January Activities

I can't believe it is almost the end of January. We have been stuck in the house for the house for a few days due to ice and some snow. It has been a good opportunity to update the this and catch up on some housework, but now I am about ready to get out. I wanted to update with some of the stuff the kids have been up to.

Ryan had a pinewood derby car race for boy scouts the other weekend. He basically had to take a block of wood, pick a design, have it cut out, sand it, paint it, and then put wheels on it. Then they race them down a track designed for the cars. Ryan won first place in his den (a group of about 10 boys) and then 4th place out of the pack which is about 5 dens put together. He pouted about winning 4th but was over it by the time we got home.

Colin had 100 day at school to celebrate the 100th day of school. He had to count out 100 items to take into the class to mix together for a snack so he took 100 M&Ms. I was surprised how few M&Ms make up 100. He also made a shirt with 100 things on it to wear to school. He had a lot of fun helping me make the shirt and said the next morning that he looked "great". The picture is of him wearing his shirt while playing army. Hope you all enjoy the pictures!

Christmas

Well, I know it is about a month late for my Christmas post but I am sure everyone still wants to see the pictures. We had a great time in Virginia and I might dare to say that it was our best trip home yet. The kids had a great time and both said it was the best Christmas ever! That is always great to hear. While in Virginia we visited all of our family members in the area, took the kids to water park, watched the Cowboys lose (again), went and saw Christmas lights at the park, and ate more food than we thought possible. Several pounds gained and great memories made we made it home to get ready for Matt's departure.

Matt left almost three weeks ago and the house is not the same without him. We are often times missing him, but we know he is doing well and get to talk with him fairly often so that is really great. He says that his job there is busy and challenging, but gratifying as well. We get to talk with him on the phone twice a week and then he and I email back and forth almost everyday.

The kids have adjusted pretty well so far although I am not quite sure it has hit them how long Matt is actually going to be gone. We will see though and just deal with issues as they may arise. Colin's teachers say that since returning from break he has been talking more and is playing with more kids. I guess it just took a trip home to get him to come out of his shell. Ryan has been very loving since Matt has been away and that has been very nice.

I have been busy with school, work, and the kids. Matt and I were both baptized at the church that we found and I have been busy doing stuff there as well. People have been very nice and have really tried to call me and invite me places so that keeps us busy as well. My class has started out pretty well and I am hoping I can just stay focused with Matt gone and find time to study. Today both the kids and I had school canceled for ice and snow so we are camping out here for the day. Hopefully Matt will send some pictures soon and I will post them up here so you all can see what he is up to. As usual, I will try and do better and post a little more often. I hope this finds everyone well...