catching up

I didn't stay on top of posting during the holidays. We were busy I guess. With no family here and none that visited we took the kids to the zoo, the swamp, outside to play when it wasn't too cold. I say that because I got rid of most of our heavy winter stuff when we moved. Didn't think we would need it. Well, as it turns out the temps have been the lowest here in 30 yrs! Now by Michigan standards the 20's aren't too bad, but here in Mississippi, that's cold!

Over Christmas we attempted to have Jack and Rachael dress up to play the parts of Mary and Joseph while we read Luke 2. I think it made the story more meaningful, but their attention span didn't last too long. It might have been better if Hannah had been here too.

The photographer we used for our family photo we had taken in the Fall has graciously offered to teach me to develop black and white film and help me with my photo skills. I am so excited. I very much regret not taking photography back in High School. We had an awesome teacher at our school. Much of the pictures I took of our outings were on my SLR camera. One of these days I will get a digital SLR so I can have them right away! As it is, I have to send my film away to CA to have it processed. Not many places these days process Black and White film the way it was intended!

We also took Jack and Rachael to see Santa this year. This was Jack's second time and Rachael's first! Having lived out of the country for most of their lives, neither one of them had this opportunity. I was certain Rachael wouldn't want anything to do with with Santa. We waited in line for about an hour before it was our turn and while the photo people were setting up Santa talked to the kids(not wanting Rachael on his lap just yet so she wouldn't get nervous) He was great even though one could tell he was pooped! By the way did you know Santa has a Southern accent?

Our New Year's was pretty uneventful. I never make it to midnight. I don't really get into the whole thing anyway. It's just another day to me. Maybe I should develop a new perspective. Guess that can be one of my "goals"!

This year is off to a great start. Jack has started basketball. Hannah had wanted to play, but not enough girls signed up so they cancelled for the girls. I am sad too, you should see her on the court! She shoots and lands about 98% of her balls, and that's on a High School court!