Our Christmas Letter 2008

I will always remember this year....2008. I had my first baby boy. I paid $75.00 to fill up my van and the my tank wasn't full yet. When the pump allowed me to go over $75.00, I paid more. I voted for America's first black president. I cried watching my daughter's first gymnastics meet. She made me so proud. I almost didn't write a Christmas letter. I started a Blog. I pray for you, my family, America, and change for 2009. Merry Christmas to all of you and a very happy New Year!

A Ride on the Polar Express

On Friday, the girls were surprised when they arrived home from school because somebody had left a package for all of them and their brother. Mommy and Daddy didn't know who left them, but figured we should open them to see. In the boxes were new pajamas! The girls had to put the PJs on and meet grammy and papa somewhere at 6:30. I was surprised no one suspected anything, but grammy and papa had gotten tickets to ride the polar express! The girls had no clue until we pulled up to the station and saw the train. Only then, did they put 1 and 1 together. Disbelief and excitement waned for only a moment when Kaila realized she'd actually have to ride a train. Would it go too fast? would it be bumpy? Of course she asked every worker if the train went fast, and they of course answered "very fast!" thinking that's the answer she'd want to hear. Kaila was so nervous she couldn't even eat her hot chocolate or cookie that was served. About halfway to the North Pole she did loosen up and enjoy the smooth, slow ride. Kaila's anxiety wasn't felt by her sisters as they shouted "yes, a roller coaster!" They were both ready for a fast, crazy ride.
It was a very magical trip that brought tears to my eyes! We all still believe in our family. The only questions came from Elizabeth who asked "Why is there no snow at the North Pole?" and "Is that the real Santa or a helper who works in the mall?" After she and the girls met him and they all received their Christmas bells she decided it was the real one.

Elizabeth turns 6!

Elizabeth celebrated her 6th birthday on November 24th. She spent Sunday night with family and grandparents eating her favorite meal of hot dogs and mac and cheese. On Monday, she had three friends from school come over and the kids made their own pizzas and decorated cupcakes. They all had a fun time playing and doing crafts!

First Snow

Well it's snowing here in Wadsworth, Ohio. Started on Monday and keeps accumulating. It's so pretty and beautiful right now. The kids have already gotten out the sleds and been playing outside in all the fun. We've figured out that Kaila and Biz need new snowpants and Biz needs new boots. It's always important to have snow pants at least one size too big so the bottoms don't rise up over the boots, letting the snow in! We've already started decorating for Christmas. We've been having a great time decorating our new mantle---we can actually hang our stockings!!

Our first Blog

I've been inspired by the many family members and friends who have blogs. I just love reading theirs and thought it would be fun to have one for our own family. Enjoy!!

On Sunday, we had Chase baptised at St. Sebastian Church in Akron, OH. He did great and pretty much slept through the whole ceremony, just waking slightly when his head got a little wet! Chase's Godparents were his Grandpa Oberhaus and Grammy Kathy. We're hoping they will help Mike and I raise Chase to know and love God.

I can't believe I'm starting a new project (a blog) with my new son only 2 months old! But what a great way to capture the memories. Chase has been a wonderful baby and a blessing. He is very easy going and so smooshable! We just LOVE him. He is smiling a lot now and is growing so fast. What a change from the girls to have a big, hefty baby!

Jordanne is adjusting to her baby brother rather well. She's been a little moody towards her Dad and me, but sometimes I don't know if that's just her being 3 years old! School started the dad before Chase was born, so adjusting to preschool and leaving mommy and all the excitement at home proved a little more challenging. The drop off is slowly becoming an easier process, although Jo and I did separate in tears a few times. JO is doing great at school and her teachers Miss Mary and Miss Molly says she is their big helper. "Big" is not describing her size either since she is at least 10-12 inches shorter than most of her class. But her spunk makes up for what she lacks in size. Nobody will walk all over her.

Mike and I just had Elizabeth's and Kaila's school conferences on Tuesday. We started with Kaila's 3rd grad teachers Mr. Bonezzi and Mrs. Yu. She has two teachers this year who job share. Mrs. Yu teaches English, Spelling, Reading and Mr. B teaches Math, Science, and Social Studies. I'm always a little hesitant going into K's conferences because she always seems so distracted and uncompliant at home. But this year was no different than the last few and Kaila is doing a great job in class. She loves to participate. Her strong subjects are math and science--hmmm....I wonder where she gets that from? Spelling is her struggle and she still managed a "B." We are so proud of our young lady who is growing up too fast!

Elizabeth is in Kindergarten now and gets to ride the bus to Sharon Elementary w/ Kaila now. She loves school. Unfortunately for her, she doesn't get to go every day. They are on an all day/every other day schedule. I just keep telling her to enjoy her days off while they last. I'm loving them! Biz's teacher describes her as a ball of brightness and says she is doing great in class. Did we ever have a doubt??