Hello Winter!

Winter may only officially be here today, but it has been cold! We got enough snow last Sunday (the 12th) to spring the kids from school Monday and Tuesday. They returned to school on Wednesday two hours late, and with the threat of freezing rain on the way were released an hour early. This left teachers scrambling to get in their exams before we started our Christmas break.

In spite of the snow we've had a very busy two weeks. Last weekend was Vicki's birthday and we celebrated by going out to eat. That weekend also saw a lot of missions activities at church that our whole family could do. These included a trip to sing Christmas carols at one of the nursing homes in Springfield and delivering care packages to folks in our community.

We were supposed to go to a Cub Scout Christmas party Monday night (the 13th) but the snow cancelled that. Instead we took dinner over to Aunt Mar's and finished watching all the slides I had scanned. I think we've looked at over 1400 pictures from the 1950s to the 1970s. What is staggering to me is that Vicki and have snapped over ten times that number of pictures since purchasing our first digital camera seven years ago.

Last week Vicki and Jenna spent some time making candy to give to teachers at school. Jenna is turning into a candy making machine. I'm loving it, but I sure don't need it. This is one reason why the boys and I have started jogging in the mornings. Of course, the three staff/office parties I've attended are another reason to make me put on my tennis shoes.

Vicki was busy on Friday with parties at the boys' school. This was the last day of school and an abbreviated day at that. To celebrate to arrival of Christmas break we went to watch the latest Narnia flick, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," and then went Christmas shopping.

Saturday was a quiet day, and for once we got all our Christmas cards done in one day -- along with a ton of laundry and wrapping presents.

So now we're on the final stretch to Christmas Day. Being the last minute shopper I am scrambling to get my gifts in place before the big day. Since I won't write again until next week I'd like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

Joe