annual event of our Christmas day open house. It was so wonderful to have guests wander in throughout the day to share the joy!
We all made jokes that anyone wanting to break in and steal gifts would be sorely disappointed as my kids are so happy with the simplest of items. Lauren's favorites, of course were the "chain with hooks" (everyone was joking about that one...but she wanted to hang her stuffed animals up and I told her about this, so this was the first item on her list) and of course her can of olives. She did put in a late request for a chocolate St. Nick. I did manage to find some10 inch ones at Walgreens.
Kimberly got a tricycle that she absolutely loves! It has a parent handle on the back that steers and pushes, so once it warms up we will take it outside. Thus far, she's just been pushing her new Barney around...that in itself is a story! He must be considered "out" now as it was very difficult to find him! I ended up having to buy him online after ToysRUs, BabiesRUs, 2 Walmarts and 2 Targets failed.
Stephen got a nice fishing pole and a bow and arrow, Rebecca a pair of skates, which the neighbor friend got as well, so they skated for probably the first three days after Christmas! Megan got a Hannah Montana doll, and Katherine got a new coat and bookbag...no electronics here!
My dad sent money so I picked up the kids and took off for Shreveport for three days. The kids got to see several of their old friends (as did I) and I also got the paint touched up, the air filters changed and the house cleaned and polished. Now, we just need to keep praying for the right renters!
Good news also came yesterday! Our van scout called and he found us EXACTLY what we wanted in Nashville at auction. He made a deal with a dealer friend of his to buy it and hold onto it until we get our house rented and can afford to get it. It is Pewter (not white), 12 passenger with sliding door, 2007 for $17,500! The kids are excited that soon they can spread out!
The kids went back to school today. They are all a little sad to be leaving their family behind again. Katherine will show up to a whole new schedule as we insisted last semester that they move her to a more accelerated program. All her teachers agreed, so the counselor was to be working on it on the last day of school. Stephen's testing will hopefully be this month and we can get him some challenging work. He is so bored and hates school. I keep hoping something will peak his interests so he isn't detesting school.
Rebecca and Lauren started back homeschooling on Monday and were really fighting me, but with everyone else back it should now be easier.
Megan is looking forward to seeing her friends again. She ended the year on a happy note as we found out she might just pass sixth grade.
Now it is time to gear up for the Pinewood Derby on the 26th of this month, as well as their piano recital....I'm praying the two do not coincide at the same exact time. In Shreveport the PWD started early and lasted ALL DAY, but if you lost you got to go home. Paul may end up carting Stephen back and forth; we'll see.
Well, I need to get some laundry going so I can heat up the house...yesterday it was just 10 degrees with wind chill...we ran laundry all day. Paul set up this little dry vent thing that vents the hot air back into the house. It is very effective at heating the house and restoring humidity.
Have a blessed day!
Kris

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Family Picture 2008

Family Picture 2008