Our Family Christmas Letter

Wow, another year has passed again. We have had a lot of changes in our lives. Two new vehicles, a new home, new schools, and all of our children in school. We have made a lot of happy memories and overcome some trials. We truley have been blessed this year. As a recap this is what has happened to our family!

Bruce was able for the first time to pick out a car that he wanted. We used some income tax return and got a good deal on a loan. He now drives a 2001 Volvo S60. It is sporty and classy at the same time. He is still working at Mikel-Brock. Unfortunately it is not as creative as he would like. He has applied for a new job. Please keep him in your prayers.

I am enjoying my second year as a Parent Educator for the Joplin school district. I am now driving a red Ford Windstar. My Chevy was rearended in March. I miss it. I enjoy sneaking out with Bruce’s car when I can. I was very busy in my spare time this year finding us a home to buy. We moved into our new home on October 24th. It is in a little town outside of Joplin. It is a nice quiet neighborhood and we can’t hear our neighbors shower. When we enrolled the children in their new schools, Bruce leaned over to me and said, “No apartment number.” It was a happy moment for us both.

Joy graduated from elementary school in May. She graduated with honors. She started middle school at East Middle school in Joplin in August. She was elected to the Student Council. Unfortunately, two weeks later we moved. We are now in the Webb City school district. The middle school there is set up a little differently. It has taken her a while to adjust, but she has now made a few friends.

Patience came in first place in the Fun Run in May for the second year in a row. She also came in first in the Boom Town Race in Joplin for children under 12. She enjoys her friends at school and has rekindled a friendship with a friend in our new ward at church. Middle school in this district starts at 5th grade, so she has moved up in the world.

Aurora read the most books in her class last year. She is reading at a much higher level than her age. She is really enjoying her new school. She continues to enjoy playing outside and playing dress up.

Logan graduated from Head Start in May. He started kindergarten in the “trailor” in August. He thought he was hot stuff to be in a trailor class room. He really likes the playground equipment at his new school. It has a fish tunnel. He sometimes has a hard time focusing in class, but for the most part is doing really well.

I hope you feel caught up with our family. We hope you are all well and happy!
Love and prayers to you all!
The VanHoose Family- 203 S Maple, Carterville, MO, 64835, 417-673-3496