2006 - Year in Review

Bit (A) entered the realm of (gulp!) middle school this year. She is now in 6th grade and in the youth group at church. Where has the time gone!?! We tried to convince her that there was a height requirement to get into school and she still needed to grow an inch or two to squeak in . . . she just gave us “that look” . . . It’s a beautiful little look, though. Glasses, braces and all. She enjoyed swimming and volleyball this year, winning a ton of blue ribbons and making it to the Dallas Amateur Swimming Association Championship Meet as well as finally getting a consistent serve over the net. One of her highlights this year was singing in the OAKE National Children's Choir in Charlotte, NC (or was it the 5 day trip alone with mom . . .?)!

Bear (S) continues to pass her “big” sister in height. She’s a delightful 4th grader and is enjoying her place as her siblings’ keeper at school now. She continues to play soccer and has even taken up TaeKwanDo. One of the biggest highlights of her year was when she accepted Christ in April just before Easter. She waited until July to be baptized so that all of her family was able to be there. She was absolutely giddy with excitement. She continued with more piano lessons this year (along with Audrey). The lessons come and go, but they’re always piddling on the piano at home. Oh, and she got braces, too!

Little Buddy (K) was blessed this year with the most wonderful 1st grade teacher her could possibly have. She has so many jewels in her crown after only half a year with him in class! Little Buddy is the most wonderfully sweet and utterly frustrating little boy. God made him cute and loving for such good reasons! Oh, the things his little mind comes up with! After several seasons of t-ball/baseball, he’s opted for a new interest; TaeKwanDo. He’s even got 2 of his sisters taking lessons now. The structure and discipline is right up his alley, so we’re hoping he doesn’t tire of it any time soon. Or practice too much on his sisters!

Little Girl (G) got to start Kindergarten (another gulp!) this year. She waved at the door with a “see you, Mom” look and hasn’t looked back. She had to turn her giggles and grins down a notch so as to not get in trouble every day, but it only took a couple of weeks to adjust. She played soccer again and started TaeKwanDo (after you pay for 2 family members, everyone else is free – why not!). Dance is her first interest, though. She’s taking a ballet class with her favorite teacher and loves going to class each week. She also gave up her training wheels this summer.

Dad increased his woodworking tool collection and experience by building us a new headboard for our bed as well as stripping and refinishing some furniture he inherited from his grandmother. He took Mom on a trip to New York and surprised her with a new anniversary ring in Central Park! (15th anniversary coming up on January 4th! Wow!) Dad planned a great Colorado get-away this summer for the whole family. (Chapter 1, 2, 3 & the Train)

Mom added “blogging” to her list of things to learn this year as she created a family blog to mostly post pictures and stories for family and friends living far away. Her job at the church changed once again as she began directing a new community children’s chorus. She celebrated her 10th year as a Creative Memories Consultant. She recovered from her leg surgery at the beginning of the year, but running again has been a challenge with continued pain and numbness in her foot.

Lucy blessed our lives for a month this fall as we welcomed our first major and long, long awaited pet into our home. Dad has wanted and looked for a boxer for over 8 years now. At 4 months old, we discovered that our sweet little friend had been born with a fatal kidney disease. We had to let her go on December 1st and the pain of her loss is still very great in our house. However, we are excited about the arrival of a new little boxer friend we will welcome home the first week of February. She has been named Heidi and the kids (and dad) look at her pictures almost daily as the breeders send updates on her growth. She was born December 12th in Tyler. We can’t wait to bring her home!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!