The 'Tainer

Between an older sister and three older girl cousins who hand down their clothes, Noelle rarely gets any new clothes. Of course, she doesn't know the difference and is thrilled with everything "new to her." One day someone (I think it was my mom) asked her if she had gotten new shoes. "No," she replied happily. "They're from the 'tainer." Priceless.

One more thing...

Bonnie was labeling the things naughty children get from Santa:

"Sticks, rocks, and light bulbs."

I guess light bulbs instead of switches.

Yes, it has been forever since I wrote a blog entry. So, I will briefly catch you up on what has happened since April.

Kellen "graduated" from Kindergarten.
Josh and I celebrated our 11th anniversary.
We took a road trip to see my dad in Dayton, OH -- 9 states in 10 days!
Noelle turned 3.
I started back to work full-time.
Kellen started 1st grade, Bonnie started Kindergarten, and Noelle goes to preschool two days a week.
Noelle was in the hospital for 2 nights with a nasty infection called Shigella.
Kellen turned 7.

I'm teaching junior high math at a small school near where my mom lives, so she takes care of Noelle during the day. It's a wonderful situation. I don't get to blog/Facebook/shop online much (and really don't miss it), but the kids are doing awesome and I really love coming home at the end of the day ready to spend time with them. We leave school (they go with me) at about 4, get home about 4:30, and they play/do homework/practice piano and basketball while I fix dinner. We have dinner, have baths/clean up, and then it's time for bed. Then, of course, I usually have to get back to work. But it's really a great situation. I love being able to see Kellen and Bonnie during the day without having to teach elementary school. And Noelle couldn't be in better hands.

I may not blog again for another 8 months, but we are still here and thankful to have happy, healthy kids.

Merry Christmas!