Merry Christmas

Here's the letter we sent out to people...most people on our blog list probably didn't get one, so here ya go!

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Greetings!! We hope this letter finds you doing well, and enjoying a wonderful Christmas season. Here’s an overview of what’s going on with us:

In September Munchkin started Kindergarten! She has really taken to school and loves to learn. She’s doing well learning to read and has made about a bazillion friends. When we attended parent-teacher conference, we received her first report card. She had all perfect scores!!!

In July Buddy Boy was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It has presented us with a lot of challenges, emotional, financial, and other, but we feel SO grateful that he received a diagnosis at a young age. He’s an absolute delight in the family, and we’re now armed with more information to help him continue learning and growing.

In the summer Mom learned how to can, and began canning everything she could get her hands on. It was a lot of fun learning a new way to be more self reliant and to build up the food storage. We have much bigger plans for the garden next year!

All throughout the year Dad has been building things using scrap wood we have around the house. Among his creations are 3 fabulous food storage shelves, a new garden box, and a bench for the playroom. We’re loving that we can make such great use of scraps and not spend money.

In May we went to San Diego for vacation. We played at Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park. We also visited with family. We slept over at Mae and Nate’s place, and had the blessed opportunity to see Big Mama and family again. We also enjoyed dinner with Reggie and Michelle. What a blast!

As we look back at our year and make plans for the next one, we realize that we wouldn’t be where we are without our friends and family. And so we send our love to you this beautiful Christmas season.

Love,
The family!

Insulation

Jacob gave us a tip how to get a good deal on insulation. Qustar gas is giving some rebates for attic insulation. We thought it was too good to be true. When we bought this house there was about two inches of insulation in the attic, so about 4 years ago I put about 7 more inches up there. It was a pain in the butt!! It took a couple days of work. I wanted more than the 7 inches, but it cost us about $600.00 to put that in ourselves, and it made a mess of the house. It was a lot of work, but it had to be done, and I thought maybe in the future I would put more up there. Now Questar gas is giving rebates if you don't have very much insulation. Jacob found a company that does it for pretty cheep, and they will even fill out the paper work on the rebate, and have the rebate sent directly to the company so we only paid $33.00 for 10 more inches of insulation. Normally it would have been $600.00. Last week they came in and put it in. It only took them 30 minutes. I love insulation!!!
Dad

Partaaayy

We had a birthday party for Munchkin yesterday. It was a blast for all of us! (except Buddy Boy, he didn't like all the noise.) This was the first party we've done with friends from school, so it was a milestone party:


Buddy Boy was upset most the time, and after the party was over, he was exhausted and put himself to sleep right on the couch. Munchkin has had a blast playing with Mom and all the new toys!

My Gratitude Attitude

Anyone who knows me well (Mom) knows that I'm really good at complaining. In reality, I have a whole lot to be thankful for, and I want to take this chance to share just a couple of those things:

I'm grateful that Munchkin is such an eager helper. She is such a hard worker, and puts her all into everything she does! She said today, "cleaning is my favorite; I love it infinity cause it makes you happy!!"


I'm thankful my kids are such good friends. Talk about infinity love...these two love each other so much. It's so fun to see their relationship develop. They giggle together, read books, chase each other around, and they are pretty darn good at sharing with each other!


I'm thankful for our crappy yard.:-) No truly, it's a place where the kids have so much fun gardening, running around, jumping, creating, and just making memories.



I'm grateful to have a food storage. This past year I've really felt an urgent need and desire to build it up, and we've been blessed with numerous resources helping to make it happen.


I'm grateful that Dad is so affectionate with our kids....there is no doubt that he's completely enthralled with them, so in love with them.


I'm thankful for family...what more can I say? Families are the best, and I'm so glad they are forever.

Famous Ladies

Mom and Munchkin were in Saturday's (Nov 8, 2008) SL Tribune newspaper. The author and photographer came over to the house and took a bunch of pictures. Munchkin was a little disappointed of the picture they used, but she was still pretty excited. Word got out around the ward as well. Now Mom is going to give classes on personal finance. Here is the link if you want to check it out. ~Dad
http://www.sltrib.com/personalfinance/ci_10932106

First snow fall

Munchkin and Buddy Boy were both so excited to wake up to all the snow. Munchkin went to school, but wasted no time to go outside and play. We built a snowman, and pushed the sled around. Buddy Boy loved watching it fall. Outside though he just wanted to be held. Here is some of our fun. ~Dad