Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! The wonders of modern science never cease, and we are keeping up with the times--our own personal website Christmas card! This sure beats the process of doing cards by hand. At least the Christmas card is out near Christmas, instead of Valentine's Day!

It’s the time of year that we reflect on our family and the blessings we have received. This has been a particularly difficult year for us as one of our family members has chosen to take a different path. We are sad, but we have been learning to adapt. We have so many things to be thankful for, and that is what we try to focus on each day. We look forward to a fresh New Year with all of the excitement and possibilities that it holds in store for us.

The children are growing much too quickly. After homeschooling since Scotty was in Kindergarten, part of our changes have necessitated the children go to public school. After a period of adjustment, they are doing very well. We have children on the principal’s list and the honor roll, and we are very proud of their progress.

Scotty (17) is a Senior and Kyle (16) is a Junior. They attend both early morning seminary and high school. They have both joined the Wrestling team and love to have practice matches with the children at home. They love to drive and have to take turns at the wheel of "their" car. They keep trying to get rich enough so that they both can have one, but fortunately that won't happen any time too soon! They each have managed to receive their first speeding tickets. That won't be happening any time too soon either, if they both know what's good for them! Kyle just received approval for his Eagle Scout project and will be completing that early in 2005. Scotty has his project in mind, but still needs to get the paperwork done and approved. They are growing stronger and more handsome, and do a great job helping to keep life on an even keel at home. Well, mostly!

Timothy (14) and Jesse (12) both attend the brand-new middle school. They tolerate being educated, but they would much rather play games online and compete with the neighbor kids. Timothy still has his outstanding sense of humor and can manage to turn around almost any situation with his quick wit and a winning smile. Jesse insists that he has the best physique of the boys and is happy to try and prove it. Humility is not currently in his vocabulary, but he is number one in performing his household responsibilities.

Annika (11) and Jared (9) attend the elementary school and both excel in all of their classes. Nikki is definitely the teacher’s pet! When her teacher had to be gone for a few days, he not only left a note for the substitute, but he left one with instructions for Nikki as well. She and Jared are going to be trying out for a musical in January. Jared is working on his Bear Scout award, and once he earns that, Mom will be up to 41 Mother's Pins and still climbing. Jared works hard both at home and at school, and he is a very important part of the family.

Aimee (6) goes to the Primary school and is 1st grade. She is also doing very well learning to read and write, although she would rather stay home with Mom. She loves to ask a lot of questions and enjoys playing with her sisters. Bonnie (3) is much too smart for her own good. Her sense of logic is amazing and she even manages to outfox Mom sometimes. Both Aimee and Bonnie love to sit on mom's lap and rock, and Mom enjoys her quiet time with the girls.

I took a job in the Spring as an office manager and did very well after being out of the workforce for sixteen years. When the younger kids started struggling with mom gone, I had to make some decisions. In July, I started my own PhotoVideo and Web Design business. As with most new business, things are moving slowly, but showing signs of good success. I have several websites that are in varying stages of development. The biggest one is Keith Anderson's, which is up to over 200 pages, in English, Spanish, French, German, and now, Russian. I have enjoyed working closely on this project with Keith. (He is now learning to do his own new website, and is progressing very well!)

The next exciting project I am involved in will be in 2 weeks. Murfreesboro is having a "Polar Bear Plunge" in January, and the manager of the Sports Com has asked me to be the "official photographer." They are going to have an "I survived" backdrop and someone dressed up in a polar bear suit for pictures. They are even going to have foam floating icebergs in the pool. Fortunately I will be very busy and will not have to worry about jumping in the ice cold water! I will set up packages to be ordered, and will collect payments that day. There were 120-130 attendees last year, and this year they are expecting even more. I'm scared, yet excited!

I've also done some venturing out into the community. I recently completed our city's Citizen's Police Academy, which was excellent. I am also working on a "Meet Your Community" video for LaVergne. I have interviewed four principals, the mayor, aldermen, the County Mayor, firemen, police officers, city board members, community business owners, and have taped tons of activities and events. It looks like I may even be appointed to the new city historical committee. The city higher-ups have asked me to send copies to the State Representative, US Representative, and Senator for our county, and also the Governor. They have been seeking a lot of new economic development and are looking forward to the video helping to attract some new businesses to our community. Wow! I have learned so much about the inner workings and politics of our city since I became involved with doing the video. It has done wonders for my self-esteem, too! We have been blessed with so many absolute miracles that I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that Heavenly Father is watching over us, protecting us, and opening doors for us in all directions.