HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The past year has been a roller coaster ride for us. Some ups, some downs, and a lot of twists and turns. We started off the year having a lot of fun skiing. With good weather at the right times we were able to head to the slopes several times. We also got a little sledding in too. It is always fun playing in the snow... especially when you don't have to shovel it! Mom and Dad came for a visit and we got to spend time with family we just don't see enough. In spring we spent time camping with friends I have known since I was a little girl. Now, our kids are building friendships with their kids and creating their own memories. When summer came we took time off and traveled back east with the kids. We saw so many wonderful things and had a great time exploring together. While in upstate NY we had a mini family reunion with my mothers side of the family. The kids got to meet their second cousins for the first time. They all got along great and had fun together. They even spent a day at a local water park. Another highlight from that trip was spending time on the lake on Mom and Dad's boat, especially when Aunt Susan and Theresa brought out the jet skis. Up to this point our roller coaster ride was going along nicely. We enjoyed the fast pace and the rolling hills but when we returned from our summer vacation the ride quickly hit the summit and we had to buckle up and hold on because things were about to change. When we got home Rick found out his employer was moving him to an office on the other side of the valley. With that came a 100 mile commute in rush hour traffic daily. This meant no more coaching the kids sports teams, less teaching opportunities, and a lot less time with the rest of us. He was not happy and we both knew it was time for him to look at other options. Thankfully, he received several offers for employment in just days. The only problem, they were all out of town. This was a hard decision for us to make. We finally we came to the decision it was time for him to move on. We listed the house and prepared for a lot of big changes. While it hasn't been easy we can look back now and feel confident it was the right decision. In the midst of all this upheaval wonderful things were happening with the kids. Ricky was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, he joined the drum line at school and he made the football team. His football team went on to be undefeated and became division champions. He also began volunteering at the environmental center. Kerri started fifth grade with a bang and is doing great. She joined the choir again this year and has added K-kids to her extra curricular activities. K-kids is an organization of kids helping the community. She is following in her brothers footsteps and playing percussion in band. Matthew is in first grade and is reading well above grade level. He is a perfectionist and seems to be liked by all. He has made several new friends this year and in the next few weeks he will begin playing another season of soccer. Jason completed his second semester of preschool and has grown by leaps and bounds. He is such fun to be around and keeps us on our toes. It amazes me how independent he is and it's hard to believe he will be 4 soon. Now, with the economy going downhill it has taken some pressure off of us to sell the house and move. It is not easy for Rick having to commute out of town, but his shorter work week and his ability to work here in town several days has made our situation easier to handle. Right now we are just happy that Rick has a job (both of them) and the kids are doing well. We are constantly reminded by watching the news, reading the paper and talking with others that we are very blessed. We are looking forward to the new year. To all our friends and loved ones: Have a wonderful holiday season and may 2009 bring you lots of happiness!