It is that time of year to catch everyone up on our annual happenings. Not being Christmas letter people, I thought I would let Shaun sum up our year in his favorite form of expression:

Two Thousand and Eight
A bunch of stuff happened here
Still just 2 kids. Phew!


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all!

It is Christmas time, and many of us feel the tug to give back at this time of year. One of the easiest ways to do this is by dropping some spare change in one of the Salvation Army's Red Kettles. Yes, you might be annoyed by the bell every year, but in 2007 that bell raised $118 million dollars to help feed and clothe those in need. Pretty powerful with just your pocket change.

If you are really feeling generous, pick up an extra hot chocolate on your next Starbucks run and give it to the Bell Ringer. All are volunteers helping to make a difference--often in the very cold weather. Happy Holidays!

Things I am thankful for:
My husband who has as much a bleeding heart as I do and agreed to help my dad move my demented grandfather 400 miles to a new home;
My children who actually paid attention long enough in church to want to do something to help children in Africa (we're still working on the what);
My mom who listened to me complain about my washer/dryer breaking even though someone had just plowed into their car parked in front of their house;
My dad who deserves a medal for all the crap he's had to deal with lately;
My sister who picks up my kid at school when she misses the bus;
My other sister who reminds me why we work so hard for other people's children;
My brother who makes me laugh--even though sometimes I don't think he means for me to;
My friends who expect nothing more from me than to hang out in their kitchen (or my couch or wherever) drinking and cracking jokes;
My coworkers who challenge me to be better everyday;
The many people I meet randomly who remind me that everyone has a story and can teach me something.

Better late than never--Happy Thanksgiving to all!