Christmas

Here's to better late than never!

Highlights from our 2008 Christmas

Making stockings for the Denver Rescue Mission:

Making Sand Art brownie jars for the neighbors:

Santa came!!

The kids on Christmas morning:

Gifts for each other:
Uh-oh! Got a paper cut!
One bandaid later - it's all better!
Dad moment:
See, when I say we don't need any more presents, I'm completely serious.

Putting a toy together with Dad:

Playing with her new toy:

On my mind

I've debated posting about this for 2 reasons.

One, the main point of my blog is for our families to see pictures of the kids and know what we are up to.

Two, the stimulus bill and Obama's ideals are not surprising. He may have been vague with some details and a lot of practicality of how we are going to pay for things while he was campaigning, but he was crystal clear about his ideals. And people voted for him anyway. So, it must be what the people want. I don't understand, but that is part of the beauty of the United States -we don't all have to agree.

However, my heart is just sinking at what I perceive to be foolish decisions. And friends who can't find work, and "solutions" that I believe will only lead to more of that.

And I'm not posting often because I am finding it hard to be light and carefree. So, today I decided to post what I'm thinking about.

We are finally reaping the "rewards" of making unwise choices, as a country feeling like we deserve more than we can afford, and a general lack of personal responsibility. And, my heart aches for those who did not personally live this way who are being caught up in the consequences. And I am not naive enough to think that my family is immune. We have been through 2 layoffs during our marriage, once for about a year, so I know how hard it can be.

But, I believe with all of my heart that any stimulus package, and especially this stimulus package, is not the solution. I didn't think Bush's "package" was the answer, and I don't think this one is either. I fully understand the desire to save us, and man, do I wish that I thought that this would do it. But I just don't think this is the path we should be taking. As Dr. Phil says, "You don't solve money problems with money." All this does is postpone the inevitable and take our children and grandchildren down with us. We have a debt problem and we are attempting to solve it with more debt. To me, it feels like continuing to gamble on the horses to solve the problem of gambling too much on the horses. We are praying for that "big win" that rarely comes.

A friend of ours posted about the stimulus package, and I think he says it well. I hope you will go read it here.

Cousins

I was going through some pictures to send to Gram, and found this one of all the cousins. Missing you guys today!

Punkin's Piano Recital

Playing Ode to Joy with her teacher on December 13, 2008.

2008

I did this fun post last year, and I enjoyed it and was surprised how many highlights the first sentence and one picture hits, so here it is again.

The directions are:

Post the first sentence of your first blog post of each month. You can also add a favorite picture from each month.

January
Happy New Year! Ok, so we're a week into it, but I feel like I can finally say it.

Little Man enjoying his Christmas present:

February
I finally feel better. Still tired, but better. Thanks for all your sweet comments! (This is actually a post about Back to School after a short break.)

Waiting to go into the Monster Truck Rally:

March
We are doing a unit on Native Americans, and having a great time.

Watching Pocahontas on our Native American night:

April
Why I'm not a public school mom.

In the elevator at the Nature & Science Museum:

May
My Punkin is now 7. And my only comment is How Did This Happen?

Geocaching fun:

June
Overheard while Punkin and Little Man were playing family: (Wondering now?)

Hot cocoa on our camping trip:

July
For the 4th of July, we went to Bandimere Speedway for the "Family Fun Day" and JetCar National Race.

Punkin and I enjoying a meal out:

August
I've been neglecting my blog lately. As many of you have stated on your blog, time feels scarce, and it is easy for priorities to get out of whack.

Little Man mastering the two-wheeler:

September
We've been studying the tabernacle in our bible lessons this month.

The kids at my brother's wedding:

October
Seriously, people, I feel like an idiot. How hard can it be? (On Learning to be a soccer mom.)

Punkin and I at the Gymnastics Extravaganza:

November
I have a new pet peeve.

December
Little Man loved playing soccer this fall. Loved it!

Goofy picture at his soccer party:2008 has been a great year for us. If it has not been for you, may 2009 be the best year yet!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from our family to yours!

I didn't quite get the Christmas Letter out this year, so I opted for a New Year's letter instead. Costco even sells photo card options with Happy New Year!

Here is our family's top ten things we are grateful for at the end of 2008 (with names changed):

1. WeaverMom's brother, The Architect, got married in September! To a beautiful lady named The Spanish Teacher. The picture of us is on the front of the church steps on their wedding day.

2. WeaverDad’s job stability. He is on a software rebuild team for a major collection industry company, enjoys most of his co-workers, and it is not too far from home. Especially in times like these, we could not ask for anything more.

3. The love for bike-riding. Little Man mastered the “two-wheeler” this summer and Punkin loves to ride over “whoop-dee-dos”. We’ve been on some fun family bike rides!

4. The continued privilege of homeschooling. Punkin is in 2nd grade and is beginning to read books to herself for fun. Little Man is 4 and is starting to join us – he loves doing dot-to-dots and his math workbook.

5. Little Man's love of cars. When he grows up, he is planning to be “a race car guy, and a motorcycle driver and a monster truck driver.” (Last year, his list included “a monster truck guy with lotsa, lotsa FIRE!”, so Mom is happy that the fire is no longer part of the list.)

6. Punkin's love of gymnastics. She loves it, and her favorite event is uneven bars.

7. No stitches needed! Prior to 2008, the kids have had 30 stitches or staples between them. So far, in 2008, no accidents have required an ER visit!

8. Little Man’s first soccer season. The boy loves it. For pictures of him playing, you can check out WeaverMom’s blog. http://weavermomof2.blogspot.com

9. WeaverMom's bookkeeping business is growing and she now has over 20 clients and a fantastic employee.

10. The Wii. Sure, it’s not a life necessity by any stretch, but we love it and have had some fun family times playing! Punkin and Little Man especially enjoy racing each other on MarioKart.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

Soccer Party

Little Man loved playing soccer this fall. Loved it!

Here are some snapshots of his end of season party:

The cake:
The goofy-ness:
The trophy: