Since the year seemed to fly by and I didn't get my Christmas cards out before Christmas (again!), I thought I would put a post on our blog since many of our family and friends continue to check here. We are happy and grateful for all the blessings the Lord has found fit to bless us with.
David continues to make sure our kids stay in line and our home stays standing. He keeps up with the carpools, taxi service, and general auto and home maintenance. He served on staff at a local Woodbadge course this summer and was inducted into the Clan MacLaren. He also spent what time he can with the boy scouts and their activities and teaching the Deacon’s quorum (14/15 year old boys) at church. He is a great husband to me and I appreciate his support – he doesn’t hear it enough.
I (Kari) maintain a tough schedule between work, home, and church. I just celebrated my 5th year anniversary with Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. When not working, I fill my time with my husband and kids and my church assignment. In October, I was called to serve as Relief Society President in our ward. At first I was very overwhelmed that I would be asked to serve in this capacity, but in my limited time, I’ve never felt the Spirit of love and compassion more in my life – I’ve had several experiences that have strengthened my testimony of the Savior and His gospel.
Rachel (13) joined the ranks as an official teenager this year. With many opportunities for babysitting, Rachel purchased her own iPhone and spends many hours listening to music and socializing through Facebook. She continues to play the tuba in her middle school band; she made the Wind Ensemble as a 7th grader, which is a band usually reserved for 8th graders. Rachel loves to bake and has perfected apple and pecan pie; we all benefited from this talent over Thanksgiving. Rachel loves to serve others by sharing her musical or baking talents as well as just wanting to spend time with her friends – both old and young.
Alyson (11) graduated from elementary school this year and moved on to the intermediate school. As a 5th grader, she is on her own with no sibling at the same school. She loves school and has made a few close friends there. Her biggest talents made stronger this year involve art – she loves to paint, draw, and make crafts. She is my biggest helper who is always willing to help with dishes, vacuuming, and keeping her room clean. The appreciation for a clean bedroom is something her other siblings have not yet acquired!
Matthew (9) has found his athletic abilities included another sport this year…soccer. He loves to play soccer and found a new team who ended the Fall season undefeated. He is a great team player, too. Matthew is in 3rd grade; school is not his favorite thing and homework is a challenge, but he keeps straight A’s regardless. Matthew earned his Wolf in cub scouts and is now working toward his Bear rank. His hobbies other than sports include Lego’s, computer games, and “Words with Friends” with Mom.
From our house to yours, we wish you a very happy new year. May the Lord bless you and your family as abundantly as he has ours!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the music, celebration, and giving gifts from the heart. I really enjoyed the video below. It helped remind me of the true reason for this season. I have a testimony that Jesus Christ lives! He is our Savior and has made it possible for all of us to live again and return to our Father in Heaven. Let us not forget the true reason for this season!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
It has been a long time since I last udated our blog. When our summer plans changed in May with the announcement that Dave's brother Scott was moving back to Texas, we decided we would try out the "staycation" concept here in the Dallas, Ft. Worth Metroplex. Instead of boring you with a long itinerary, I've created a slide show of some of the things we did as a family:
Other activities included a day at Hawaiian Falls, a local waterpark that opened close to our home, trips to the swimming pool to stay cool, and movies to entertain our minds. We had fun despite the heat - we're going on 30 straights days above 100 degrees with the highest temperatures forecasted for this coming week! No rain in sight ;(
The biggest accomplishment of the summer was Dave's involvement with scouting. He was on staff for the Woodbadge course that took place mid-July. By the end of the week, he had gained his third bead and was inducted into the McLaren Clan. I understand this is quite the accomlishment and those of you in Boy Scouts may appreciate what this means for Dave. Though he had fun with all the activities, he is glad to be back in his air-conditioned home and comfy bed.
School is just around the corner and there are still somethings we want to do...in the next 23 days!
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Other activities included a day at Hawaiian Falls, a local waterpark that opened close to our home, trips to the swimming pool to stay cool, and movies to entertain our minds. We had fun despite the heat - we're going on 30 straights days above 100 degrees with the highest temperatures forecasted for this coming week! No rain in sight ;(
The biggest accomplishment of the summer was Dave's involvement with scouting. He was on staff for the Woodbadge course that took place mid-July. By the end of the week, he had gained his third bead and was inducted into the McLaren Clan. I understand this is quite the accomlishment and those of you in Boy Scouts may appreciate what this means for Dave. Though he had fun with all the activities, he is glad to be back in his air-conditioned home and comfy bed.
School is just around the corner and there are still somethings we want to do...in the next 23 days!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Summer Time, finally!
This was a very big week for our family with the end of the school year.
Rachel finished 6th grade and heads to a new school next year for 7th grade. She was overjoyed this week to hear she made the Wind Ensemble with her tuba for next year. This is the top band usually reserved for 8th graders. She was one of five 7th graders who made that band. Her hours of practice and her love of music are paying off. She decided to continue lessons through the summer to make sure she is not behind the ball when Fall comes. Her other plans for the summer include Girl's camp next week and babysitting whenever she can.
Alyson "graduated" from 4th grade Friday. They had a special ceremony and she received a stack of certificates for her accomplishments. She is a very hard worker and deserved the recognition. Alyson is really excited to move on to Intermediate School next Fall. This marks a turning point in our family where we will have three children in three separate schools. I feel for Dave having to keep up with the carpooling.
Matthew loved his class this year; he had an awesome teacher. He was excited to go to school on the last day and have his yearbook signed by his class. He was a little disappointed when he realized he would miss the "signing" party while he attended Alyson's graduation program. He quickly got over it. He will be busy next week with Cub Scout twilight camp each day for the whole week. Dave is chaperoning each day. From what I hear from other parents, Dave and Matthew will be exhausted every day and will have no problem going to sleep at night. (Yea, for me too!)
As I look at my kids and all they are doing with their lives, I am reminded of something I learned from General Conference this last April: Elder M. Russell Ballard has taught us the importance of the Savior's admonition to "behold your little ones" when he said: "Notice that He didn't say 'glance at them' or 'casually observe them' or 'occasionally take a look in their general direction'. He said behold them...that means we should embrace them with our eyes and with our hearts; we should see and appreciate them for who they really are. (taken from "Become as a Little Child" by Jean A. Stevens, April 2011 General Conference)
Dave and I have three awesome kids. I need to notice them more, watch them and learn from them. I need to be more like them is their ability to love, forgive, and be humble...even on those days when I want to pull my hair out!
Rachel finished 6th grade and heads to a new school next year for 7th grade. She was overjoyed this week to hear she made the Wind Ensemble with her tuba for next year. This is the top band usually reserved for 8th graders. She was one of five 7th graders who made that band. Her hours of practice and her love of music are paying off. She decided to continue lessons through the summer to make sure she is not behind the ball when Fall comes. Her other plans for the summer include Girl's camp next week and babysitting whenever she can.
Alyson "graduated" from 4th grade Friday. They had a special ceremony and she received a stack of certificates for her accomplishments. She is a very hard worker and deserved the recognition. Alyson is really excited to move on to Intermediate School next Fall. This marks a turning point in our family where we will have three children in three separate schools. I feel for Dave having to keep up with the carpooling.
Matthew loved his class this year; he had an awesome teacher. He was excited to go to school on the last day and have his yearbook signed by his class. He was a little disappointed when he realized he would miss the "signing" party while he attended Alyson's graduation program. He quickly got over it. He will be busy next week with Cub Scout twilight camp each day for the whole week. Dave is chaperoning each day. From what I hear from other parents, Dave and Matthew will be exhausted every day and will have no problem going to sleep at night. (Yea, for me too!)
As I look at my kids and all they are doing with their lives, I am reminded of something I learned from General Conference this last April: Elder M. Russell Ballard has taught us the importance of the Savior's admonition to "behold your little ones" when he said: "Notice that He didn't say 'glance at them' or 'casually observe them' or 'occasionally take a look in their general direction'. He said behold them...that means we should embrace them with our eyes and with our hearts; we should see and appreciate them for who they really are. (taken from "Become as a Little Child" by Jean A. Stevens, April 2011 General Conference)
Dave and I have three awesome kids. I need to notice them more, watch them and learn from them. I need to be more like them is their ability to love, forgive, and be humble...even on those days when I want to pull my hair out!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
It's May Already?
Each day, I am amazed at how quickly time is flying. I cannot believe it is May 1st already. Alyson came to me yesterday and said, "Mom, there's only 4 1/2 weeks of school left!" as if she didn't want the school year to end. She has enjoyed her teacher and classmates this year. She is looking forward to graduating from Elementary School at the end of the month. Next year she will be attending the Intermediate School where Rachel currently attends and Rachel will be moving on to Middle School as a 7th grader. We will have three kids in three schools come August. Wow!
I have to brag on Miss Rachel in today's post. She took on playing tuba last Fall and never needs to be reminded about practicing. Her tuba teacher has been very impressed with her abilities and it showed at this Spring's Solo and Ensemble Competition. She received a '1' score and received the only award for Outstanding Soloist on tuba. Pretty awesome considering she's only been playing for 8 months. Her teacher says she has a really good chance of making the Wind Ensemble group in the Fall which is usually reserved only for 8th graders.
We are enjoying a calm weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney here for the weekend. We had to endure some pretty nasty weather last week, but by Friday things seemed to calm down. No damage to our home, thank goodness. I feel for those in the southeastern US who have endured much worse than us. My prayers go out to them!
I have to brag on Miss Rachel in today's post. She took on playing tuba last Fall and never needs to be reminded about practicing. Her tuba teacher has been very impressed with her abilities and it showed at this Spring's Solo and Ensemble Competition. She received a '1' score and received the only award for Outstanding Soloist on tuba. Pretty awesome considering she's only been playing for 8 months. Her teacher says she has a really good chance of making the Wind Ensemble group in the Fall which is usually reserved only for 8th graders.
We are enjoying a calm weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney here for the weekend. We had to endure some pretty nasty weather last week, but by Friday things seemed to calm down. No damage to our home, thank goodness. I feel for those in the southeastern US who have endured much worse than us. My prayers go out to them!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
What a week!
I didn't realize it's been almost a month since I last posted. I am enjoying the warmer weather of Spring; with this comes greener grasses and trees and beautiful flowers. I especially love the wild bluebonnets that bloom this time of year in unexpected places.
Work took me to Boston this week. I left last Sunday before General Conference started and returned very early yesterday morning. I appreciate the technology that allowed me to listen to all of Sunday's sessions on the internet while in flight. I had never been to Boston and I enjoyed seeing the city and learning a little about American history in addition to educational sessions on software quality assurance. The best part of the conference was meeting new people and being able to share ideas. I had a lot of fun with evening events that included a trolley bus tour of downtown Boston snd a hilarious driver who made the trip even more interesting, dinner at the oldest restaurant in America - Union Oyster House, evening cruise on the "Spirit of Boston", and wonderful lobster at Anthony's Pier 4 where many celebrities and political leaders have eaten. It was fun. I did learn a lot in the daytime sessions, too. Dave really wishes he could have gone with me and I would have loved to have him, except I would probably have missed out on the adventures at the end of each day.
Dave will tell you that I chose the perfect time to leave. Sunday night, Alyson began throwing up and this 'flu' rippled through to Rachel and Dave by Tuesday. I don't know how Matthew lucked out but he was spared. They blame it on the ribs I left for them in the crockpot Sunday night - who knows, maybe it was :) I didn't do it on purpose - I promise! Everyone was healthy by the weekend.
On top of dealing with kids, jury duty assignment, and the flu, Dave received his Wood Badge beads at a court of honor Wednesday night. In addition, he was invited to be troop guide for the area Wood Badge course in July. He was honored with the invitation and even more thrilled that he will be able to participate.
Even with all the excitement...the best part of the week for my family was...I came home with an iPad. Several vendors gave away prizes ranging from Xbox with Kinect, iPads, iTouch, Flip Video Cameras, Amex gift cards, etc. I never win anything but I hung around for the drawings. Low and behold, I won an iPad. I was thrilled but realize now that I may never lay hands on it again now that Dave and the kids have played with it!
We took advantage of a good weather day, inspite of wind, to work in the yard as a family yesterday. We mowed and edged the lawn and then planted zinnias, marigolds, and petunnias in our flower beds. With new mulch, the yard looks great. I felt good for all we had accomplished - even more appealing was my bed at the end of the day.
Work took me to Boston this week. I left last Sunday before General Conference started and returned very early yesterday morning. I appreciate the technology that allowed me to listen to all of Sunday's sessions on the internet while in flight. I had never been to Boston and I enjoyed seeing the city and learning a little about American history in addition to educational sessions on software quality assurance. The best part of the conference was meeting new people and being able to share ideas. I had a lot of fun with evening events that included a trolley bus tour of downtown Boston snd a hilarious driver who made the trip even more interesting, dinner at the oldest restaurant in America - Union Oyster House, evening cruise on the "Spirit of Boston", and wonderful lobster at Anthony's Pier 4 where many celebrities and political leaders have eaten. It was fun. I did learn a lot in the daytime sessions, too. Dave really wishes he could have gone with me and I would have loved to have him, except I would probably have missed out on the adventures at the end of each day.
Dave will tell you that I chose the perfect time to leave. Sunday night, Alyson began throwing up and this 'flu' rippled through to Rachel and Dave by Tuesday. I don't know how Matthew lucked out but he was spared. They blame it on the ribs I left for them in the crockpot Sunday night - who knows, maybe it was :) I didn't do it on purpose - I promise! Everyone was healthy by the weekend.
On top of dealing with kids, jury duty assignment, and the flu, Dave received his Wood Badge beads at a court of honor Wednesday night. In addition, he was invited to be troop guide for the area Wood Badge course in July. He was honored with the invitation and even more thrilled that he will be able to participate.
Even with all the excitement...the best part of the week for my family was...I came home with an iPad. Several vendors gave away prizes ranging from Xbox with Kinect, iPads, iTouch, Flip Video Cameras, Amex gift cards, etc. I never win anything but I hung around for the drawings. Low and behold, I won an iPad. I was thrilled but realize now that I may never lay hands on it again now that Dave and the kids have played with it!
We took advantage of a good weather day, inspite of wind, to work in the yard as a family yesterday. We mowed and edged the lawn and then planted zinnias, marigolds, and petunnias in our flower beds. With new mulch, the yard looks great. I felt good for all we had accomplished - even more appealing was my bed at the end of the day.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Peace and Quiet
I have been looking forward to peace and quiet all week; now that it's here, I am longing for noise! I was really sad to see my family pull away from the house this morning. I wish I could've gone with them. I've been keeping up through text messages most of the day. I am sure they will have a blast, and by the end of the week they will probably miss me too.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
March....in like a lion...
March is here and time is flying so fast. Before I know it, school will be out for the summer and my kids will be another year older. The kids brought home report cards on Friday - all three got straight A's again. I feel blessed that my children are doing well in school; even better, my children enjoy school. It sure makes it easier to get out the door in the morning when kids look forward to leaving - maybe I should evaluate their motives ;)
Apparently, the guy who finished our garage floor and shelving last Spring has been impressed with Dave's salesmanship - he has a very high rate of success for his referrals. He offered Dave a part time job doing estimates for flooring, shelving, and cabinetry. He offered to train and provide Dave a cut of the sales in return for his work. This is right up Dave's alley. He was excited for the offer and hopes it pans out.
This is a big week for Alyson. She heads to Sky Ranch tomorrow morning for the 4th Grade campout. She will join the rest of her classmates early in the morning to ride a bus to the camp, stay in cabins with (I hope) responsible adults, and spend time learning different skills out in the woods. I hope the trip lives up to her expectations. I remember Rachel had a blast when she went, so my hopes are high.
The rest of us will stay home and enjoy each other's company. Dave will be turning the big 43 this Friday. He plans to spend his birthday on the Mini Mountain Man Rendevous with the scouts - probably the most exciting way for him to spend his special day. Either late Saturday or early Sunday, he and the kids will head to Hereford for Spring Break. David Sr. needs help with some roofs and the kids can't wait to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney. I will be lonely without my family here for a week, but I am sure I can find plenty to fill the quiet hours - more time for me and Pokey to bond.
Apparently, the guy who finished our garage floor and shelving last Spring has been impressed with Dave's salesmanship - he has a very high rate of success for his referrals. He offered Dave a part time job doing estimates for flooring, shelving, and cabinetry. He offered to train and provide Dave a cut of the sales in return for his work. This is right up Dave's alley. He was excited for the offer and hopes it pans out.
This is a big week for Alyson. She heads to Sky Ranch tomorrow morning for the 4th Grade campout. She will join the rest of her classmates early in the morning to ride a bus to the camp, stay in cabins with (I hope) responsible adults, and spend time learning different skills out in the woods. I hope the trip lives up to her expectations. I remember Rachel had a blast when she went, so my hopes are high.
The rest of us will stay home and enjoy each other's company. Dave will be turning the big 43 this Friday. He plans to spend his birthday on the Mini Mountain Man Rendevous with the scouts - probably the most exciting way for him to spend his special day. Either late Saturday or early Sunday, he and the kids will head to Hereford for Spring Break. David Sr. needs help with some roofs and the kids can't wait to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney. I will be lonely without my family here for a week, but I am sure I can find plenty to fill the quiet hours - more time for me and Pokey to bond.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Unplanned Winter Vacation
ICE and snow covered the entire Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex last week and then repeated again this week. The kids have only gone to school 5 days in the last 10. With sub-freezing temperatures and rolling power outages, we enjoyed snuggling up to the fireplace and drinking Rachel's homemade hot chocolate. I was able to work from home and be with the kids on the days school was cancelled; Dave had to brave the bad roads each day for work.
We've learned that 1) laundry baskets make great sleds for the neighbor's steep yard, 2) we are not good at entertaining ourselves for long periods of time without getting on each other's nerves, 3) Texas retailers do not carry ice melt or snow shovels in the winter, and 4) my pantry and food storage preparations need improvement - though we survived. We are looking forward to 60-70 degree temperatures this weekend - what a strange winter!
Here's some fun pictures from the kids...
We've learned that 1) laundry baskets make great sleds for the neighbor's steep yard, 2) we are not good at entertaining ourselves for long periods of time without getting on each other's nerves, 3) Texas retailers do not carry ice melt or snow shovels in the winter, and 4) my pantry and food storage preparations need improvement - though we survived. We are looking forward to 60-70 degree temperatures this weekend - what a strange winter!
Here's some fun pictures from the kids...
Dave's job status? Effective last Monday, he returned to retirement. Long story short, his boss did not follow through on his commitments for work schedule. He seems much happier now at home, but he has less spending money. I have to admit, things ran a lot smoother this week with him at home; I guess I just took all his help for granted before he had returned to work. He has applications in to a couple other places for part time work but he is not holding his breath.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Oh, the doldrum days...
I got a huge laugh reading Marilee's update last week. It's funny how older siblings think it is unfair how relaxed and giving parents become as years go on. I felt the same about my own younger siblings who seemed to have more privileges than I did....the Matheson kids seem to feel the same...from cell phones to play dough! You think it's unfair how parents treat different siblings in the same family? Just wait until there are grandkids in the picture (no pressure, Kimberly)!
The biggest news on the Ankeney front is Dave is wondering what to do with so much free time again! He went in to work a week ago prepared to quit his job because it was becoming too difficult for us to figure out how to get kids where they needed to be when we were both working. Despite prior complaints about the management style of his boss, he was able to work out a new schedule without giving up the job completely. He goes in early and is home by 2:30 in time for running the after school carpool. Now he has the best of both worlds - spending money and a happier family!
In addition, Dave was released as second counselor in the bishopric last Sunday. The entire bishopric was changed which always brings some apprehension and excitement for new things to come. Dave commented a couple days ago...it's weird to go several days and only receive a handful of emails! I would love to know that feeling - I cannot go an hour without 15-20 emails!
The rest of us are plugging along as usual. Matthew is loving cub scouts and has assignments to help with meal planning between now and Wednesday night. I look forward to his assistance in the kitchen. Rachel spent the weekend making costumes for her Destination Imagination team who is gearing up for competition next month. Alyson....she's bored and hungry and daily requests trips to Wal-Mart or the local Sonic for a fix of "Dippy" (code name for Dr. Pepper). I've had to curb that really quickly - I can only thank a loving friend from school for introducing my child to such a drink. I personally prefer the diet kind with a little vanilla and cherry added!
Have a great week!
--Kari
The biggest news on the Ankeney front is Dave is wondering what to do with so much free time again! He went in to work a week ago prepared to quit his job because it was becoming too difficult for us to figure out how to get kids where they needed to be when we were both working. Despite prior complaints about the management style of his boss, he was able to work out a new schedule without giving up the job completely. He goes in early and is home by 2:30 in time for running the after school carpool. Now he has the best of both worlds - spending money and a happier family!
In addition, Dave was released as second counselor in the bishopric last Sunday. The entire bishopric was changed which always brings some apprehension and excitement for new things to come. Dave commented a couple days ago...it's weird to go several days and only receive a handful of emails! I would love to know that feeling - I cannot go an hour without 15-20 emails!
The rest of us are plugging along as usual. Matthew is loving cub scouts and has assignments to help with meal planning between now and Wednesday night. I look forward to his assistance in the kitchen. Rachel spent the weekend making costumes for her Destination Imagination team who is gearing up for competition next month. Alyson....she's bored and hungry and daily requests trips to Wal-Mart or the local Sonic for a fix of "Dippy" (code name for Dr. Pepper). I've had to curb that really quickly - I can only thank a loving friend from school for introducing my child to such a drink. I personally prefer the diet kind with a little vanilla and cherry added!
Have a great week!
--Kari
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Brr....
The kids were really disappointed that promises of snow last week did not yield a snow day from school. We saw beautiful snow fall, but it melted once it hit the ground. Dave was inspired to light the fireplace and I enjoyed cuddling with him and the kids next to the warm fire. Alyson is always nervous every time we light the fire - she is so afraid something is going to happen and the house will burn down that she annoys the rest of us. I appreciate her concern for our home and well-being, but sometimes it's a little overbearing.
The biggest excitement at our house this week was the big re-arrangement. I opened my mouth and asked the girls if they would ever consider sharing a room again so we could have one room for a game room. Well...I didn't expect they would ever be interested, but I was wrong. They spent the week packing up and moving furniture and all their stuff. We still have some things to move around but we will soon have a dedicated play room with t.v. and game console. There won't be any cable in there, though, because I was adamant I didn't want cable in bedrooms. I didn't pay to drop the lines while we were building the house - o.k., so I had to endure an "I told you so...". I am not placing bets on how long this will last...I know Dave has his doubts and would be willing to put money on it if anyone was interested.
We are back into the swing of things with school, work and extra-curricular activities. The work week was a bear for me but this weekend was quiet and I enjoyed the brief break. Rachel's Destination Imagination team is gearing up for the tournament on Feb. 19th. This means she has meetings twice a week now on top of tuba lessons. Alyson and Matthew have benefited from extra play dates with friends when Rachel cannot be home to watch them. To Dave's dismay, his boss continually assigns him afternoon shifts which is a little tricky for family scheduling but we're making it work! Dave is enjoying getting out and having a job to keep his mind busy; however, he doesn't much care for the store's management style and has vetted his frustrations. There are probably many people in this world that feel same, but we must endure!
All is well here. I pray the same for you all!
Love,
Kari
The biggest excitement at our house this week was the big re-arrangement. I opened my mouth and asked the girls if they would ever consider sharing a room again so we could have one room for a game room. Well...I didn't expect they would ever be interested, but I was wrong. They spent the week packing up and moving furniture and all their stuff. We still have some things to move around but we will soon have a dedicated play room with t.v. and game console. There won't be any cable in there, though, because I was adamant I didn't want cable in bedrooms. I didn't pay to drop the lines while we were building the house - o.k., so I had to endure an "I told you so...". I am not placing bets on how long this will last...I know Dave has his doubts and would be willing to put money on it if anyone was interested.
We are back into the swing of things with school, work and extra-curricular activities. The work week was a bear for me but this weekend was quiet and I enjoyed the brief break. Rachel's Destination Imagination team is gearing up for the tournament on Feb. 19th. This means she has meetings twice a week now on top of tuba lessons. Alyson and Matthew have benefited from extra play dates with friends when Rachel cannot be home to watch them. To Dave's dismay, his boss continually assigns him afternoon shifts which is a little tricky for family scheduling but we're making it work! Dave is enjoying getting out and having a job to keep his mind busy; however, he doesn't much care for the store's management style and has vetted his frustrations. There are probably many people in this world that feel same, but we must endure!
All is well here. I pray the same for you all!
Love,
Kari
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year!
Christmas has come and gone. The year 2011 is here! We continued traditions we have carried through the years and enjoyed sharing those with family who came to visit.
Dave's parents came a few days before Christmas and participated with us in a progressive dinner on Christmas Eve hosted by a few families from our ward. We feel blessed to be included in this tradition - this is our second year and we had a blast. I believe the highlight of the evening for the kids was the white elephant gift exchange. Matthew came home with a much treasured pogo stick earmarked for him from the start. He has eyed Alyson's ever since she got one for her birthday; now he has his very own. The rest of us came home with more practical gifts (decorated toilet plunger, LED lantern, used pens, etc.) By some stroke of genious, we did not end up with Hereford's special rose fertilizer contributed by David Sr. I was glad to get that stuff out of my house and car - even wrapped up in gift paper, it stunk! My favorite part of the evening was visiting with friends, enjoying wonderful food, and feeling the spirit of Christmas.
As expected, the kids loved opening their gifts and seeing what Santa brought. We spent Christmas day relaxing and just spending time together playing with the new toys and crafts.
By Sunday evening, Dave's parents had returned home and my parents arrived with Aunt Kaylene. We extended our Christmas for a couple days more with activities around town - to include an awesome dinner with Uncle Garn and his friends Mike and Barbara from Denton. We went to a restaurant in the stockyards of Fort Worth. It was fun to hear the doings and stories from Garn - the food wasn't bad either. Mike has been known for his toffee which he so generously shared with my family.
Plans for the week had a slight wrinkle as my Dad was involved in a car accident Tuesday night. Luckily he was not physically hurt, but it put a damper on the rest of the week for him. Their car now sits in a wrecking yard in Ft. Worth waiting for the insurance adjuster to make his assessment. Mom and Dad were able to rent a car and we continued our plans with a trip to Cedar Park before they headed home this last Friday.
My kids loved playing with their other Texas cousins. Of course, they wished the time could be extended but now it is time for us to get back into our routine and prepare for normal school and work schedules to begin tomorrow.
More than anything, I loved spending time with family. I don't care about the gifts. What I do care about is the traditions and memories we build with our family around this time of year and the knowledge that the greatest gift of all is our Savior, Jesus Christ. With the knowledge that Jesus was born, died, and lives again, I know that I can live again and be with my family forever.
Make this year the best one ever!
Love,
Kari
Dave's parents came a few days before Christmas and participated with us in a progressive dinner on Christmas Eve hosted by a few families from our ward. We feel blessed to be included in this tradition - this is our second year and we had a blast. I believe the highlight of the evening for the kids was the white elephant gift exchange. Matthew came home with a much treasured pogo stick earmarked for him from the start. He has eyed Alyson's ever since she got one for her birthday; now he has his very own. The rest of us came home with more practical gifts (decorated toilet plunger, LED lantern, used pens, etc.) By some stroke of genious, we did not end up with Hereford's special rose fertilizer contributed by David Sr. I was glad to get that stuff out of my house and car - even wrapped up in gift paper, it stunk! My favorite part of the evening was visiting with friends, enjoying wonderful food, and feeling the spirit of Christmas.
As expected, the kids loved opening their gifts and seeing what Santa brought. We spent Christmas day relaxing and just spending time together playing with the new toys and crafts.
By Sunday evening, Dave's parents had returned home and my parents arrived with Aunt Kaylene. We extended our Christmas for a couple days more with activities around town - to include an awesome dinner with Uncle Garn and his friends Mike and Barbara from Denton. We went to a restaurant in the stockyards of Fort Worth. It was fun to hear the doings and stories from Garn - the food wasn't bad either. Mike has been known for his toffee which he so generously shared with my family.
Plans for the week had a slight wrinkle as my Dad was involved in a car accident Tuesday night. Luckily he was not physically hurt, but it put a damper on the rest of the week for him. Their car now sits in a wrecking yard in Ft. Worth waiting for the insurance adjuster to make his assessment. Mom and Dad were able to rent a car and we continued our plans with a trip to Cedar Park before they headed home this last Friday.
My kids loved playing with their other Texas cousins. Of course, they wished the time could be extended but now it is time for us to get back into our routine and prepare for normal school and work schedules to begin tomorrow.
More than anything, I loved spending time with family. I don't care about the gifts. What I do care about is the traditions and memories we build with our family around this time of year and the knowledge that the greatest gift of all is our Savior, Jesus Christ. With the knowledge that Jesus was born, died, and lives again, I know that I can live again and be with my family forever.
Make this year the best one ever!
Love,
Kari
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