christmas Letter 2009

Greetings family and friends!

If you're reading this you're either a regular reader of our blog, or you've received our Christmas card with our blogspot address on it.  Either way, welcome!  I know I usually send out a letter with the cards, but I thought I'd mix it up a bit this year.  Kind of our way of "going green" (read:  I'm just too lazy to run to the store, jump on Dave's old junk computer, type up a letter, copy it, fold it and stick it in the cards.)  If you're a first time visitor to our blog, we hope you'll come back and visit once in a while!

Ok, individual updates:

Dave is in his sixth year of owning his own construction business.  He's still the most talented carpenter I know (and I'm not just biased!).  In addition, he's maintained a steady stream of business since he started without any advertising.  The word of mouth he's received has been an awesome blessing, and I'm so grateful.  He's serving our church as an elder, and really enjoys interacting with people.  Dave is also really enjoying the boys a lot more.  When they're little, its all about mommy...but now, he's taking them fishing, sledding, riding in the plow truck, etc.  A. loves it when daddy includes him in his projects.

I am still working part time from home as an insurance auditor, working on the phone auditing smaller workman's compensation and general liability policies.  It's fun to use my business mind daily, and a great way to bring in a little additional income without sending the boys to a daycare.  It has been challenging to find a good balance between kids, work and home, but so far the challenge has been rewarding.  This year, we found out through the process of elimination that I need to be gluten free.  Since then (June 1), things are very different for me- both health wise and socially.  I feel tons better, but we don't eat out as much as we used to, and when we go to friend's houses I'm always bringing a back-up- just in case.  But, so worth it in the end.  Dave has been incredibly supportive as well.  He is enjoying (well, for the most part) trying all the new dishes my g-free cookbooks recommend.

A. just turned 6 last week, and is in kindergarten at the school attached to our church.  He loves, loves, loves school.  He loves learning new things, seeing his friends, and just having some time of this day that is just his- away from little brother.  Last summer we had his tonsils and adenoids removed due to sleep apnea issues, and his attention span has really lengthened since he's not so tired all the time.  It was a rough week, but in the end so worth it.  He's in the Lego club at school, and really loves using his imagination to construct new things.  It's so much fun to watch him grow up (but not too fast!).

C. is 2 1/2 and every minute of that age.  I wouldn't use the terrible 2's to describe him...just very very busy.  He has two speeds:  running and sleeping.  He's very inquisitive and socially minded.  He loves helping me stir and dump things in pans for dinner time.  He's a cute little dancer and has a zest for the little things in life that leave me envious to be a child again.  Really, both boys have blessed us beyond our imagination.  We are so thankful.

And...the love shack.  Wouldn't be a Family update with letting you know where we're at with the love shack!  Last Jan., Dave took two weeks off of work to finish off the basement (minus carpeting and bathroom vanity).  We moved our bedroom over there since the mold on the bottom side of the kitchen floor (essentially our bedroom ceiling) was making my allergies go bazerk.  I'm loving our new bedroom, and can't wait until we can move everything over into the new side!  When will that be?  Still the question of the century.  It all takes money and time...two things that are always in short supply.  Dave's hoping to take some time off again this winter, but the customers keep calling (and I'm NOT complaining about that!), so we'll see!

Well, that's about all we've got for this year's update.   

Grace, mercy, and peace to you and your family as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth!

Lots of love,

Us