I decided not to do an "official" Christmas letter this year. Since I started this blog, I thought I would just post a letter here instead. I think it is more fun to have the pictures and videos of everything that has happened over the year as well.
It has been an exciting year. It was a stressful year. But, it has been a year of new things as well.
Ted has been working at Kilgore as a project manager for a little over a year now. He enjoys it and it keeps him very busy. He usually has at least 3 jobs running at a time and he puts countless miles on his truck. We have definitely felt the "pain at the pump" this year.
There have been many Saturdays that Ted goes in to work this year as well. Those Saturdays have caused our major home improvement project to span nearly the year. Last January, we decided to tile our entire downstairs with the exception of the master bedroom. This was going to be a big project since it encompasses about 1,000+ sq ft of tile. So, between working days, we laid tile. I am happy to say it is nearly complete! We have to touch up some trim and then we can cross this off our list! We may never start another project again after this one took so long! ha ha
I guess you could say I had the stressful portion of 2007. Last August, I had the crazy idea to move with my principal to the new, closer-to-home school she was opening. Needless to say, no one would have guessed that the school would be filled to the brim with at-risk kids. I was in a portable building and had special ed as well. The behaviors of the kids were unbelievable. It took everything not to quit before May! So, in July, I resigned and intended to stay home this year. I took a few classes this fall through the local college...business, accounting, income taxes. I really enjoyed them all and it was nice to learn something totally new.
Before Thanksgiving, I was offered a great position at another school in our district. I am at an at-risk school again but the staff is wonderful. The kids are fantastic and the environment overall is so much better. I am an Accelerated Math Improvement teacher. I see several groups of 3rd through 5th graders and we work on improving math skills. I have found I really enjoy the 5th graders the most.
Blake is now in 7th grade. You can tell he is becoming a teenager. He doesn't like to miss school because he might miss something exciting. He is in all Level 1 courses this year. He does very well in all of them. I am having trouble with the homework now because I have to remember math formulas from high school! Blake is also taking Band again. Our dogs don't enjoy the trumpet practice. Blake is also taking Tech Ed (formerly known as shop class) and is enjoying making things. They really make a lot of cool stuff! This fall was also the first time he ran cross country. It was a really fun experience for him and he was always up and ready for the 6:45 am practices. This spring, he plans to run track. In January, he will be taking the SAT along with high school students. He was chosen to be a part of the Duke University 7th grade Talent program. It will be a great opportunity for him to see what the test is like.
Kendall is in 3rd grade this year. She is having a great time at school. She loves to go and has really enjoyed everything about it. One of her teachers was Blake's 3rd grade teacher so that has been a neat experience for her. Kendall is slowly moving into that tween stage. She is really getting into the American Girl dolls and stories. She also loves Hannah Montana just like any other 9 year old! She is still into crafts, art and cooking. She would love to be a chef and helps in the kitchen every chance she gets. We took a break from swimming and dance. Now, she wants to take up golf lessons and after seeing "The Nutcracker" she would like to start back up with ballet. One of her newest interests is history. She has an interest in going to Washington DC to see the sights. We may have to plan a vacation! However, that may have to wait until after we pay for Kendall to get braces! They think she'll need them TWICE! Now I know why I had to go back to work...
We still have two dogs. Lucy is about 6 years old now. She had to adjust to the new puppy. They get along now. Maddy is a little over a year old and is starting to calm down. She is a lap dog and can't stand to be without people.
Hopefully in 2008, we will have a laid back year. We are hoping to plan a vacation to Disney World in June. Other than that, we plan to stick around here. It becomes harder to go places when the kids are older and have activities. Plus, I think they are a little weary from always being the travellers. So, if anyone wants to come for a visit, we are always glad to have you!
Merry Christmas! We hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy New Year!
It has been an exciting year. It was a stressful year. But, it has been a year of new things as well.
Ted has been working at Kilgore as a project manager for a little over a year now. He enjoys it and it keeps him very busy. He usually has at least 3 jobs running at a time and he puts countless miles on his truck. We have definitely felt the "pain at the pump" this year.
There have been many Saturdays that Ted goes in to work this year as well. Those Saturdays have caused our major home improvement project to span nearly the year. Last January, we decided to tile our entire downstairs with the exception of the master bedroom. This was going to be a big project since it encompasses about 1,000+ sq ft of tile. So, between working days, we laid tile. I am happy to say it is nearly complete! We have to touch up some trim and then we can cross this off our list! We may never start another project again after this one took so long! ha ha
I guess you could say I had the stressful portion of 2007. Last August, I had the crazy idea to move with my principal to the new, closer-to-home school she was opening. Needless to say, no one would have guessed that the school would be filled to the brim with at-risk kids. I was in a portable building and had special ed as well. The behaviors of the kids were unbelievable. It took everything not to quit before May! So, in July, I resigned and intended to stay home this year. I took a few classes this fall through the local college...business, accounting, income taxes. I really enjoyed them all and it was nice to learn something totally new.
Before Thanksgiving, I was offered a great position at another school in our district. I am at an at-risk school again but the staff is wonderful. The kids are fantastic and the environment overall is so much better. I am an Accelerated Math Improvement teacher. I see several groups of 3rd through 5th graders and we work on improving math skills. I have found I really enjoy the 5th graders the most.
Blake is now in 7th grade. You can tell he is becoming a teenager. He doesn't like to miss school because he might miss something exciting. He is in all Level 1 courses this year. He does very well in all of them. I am having trouble with the homework now because I have to remember math formulas from high school! Blake is also taking Band again. Our dogs don't enjoy the trumpet practice. Blake is also taking Tech Ed (formerly known as shop class) and is enjoying making things. They really make a lot of cool stuff! This fall was also the first time he ran cross country. It was a really fun experience for him and he was always up and ready for the 6:45 am practices. This spring, he plans to run track. In January, he will be taking the SAT along with high school students. He was chosen to be a part of the Duke University 7th grade Talent program. It will be a great opportunity for him to see what the test is like.
Kendall is in 3rd grade this year. She is having a great time at school. She loves to go and has really enjoyed everything about it. One of her teachers was Blake's 3rd grade teacher so that has been a neat experience for her. Kendall is slowly moving into that tween stage. She is really getting into the American Girl dolls and stories. She also loves Hannah Montana just like any other 9 year old! She is still into crafts, art and cooking. She would love to be a chef and helps in the kitchen every chance she gets. We took a break from swimming and dance. Now, she wants to take up golf lessons and after seeing "The Nutcracker" she would like to start back up with ballet. One of her newest interests is history. She has an interest in going to Washington DC to see the sights. We may have to plan a vacation! However, that may have to wait until after we pay for Kendall to get braces! They think she'll need them TWICE! Now I know why I had to go back to work...
We still have two dogs. Lucy is about 6 years old now. She had to adjust to the new puppy. They get along now. Maddy is a little over a year old and is starting to calm down. She is a lap dog and can't stand to be without people.
Hopefully in 2008, we will have a laid back year. We are hoping to plan a vacation to Disney World in June. Other than that, we plan to stick around here. It becomes harder to go places when the kids are older and have activities. Plus, I think they are a little weary from always being the travellers. So, if anyone wants to come for a visit, we are always glad to have you!
Merry Christmas! We hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy New Year!
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