Wow, it's been a while since I updated.  Lots has happened.  Not even sure where to start.  I think I will just bullet it this time.

* Adam got laid off from Rose Aircraft earlier this month and went to work at the local coffee shop training to take over management since the current owner/manager was due to have a new baby.

* The coffee shop sold and Adam is now going to be the manager of the coffee shop at a new location and they are in the process of moving, renovating, and revamping as we speak.

* I went to Wisconsin to see Sheli and Faith Chaney and on the way home we were delayed almost three days.  Whew... I never thought home would feel so good.  But we had a fantastic trip and had lots of fun.

(check the photo blog for more pics)

* Adam and the kids were in the Polar Express play again this year, but it was the same weekend as my trip to Wisconsin, so I missed it.

* We have a new puppy (Ella) and she is just precious.  She is a Silky (1/2 Yorkie 1/2 Australian Terrier)

* We attended the annual McPherson ball and had a blast. It's always fun to get all foofooed up and go out with the hubby!

* The whole family is deer slayers this year.  All four of us killed deer this year.  Yes, we are living off the land. Lol. 

* And of course Christmas.  Christmas was wonderful.  I'm glad it's over, it's such a hustle bustle time of the year, but we always make sure the kids get the real meaning and try to relish in the birth of our Lord Jesus.  This year we had the kids open a gift a week early and decide to give it away or choose another one still wrapped under the tree to give away.  They both gave gifts away anonymously.  The whole family was truly blessed by this.  We came home Christmas Eve and had a massive telescope wrapped under our tree with out a name of whom it was from.  This truly ministered to our whole family on the act of giving.  We went to my moms on Christmas Eve morning and had lunch with my mom and step dad and my brother and sister-in-law.  My brother brought the horse for the kids to ride.  Derek got new boots from my brother and sis and he loves'em so much he hardly takes them off. lol.  Afterwards we went to Adam's parent's house and Adam's mom read "The Crippled Lamb" to the kids before opening gifts.  Soo sweet. Olivia got a doll bed and vanity amongst LOTS of other things and Derek got a remote control truck and night vision goggles and LOTS of other things.  We had a great night visiting and sharing together.  On Christmas morning we got up and read the Christmas story FROM the Bible then opened gifts here.  We stayed in our pj's all day long and relaxed and let the kids enjoy playing with their new stuff.  Good memories.

* Last night we had a great night of friends, games, and food.  We went over to some friends house and had a Hannukah Celebration.  Our new friends Jason and Talena Winters hosted the party and did a fantastic job. She is such an inspiration.  No, really she is.  She is a scrapbooker, piano player, song writer, stay at home mom, home schooler, and I'm sure lots more that I have missed.  Wow!  I joked with her last night that I would help her in the kitchen but I wasn't sure I was domesticated enough. Lol.  She made potato latke (A latke is a cake fried in oil. Tonight's were potato and apple latkes with home-made applesauce), roast beef, Salad, home made cider, home made pumpkin pie, and FRESH whipped cream.  Like she milked the cow, drained the milk, and made cream.  It was soooo wonderful.  It was such a treat for our family.  Before our meal we lit the candles and read traditional blessings and after the meal we played spin the dreidel.  And yes we had home made chocolate for the loot.  So delicious. 

Well, I think that pretty much wraps it up.  I am looking forward to 2009, I always look forward to the new year.  I pray that you and your family will have a happy and safe new year!

Make sure and check out all the photos. 

Be blessed!

So much to tell...  I know I will miss something but I'm gonna give it a whirl.  First things first, we had our little God daughter this past week all to ourselves.  We met her mom and dad and brothers in Hot Springs last Sunday night and had her until Friday.  This is the last time we will have her for a while.  Her dad is a Pilot in the Air Force and they just got orders to Edwards Air Force Base in California.  (weep weep)  ugghh this makes me so sad.  When I had to say bye it was so hard.  She is such a charmer and we just love her so much.  We had lots of fun with her this past week playing.  We had her a birthday party on Thursday night complete with cake, ice cream, presents and grandparents. 

Hurricane Ike is passing through good o'le Arkansas so Adam and I decided to just make the best of it.  We have had so much rain in the past couple of months that it has rained almost everything out, resulting in some very unhappy kids.  SOOOO we decided "Hey if there is no lightening why not let the kids play in the rain?"  it was a great idea.  They had sooo much fun running and playing and slopping.  I always wanted to do that as a kid, I told Adam "Honey, we are making memories" and that we are, each and every moment. 

Olivia hit a major milestone in her life this week.  On Friday we went for eye appointment and got CONTACT LENS.  This is an early birthday gift from her dad and I.  It is one of those gifts that keep on giving and I will be sure to remind her each time I buy a box of contacts (hee hee).  She was very happy.  I really havent' seen her light up like that in a long time.  It truly drew tears to my eyes when we got in the truck, she had brought a pair of sunglasses along and the first thing she did was put them on and proudly announce that she could wear sunglasses.  Truly, truly a special moment.  Makes me so sad she is growing up.

And tonight we went over to Dan and Jen Brewer's house for Sophie Rose Brewer's 3rd birthday.  That Jen she is one awesome girl.  I told her Martha would be very proud.  She did a fantastic job at preparing and decorating.  She is just sooo creative.  I love that woman!  Jen you truly are an inspiration!!!

Sweet Sophie

Well, I just heard talk of hot cocoa and popcorn so I had better get moving.  Have a blessed weekend and enjoy the rain. 

Blessings to all,

Alicia