Christmas cards, and treats

I wish you were my neighbor and I could show up at your door with a 1/2 dozen "professional" carolers and a loaf of cinnamon bread. Last night we went out, few in number because Ari came down with a fever. We met with good friends and neighbors. At one house Jacob was talking to their 5 year old who either had a cold or just a real rough voice. Jake came over to me and said "I can't stand talking to him, he just needs to clear his voice."

Then about 5 minutes later my 8 year old then had the audacity to tell me "Isn't about time we wrapped this up, I am ready to go." He said he was trying to be subtle by tapping me on the shoulder for 5 minutes first.

I have sent most of my Christmas cards out this year. I have about 5 of 50 left with unknown addresses I am trying to track down. You better feel pretty special those of you who recieved cards because I agonize every year over sending Christmas cards because of how fast the stamps add up. It is not because I don't value each of you-it is more about how cheap I am.

Here is our Christmas card in case you haven't recieved on from us.

We feel very blessed this Christmas season. We have now been in our new home for 1 year. We love it. We have about 2 acres in the country. This year we got to experience having goats, puppies, a big garden, and Ciana went to Lowes and came back with 12 trees for our “orchard.” Dave even got a free riding lawn mower and purchased an old John Deere tractor from Heinz. Now all we need is a truck and we will be set. The kids for the most part are loving the country. We can have campouts in our backyard, animals, and even tried flying kites until we got a little close to the power lines. Our kids are all healthy and thriving. They drive us crazy, make us laugh, and somehow we are surviving.

Jacob, 8yrs old is the newest member of the church in our family was baptized in August. It was a great day. If Jacob is not talking then he is probably reading.

Thomas, 6yrs old is a first grader. He is trying harder this year to compete with his brother. He is always quick to do his work when a reward is involved but absolutely miserable when he doesn’t make it.

Ariana, 4yrs old is getting big and responsible. She is doing Joy school this year and preparing for Kindergarten in the fall. She also has very expensive teeth this year thanks to a couple of baby crowns. Mom and Dad have been a little more dedicated to brushing her teeth lately.

Lily, 2yrs old is finally out of diapers. This is the first break Mom and Dad have had since Jacob was born over 8 years ago. Of course potty training isn’t exactly easy. But Lily is such a joy in our home. She is always singing-at the dinner table, at church, and when she is in her bed.

Baby #5-Due in April. More than halfway there now!

If you are coming through California and need a stopover, we would love to welcome you to our home. We send our love and best wishes to all. May you all be warm and happy this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Dave, Ciana, Jacob, Thomas, Ari, and Lily