Thurs. 1st--While subbing in 6th grade at Ira, I received a text message from the Intermediate principal in Snyder, Katy Cade. She said they have a couple teaching positions opening up in January and could really use some help. Was I interested?
Actually, I've already covered a teacher position for a semester (at Ira, actually) and was paid $100/day. While I wasn't teaching a core subject, I put in a TON of hours that semester at nights and usually on the weekends prepping for the FIVE different classes I was teaching. I also managed classroom behavior, had bulletin boards, art projects, graded papers, gave tests, tracked grades and attendance, had lunch duties, dealt with parents, and used my own personal money for special things I wanted to do. I had no sick days or PTO so when the ice storms hit and everyone else was out of school. I was paid as a substitute, but gave them everything a full-time teacher would do--and more based on what I heard about the teacher I replaced. The school got one heck of a deal with me there. But I learned my lesson. I will no longer cover for an outgoing teacher on substitute pay.
I texted Katy back asking if we could meet so she could answer some of my questions. She agreed and we arranged to do it that next morning, before I drove up to Lubbock to say goodbye to Melodee.
At lunch, I went to the front office to let Keva know about the job offer. She had already told me she was moving in the spring and that I was her top recommendation as her replacement, which was touching. I really enjoy subbing for her. I think I would like that job a lot (there are things I know I wouldn't like about it, but that's the case with all jobs). Obviously, that certainly didn't mean I had the secretarial job. The principal and superintendent had the final say and other people needed to interview. Keva wasn't even sure when she'd be leaving, but it sounded like it would be before the school year was over. Even still, Keva encouraged me to do what I needed to do for myself and family in regards to taking the teaching job in Snyder. I assured her there was no way I was going to take that job for substitute pay. But I would tell them that myself in person after I heard about the job description at our meeting.
*Because it was December 1st, it was the first day to start our Christmas chain. We tried a Minute to Win It challenge. With a plastic spoon in your mouth, you had to scoop mini marshmallows from one bowl and put them in another. Whoever had the most marshmallows in the receiving bowl, won. It was pretty funny. And Rolo learned very quickly to stay close in case there were any rogue marshmallows that went overboard.
Despite the lack of photographic evidence, I did participate in this! JJ took a video of me doing it, but not any pictures. Cooper and Calvin were the finalists and Calvin came out on top in the end after a nail-biting rematch. :)
*Cooper holding back a very eager Rolo who was watching the marshmallows move from bowl to bowl with great focus.
*Cooper had ordered a wig and was putting an outfit together for his upcoming comic con. It was coming together. Especially with that sword.
Fri. 2nd--I went to the Intermediate School and met with Katy Cade and Kaycee Schniers (an assistant principal over curriculum for ELA). They told me about the two available positions--4th grade math and science (definitely my first choice) and 5th grade math, science, and social studies. The 4th grade classes would be smaller and has only one tested subject (math), not two (math and science). But before we got into much else, Katy asked me if I was interested in teaching as a sub or a teacher. I asked her how I could be hired as a teacher? She said she'd hire me at semester and then at the end of the school year, if I didn't want to stay on permanently, I could resign. But that would ensure I get teacher pay, and paid time off, and a small bonus for teaching math (a state tested subject). Oh boy. That certainly changes things. There I was all prepared to say, "Thanks, but no thanks." Kind of hard to turn down a teacher salary. Even though it's pretty meager for all that teachers do, it is light years beyond what substitutes get. This could be a wonderful blessing for our family with an annual medical deductible of $5400 a year, and the need for more storage space with a new shed, plus savings.
I asked them about the STAAR math test. Aren't they worried about what my scores might look like? They said that the state of Texas just revamped the STAAR test and the district just adopted a brand new math curriculum, so they're not really expecting their test scores to be all that stellar anyway.
I'm not sure how I felt about a new curriculum. However, if it was new to everyone else on my team, then it might be a good time to jump in since I'd be new also.
Katy couldn't speak much about the salary. But as it turns out, her husband, Clay, is over Human Resources, and she said she would ask him about it right away and add my three years teaching experience to it. I told her I would definitely think it over and discuss it with my family that night and get back with her as soon as possible.
She sure gave me a lot to think about. Honestly, what else am I doing right now? In Snyder? Nothing specifically.
I left our meeting and went to Walmart. I didn't want to go to the hospital to see Mel and her family empty-handed. So I filled up a gift bag with different holiday/Christmas toys, games, trinkets, snacks, and treats to keep her three boys occupied. I can't imagine what it must be like to be at a hospital, far away from your house (in Hobbs, NM--1 1/2 hours), while your mom is dying. I knew it wasn't going to make all of that pain go away. But maybe it would be a small distraction.
*Right before I left for Lubbock, I got a text from Katy with the salary info from Clay.
Salary: $44,000 (whoa--that is a far cry from the $27,000 I got my 3rd year of teaching).
Stipends: $6,000
Sign-on: $750
Prorated amounts that I would receive:
Salary: $22,823
Stipends: $3112.30
Sign on: $389
Total: $26,324 paid January through August (8 installments). That's $3290 a month before taxes! Holy cow!!! That is 3x more than I would ever bring in as a sub. I think I got my answer.
I called Jared to talk to him about my meeting with Katy AND how much I'd make. He was pretty floored. Wasn't expecting that opportunity any more than I was. He was all for it if I was. That's one of the things I love about Jared. He gives me wings to fly. Doesn't hold me back when opportunities arise. But neither has he ever forced me to work outside the home, even when we could have really used the money. He has always valued my work and devotion to our children and home and champions me for it, but never makes me feel guilty for wanting to help others or the family by working some. Or in this case, working a lot.
Then I called my mom to tell her about my meeting...and about going to say goodbye to Mel. It was nice to have her reassuring words of comfort. I've never been that close to someone who was about to pass away, except my grandpa.
I found the hospital fairly easily. They were requiring masks, so I went to the bathroom and put one on before going to find her room. When I arrived, there were 3 or 4 women and a man scattered throughout the small room. Her mom was one of them. She recognized me right away and gave me a big hug then introduced me to the others. There was an aunt and Mel's grandma and Dad. The younger gal sitting on the bench across the room heard Dianna (Mel's mom) say I was Mel's friend from College Station, and she blurted out, "Shut up!" She thought I had driven all the way up from CS (which would have been about 7-8 hours). I clarified that I lived in Snyder now.
I didn't realize who she was at first, but in Mel's previous words, Dana (Poling) in Hobbs was to Mel what Jenn Hough was to her in College Station. Hobbs, NM is in our Lubbock Stake. Then I realized that her husband is a high councilor and spoke in Stake Conference in Oct. or Nov. about her conversion story. It was a great talk. And I started to connect some dots a little bit.
Dana is much more like Mel than I am. I can see why they connected so quickly. We had a really great visit talking over Mel's body in the hospital bed, sometimes talking to Mel. I felt kind of guilty talking about Mel without Mel being able to respond. I'm sure she heard us. But her frail body was yellow and her eyes were closed. She seemed to be in some pain as she moved her head and moaned every once in awhile. I told her I was there and held her hand and rubbed her arm. It was pretty surreal to think that this was her end on earth. I was with her through some pretty wicked fights. Drove her to doctors appointments and radiation. I was there when she threw up at home and at the clinics. I took her to chemo and waited with her while she got those infusions. I was with her when she thought she was dying--at least twice. Helped plan the funeral arrangements. But she came out with miraculous results and no more cancer. Every time. It was grueling and awful to see my friend go through such suffering. But what precious moments for me to minister to her in that way. I felt it a true honor to have been the first one outside of family who she would call. I wouldn't change any of those experiences for the world. They connected us on a deeper, spiritual level.
And after a couple of hours of trying to pull myself away for that final goodbye, crying with her mom, who was so grateful for the loving watch care I gave Mel, I knew it wouldn't get any easier. Mel's siblings were on their way and I didn't want to be in the way during this final, intimate family time, so I forced myself to say goodbye. I kissed Mel on the cheek, whispered in her ear that I would always love her. I thanked her for being my friend and that I would never forget her on August 25th (her birthday). Nothing poetic, but I'm not the greatest on the fly. Dianna said that Mel responded when she heard my voice. She knew I was there. I was grateful for that.
Dana said she'd walk out with me. We had about a 30 minute chat about Mel's final months. Mel and Stephen had just moved to Hobbs the year before. They were currently building a house. Dana said no one had any idea how bad her cancer was. Mel's rapid decline was a horrible blow below the belt and she felt so robbed of one of the best friendships she's ever had. I told her I would be her friend. She could call me to vent or cry or chat any time. We hugged and then I walked slowly back to my car. My heart was very heavy. I was kicking myself that I never stopped by after girls camp in July. I was tired and it was a long drive home, but I didn't have to make it a lengthy visit. And I could have seen her...alert and conscious. But I rationalized back then that there'd be another opportunity. And dang it. There wasn't. Tomorrow is never promised. That was a real blow, too. I missed my chance. I should have made the effort to stop. That feeling of regret is one I likely won't soon forget.
At the same time, what a sweet and precious gift to be able to actually see Mel one more time--in the flesh. I had to turn down a sub job to go see her, but I wasn't going to miss this--even though we couldn't talk to each other. It was a tremendous blessing to spend time with her and to let her know I loved her. That's an opportunity not afforded to many and I was grateful to Heavenly Father for that tender mercy.
Me and Mel at one of the St. Joseph Medical Staff dinners in College Station.
*When I got home, I talked to the kids about my job offer. They were all for it, too. I wouldn't be subbing in their classes or schools for the rest of the year, but minus a sad face from JJ, they were cool with it. So I texted Katy at 6pm that night and told her "Merry Early Christmas...I'll teach 4th grade for you next semester." She was SO grateful. She still had another 5th grade teacher to find and not much time to do it. Then my next thought was "Oh man...this is going to be a lot of work. And over Christmas Break. Again. I was in this same position last year. WHY do I do this to myself?! I just want a nice, relaxing Christmas vacation with my family."
*Rolo mirrored how I was feeling that night. Exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Sat. 3rd--I don't know if it was because of the mental and emotional strain I was under the previous few days, but I was not well that weekend. I was able to wrap gifts and lie low while Jared drove the boys up to Lubbock for leagues. But that was about it.
Sun. 4th--I tried to go to church on Sunday, but shortly after my shower, I felt like I was going to pass out. My limbs were tingling and my ears were ringing. I was able to make it to the bed to get horizontal before I could fall and took some deep breaths. Jared didn't like that at all, so he told me to stay home. I slept for the two hours while they were at church. Later that afternoon, I felt a little better, so I made chocolate crinkles because it was National Cookie Day and we all watched the First Presidency Devotional.
Mon. 5th--I subbed for Debbie Herring at Ira and Cooper's application to be a sub for Ira had been approved so his first job was also that day. He was subbing in ISS. A perfect place for him! Keva always says, "Bring a book." I usually bring my laptop and my bills and bank statements or receipts to reconcile. :)
*For Christmas this year, we decided to take Hershey kisses with scripture references from the Bible and Book of Mormon that testify of Christ's birth and mission glued to the bottom of the candy. Of course, our neighbors would need a copy of the Book of Mormon, so we included one of those, too, in the gift bags. We also had a Christmas card that explained all of the gift...what's on the bottom of the candies, why they needed the Book of Mormon--we even marked all the scriptures so they could find them easily.
We gave about 8-10 of these book/candy gift bags to coaches and neighbors. If nothing else, we wanted them to read a few scriptures from the Book of Mormon that celebrate the divinity of the Savior, just like the Bible does. These gifts were received without fanfare or much response. Except for three.
The first was the biggest response. We had tried a couple times already to deliver some of these gifts, but there were no answers. So Calvin tried again to drop off one of the bags to a neighbor family--very religious and devoted to the Savior. Their teenage son was the one who answered the door and received the bag. About an hour later, I received a message from the mom, who told me she was asked to pass along a message from her husband for their family:
"Merry Christmas! We appreciate your gesture at being kind and are happy to have y'all as neighbors. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are faithful to read the Holy Scriptures and recognize them as the sufficient and only revealed Word of God. Therefore, we cannot accept your gift. We believe in Jesus Christ, alone, as the only means for the forgiveness of our sin and our eternal salvation. We do wish you a Merry Christmas and are happy to discuss the gospel any time."
Hmm. I'm pretty sure they didn't read the card we wrote, because that explained the gift. It feels like they just opened the bag and saw the Book of Mormon, and had a knee-jerk reaction.
I still wasn't feeling 100%, so I did not receive this response well at first. It was a gift--that speaks of their Savior. Could they just look at it from an objective point of view if they aren't interested in it? Just like another book from the library. People are always saying how it says in the book of Revelation that there is no more scripture. That's the end. Except that verse of scripture was only specific to the book of Revelation. The Bible is just a collection of scripture and Revelation could have been thrown in at the beginning, but someone decided to put it at the end. If you really think about it though, the idea of God not sharing any more scripture or direction for His children violates His very nature.
First of all, if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, why is He not continuing to guide His children through loving prophets as He did anciently? Secondly, how could a loving Heavenly Father send His children to earth and refuse to speak to them, refuse to give them counsel, direction, reassurance, and comfort? It's like us, as parents, raising our kids to the age of 18, then sending them out into the world and saying, "Okay, that's all the information and counsel we're going to give you. Good luck!" and then refusing to communicate with our children after that. No earthly parent with morals would do such a thing. And we're imperfect as parents. But Heavenly Father is a perfect parent so He clearly wouldn't leave His children on their own. He accomplishes this through a living prophet and The Book of Mormon, which is more of the word of God. It doesn't replace the Bible, it supports it. These neighbors are obviously not open to considering the true nature of God, our Father. But it's okay. One day, whether in this life, or the next, they'll come to understand these things.
Even still, trying to emulate Jesus Christ (mainly through Jared's wise and objective perspective), this was our response: "We appreciate that you love the Savior like we do. We understand if you don't want to read the few passages from the Book of Mormon, but we do hope you'll enjoy all the many other verses from the Bible that are on the Hershey kisses. Merry Christmas to y'all!" (The wife "loved" our reply.)
Goodness, at least eat the chocolate!
Deb West, the coordinator for the Whitewood Youth Bowling League, actually came up to me and said how much she appreciated the gift and the exercise of going through and seeing some of those new scriptures. Bless her soul for at least looking at the gift and not just tossing it. I love her for that.
We gave our coach/friend, Scott Clevenger, his bag after the holidays because our schedules didn't match up before Christmas. I told him the gift came from a place of love, not from deceit, and hoped he didn't take offense to it, since one of our neighbors refused it. After he saw what it was, he came over to me and sat down and said he'd never feel offended for our family sharing a special part of us with him. He knows he can believe what he believes and we can believe what we believe and we can edify each other. Thank you, Scott. That was the whole point. Knowing we are religious, Scott has asked us to specifically pray for him in the past. That has meant a lot to our family.
Wed. 7th--Just as JJ was heading to bed, he brushed his foot up against the carpet and hit something sharp. Looking down, he realized he had sliced his foot open a little bit just below the left big toe. It was very painful and he struggled to not lose it. I guess there was a piece of glass that he managed to find. Where it came from, we have no idea. We weren't aware of anything breaking.
The urgent care was closed, of course, but Jared thought and hoped it would just need some glue. JJ was getting himself all worked up because he thought he might need stitches, which translates to needles and shots and melt downs. Several of our kids have a fear of needles. We told him to think positive thoughts and Jared took JJ to see Kevin who was at the ER. Fortunately, some glue was all it needed and they got him fixed right up.
*A little Christmas humor. ;)
Thurs. 8th--When I accepted the teaching position for next semester, I also proposed that I shadow the outgoing teacher and do any subbing in 4th grade math so I can get a feel for how things are at that school. I had a couple other sub jobs at Ira already in place, but I was able to spend some full days and half days in at the intermediate school--and they PAID me--which was very generous.
After spending the morning at the intermediate school, I took Karcyn to Abilene to meet with the ENT to see about her sleeping issues. Despite Karcyn's petite size, the ENT said that she's almost not a pediatric patient anymore and agreed that starting her on a CPAP machine would definitely be worth it, given that she has mild sleep apnea. Thank goodness. Anything is better than not having something to try.
Fri. 9th--I subbed for my friend, Liesel, at Ira (high school science) and got to see my old students from when I taught there. For our chain activity, we went to support our neighbor, Janie Romine, as the conductor of the Bell Ringers at Colonial Baptist Church. It was a delight as usual! It was fun hearing the familiar carols and songs of the season.
Sat. 10th--Calvin was given an amazing opportunity to spend a day with regional game wardens on a youth hunt. Jared went with him, but it was a "by invitation only" event. I got to know the Scurry County game warden, Trent Walker, who spent time at Ira School as the on campus officer when I was subbing there. I got a lot of good information from him about his journey to becoming a game warden and Trent invited Calvin to join them. They provided guns, as needed. And a delicious lunch and dinner. The only cost was the $7 hunting license.
Calvin and a warden going to sight his rifle.
The delicious lunch they provided the youth and parents.
Calvin next to the blind.
Believe it or not, that blind fit Calvin and 3 other big guys--Jared and two wardens. There was a group of deer that came VERY close, but not quite close enough to get a good shot. They were hopeful the herd would keep inching toward the blind. And they did. But something spooked them and they ran off before they could take aim. Unfortunately, they didn't shoot anything at all. But the "good news" is that no one did that day. Jared said it was just a bit too warm. They had a great time and even though these wardens were from other locations, they said they'd keep Calvin in the loop when they do their youth hunts.
*JJ and I went to Lubbock for bowling league, a much needed haircut, and Sam's Club run.
*Anyone who bowls will realize how true this is.
Mon. 12th--I shadowed Ms. Alarcon--the teacher I was replacing--and got to know my new students. I found out that the person taking over for the 5th grade teaching position was my nephew (in law), Nate Stevenson (who married Emma). He was already at the intermediate school teaching special ed. But the principal asked him to take over and he was grateful for the change. I also learned that Nate was out sick with the flu (and Emma had strep) so as soon as I got home, I started some homemade bread, and thanked Heavenly Father for the tender mercy that I was already planning to make chicken noodle soup that night for dinner. I took the soup, the piping hot loaf of bread, and a couple of Christmas popcorn balls (for Keith) over to their house a couple hours later. They were most grateful. They are very independent and of course, have Kevin and Chris here to help them all the time. I was super happy to be able to serve them because I don't get much of a chance to do that with any of Kevin's family.
Wed. 14th--JJ woke up with a 102.8 fever. He had strep. And sadly, he was going to miss caroling in Snyder and his class Christmas party. So much for his perfect attendance.
Thurs. 15th--This was my last day subbing at Ira for the school year since I was stepping into 4th grade in Snyder. I will miss subbing at Ira. They've always been so warm and welcoming and super appreciative of all my efforts. The teachers were also extremely happy for my new job in that I was getting paid as a teacher with benefits for the next semester.
Sadly, JJ was still sick. 103.3 temperature and missed going to the movies with his class. A Christmas tradition at Ira. Such an unfortunate time to miss school.
Fri. 16th--JJ was supposed to be in the Christmas Program at Ira, but had to miss school again, so he didn't get to participate. I guess a couple kids were out sick, so they just cut out those speaking parts all together. I can't believe JJ had to miss all of those fun holiday experiences.
I wasn't working on this day, but everyone got out early, so I went out to lunch with my friend and neighbor, Jen Calley. We hadn't had her over for Sunday dinner in awhile. So it was fun to reconnect with her over some yummy food.
Haha! Repurposing fall pumpkins for Christmas--west Texas style. I love it.
*Cooper wrapping his sibling gift for JJ. He knows what he's doing. Some of my kids still haven't figured out how to wrap gifts. :)
*I always miss the earthquakes! I missed them all in Alaska, too! Seems like everyone felt it but me. I was in the car at the time. Midland is about 88 miles from Snyder.
Sat. 17th--Jared took the big boys to the State High School football game which happened to be College Station versus Aledo. These were the same two teams that were head to head when Jake, Cooper, Calvin, and Jared attended in 2017. College Station were state champs in 2017. Aledo came back with a vengeance and tromped College Station at this game, though. Referring to the experience, Cooper called it "a very expensive lunch." Haha.
*This was also the weekend that Karcyn made her acting debut in the high school winter play. She was finally able to get into the Intro. to Theater class this year and secured the part as Jenny--a senior whose admiring friend, Todd, steals the Baby Jesus from the mall nativity to replace the egg baby for their required parenting class. She's mortified when she finds out Todd stole the Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve and is convinced her teacher (and pastor) is going to flunk her and that she's going to end up in "the under world." Haha. Jenny eventually convinces Todd they have to put the doll back, but then they get caught.
There were a couple of spots in her lines that took the Lord's name in vain or swore. Karcyn offered alternative lines that she was comfortable saying and, gratefully, her theater teacher allowed those edits.
Karcyn did a PHENOMENAL job! She's a natural and had several funny lines. Her teacher also told us she was the first student "off book" with all her lines memorized. Not real surprising since we speak in movie quotes at our house, but still impressive just the same. We can't wait to see more acting from Karcyn in the future.
Sun. 18th--Jared, Calvin, and I had been asked to speak in Sacrament meeting. Calvin was trying to keep himself above failing in a couple of classes, so we asked if Karcyn could take his place and of course that was no problem.
We were speaking on the last lesson of the year in the Old Testament, in Malachi. I focused on tithing and the blessings that come from it, and touched briefly on my testimony on the Law of the Fast. I was very surprised to see President Hart (from the Lubbock Stake Presidency) on the stand when we arrived at church on Sunday morning. Later that day, his wife, Marcie (my former camp cook assistant) texted me and said that Matt had loved my talk and shared a lot with his family when he got home. It was very sweet of her to share that with me.
Tues. 20th--I spent a little time at my new classroom, cleaning up and trying to figure out how to configure the desks (they have a straight edge where you sit, but the top edge of the desk is rounded--they're so dumb and don't fit to make groups--the feng shui is completely wrecked).
Karcyn was asked to babysit for Alec and Janelle Haws in our branch. Since Karcyn is still getting babysitting experience, I said I'd join her from 4-6pm. I also saw at the last minute that a business in downtown Snyder was offering free horse-drawn carriage rides during the holiday season. I got us an appointment at 7pm. I figured that would give me and Karcyn time to get home and have dinner and get to where we needed to go. Except Alec and Janelle were a little late coming home. So Karcyn and I were rushed getting to our house. We basically walked in the door and got our hats and gloves on and walked back out. But we made it in time and were excited and grateful for the unique Christmas chain activity. It was really, really cold which made it feel more like Christmas. :) We were also grateful all five of us were able to fit in the carriage. This might be the only year we can do that. :)
*I got my echocardiogram results for the year...my heart is "normal with good pumping function, and no valve leakage." Wow. Just like last year. Same message. Same nurse. Same result, apparently. I've had a second miraculous recovery. It's not even worth my time to call and tell them they messed up...again.
*Sweet little Ro-ro. Curled up on my bed.
Fri. 23rd--I was told my fireplace mantle was finally coming!!
I love it so much! Time to hang the stockings with care...
It's a Christmas miracle!! We haven't been able to hang stockings since our Oregon days.
*While I love my new mantle, the real miracle is having all our kids home for Christmas! Cooper and Calvin went to pick them up. These Utah kiddos flew in last night with no disruptions or delays.
Sat. 24th--Jake teaching JJ some tips on the piano.
*Our little tree.
*The fam whole fam...minus Cooper, who wasn't feeling well.
*Gathered around for the Christmas Eve Family Program.
This year, after our Christmas Eve program, we played a white elephant came with a twist. I purchased silly and popular items for $5 or less (Jake and Trina brought a couple to contribute) and put them each in a brown lunch sack. I randomly handed out one bag to each person. We went around in a circle and each person showed the group what was inside their sack, only once, so we knew what was out there in circulation, and then I stapled the bags shut. I had printed out a sheet of commands and cut them out into strips and put them face down on the carpet in the middle of the floor. We each took turns drawing a command and doing what it said. They were things like: trade with someone older than you, swap with someone who has blue eyes, trade with someone wearing red, keep your bag, tell two players to swap, etc. If more than one person was wearing red or had blue eyes, you got to choose who you swapped with, depending on if you wanted their bag or if you wanted them to be stuck with yours. Sometimes you didn't want to swap! We had enough commands to go around our group a few times. It was a blast, soooo funny! We will definitely be doing it again next year. :)
Because our house is ALL electric (no natural gas or propane), we invested in a wood burning insert to keep us warm in the main room and in case we ever lose power. JJ helped Jared get a fire going.
*My Santa Hat chairs. Got those covers at the Dollar Tree.
All the kids!
*The kids playing on the Switch together.
*Yay for some football team that made a great play!
Sun. 25th--Merry Christmas, Everyone!! Jared made Christmas French Toast before we headed to Sacrament Meeting.
*Jake and Trina got everyone the gift of books! Love it!
JJ received a Japanese-American dictionary as he was very interested in learning Japanese as it relates to anime.
Jared in his ugly Christmas sweater and Karcyn and Rolo. ;) I didn't get very many pictures because we were having too much fun enjoying each other's company and seeing everyone's reactions.
Calvin's book was a graphic novel by Brandon Sanderson.
Jake and Trina opening their gifts. We gave them individual gifts for their birthdays and couples gifts for Christmas.
*When my parents came to babysit the kids in September when we took a trip to Myrtle Beach, Karcyn was telling my mom how much she wished she had a guinea pig. Well...wish granted!! She got a stuffed one in her stocking! Karcyn thought that was hilarious!!
Mon. 26th--Playing Rummikub with Jake and JJ. They were having a hard time getting on the board with 30 points. This is a fun game. It's like the game Manipulation we play with a deck of cards.
Thurs. 29th--Karcyn, Trina, and I went to Lubbock to go shopping for the final touches on our family picture outfits while the boys went to Main Event to go bowling and to play airsoft and billiards. Jared had to work. :(
*After church, we came home and changed and once we got dinner going, we went to the front room to open presents.
Tues. 27th--Happy 23rd Birthday, Jake!!!
We took Trina to Chipotle for lunch. She liked her burrito.
Jared trying to persuade someone to get off of the Switch.
Headed to the BALL.
Sun. 31st--HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!! Love my fam.
