Enjoying the New Year

This first week of January has been busy and fun. We had a relatively quiet New Year's Eve at the Smith's house. Tom was working, so we didn't go until almost 11 p.m. But the kids were already there, so we were able to bring in the New Year with family, and lots of folks from the church.

New Year's Day was quiet and wonderful. It was bitterly cold outside, so we stayed home for the morning. Later, we went shopping at Half-Price Books (to use Tom's Christmas gift card), and then to WalMart to get groceries. It was a nice, calm, slow day.

Wednesday, Tom went back to work, as well as Jathan and the girls. Lorien had basketball practice, and I went to work to write more curriculum. I have struggled with most of the work that I have been working on during the break since the computer I have been using is not cooperating. It manages to shut off by itself, whenever it pleases, and leaves whatever work I've done unsaved. Bummer. I switched computers and things got better.

Thursday and Friday we all just worked and got hair cuts, organized the garage tools, and cleaned up Christmas decorations. We were invited to Susan Lynch's (our neighbor across the street) to watch a movie and eat pizza on Friday night. We had a lovely time there.

Today, we went to get free bread (probably over $200 worth), took Aleya to Upwards basketball, and then came home. Tom has a wretched cold that came on last night. Jathan, Kesse, Kayren and Lorien left for Omaha at 10:30 last night. Kesse called at 1:00 am to let us know that she made it. I was glad that she called, but it WAS late!

Tomorrow is church, and Tom will enjoy our new elder, Mike Nop, teaching Sunday School! He can just be sick on the back row, and listen!

We had a wonderful vacation and are getting ready to start school again on Monday. Jathan goes back on Friday, and Kesse on Saturday. It's been nice to have the whole family together.

Thank you for all the letters and cards that we received for Christmas. It is so nice to hear what everyone is doing.