Wow, a New Year!

Hello Everyone! I hope you enjoyed the holidays. I apologize for not keeping up better on my post.

My first day at work went well. It has been nice being around adults more and for the children to interact with others. Especially for Logan.

We went to my Mom's for Christmas. It was a quick up on Christmas Eve night and a quick back the following afternoon. We had a nice visit with Mom, Grand-ma and Bob and Sharon. Mom really enjoyed the "treasure box" I had made her. It had pictures of our family members as well as my siblings and Beth's children.

I forgot, we went to Silver Dollar City on the 22nd of Dec. It was a lot of fun. We had 17 people in our group of family members and friends, including the Pagan's and Matt Towns with his friend Jeanne. The children really enjoyed it.

Bruce made a neat observation while on the train ride. In the beginning of the ride you are singing carols together and you see light displays of commercialized Christmas items, Santa, presents, reindeer, etc. Then, when you get to the middle of the ride there is an old man there that tells the story of Christ birth from the book of Luke. Then you go back around past the commercial stuff again. His observation was how Christ truly is the center of Christmas. I appreciate so much when he shares special thoughts like that with us.

On the 29th we went to Springfield and had Christmas with the VanHoose's. Both of Bruce's brothers were there and one of his sisters. We had a fun time playing a white elephant gift exchange game with the adults.

Our friend Matt came by to see us too and gave us a bread dipping kit. It was yummy. I especially like the Rosemary and Garlic herbs in the olive oil. He's a very dear person to our family.

Before we went home we also stopped by to see Bruce's oldest and dearest childhood friends, Daniel. It's always nice to see him.

On New Years Day we had the missionaries and the Pagan's over for lunch and grazing at a finger food table all afternoon. We had fun playing games together.

The children go back to school on Monday. It has been a fun couple of weeks, but as it is winding down I think they are ready for some space from each other.

I hope all is well in your part of the world.

Jennifer