Christmas Newsletter

It's December 22nd, three days 'til Christmas, and I'm just getting around to our family newsletter. Because of my extreme need to never be late, I'm posting it instead of putting it into the mailbox. In my mind, if it's not written, sent out and arrived by December 25th, it's late.

We've had a good year. Thankfully, we didn't have too many remodeling projects, like last year. We tiled the backsplash to complete our kitchen and added some additional landscaping. Our biggest news, and boy was it a surprise, was finding out we're expecting a baby, Boy #3, on May 17th (our anniversary). I've been feeling pretty well; my daily workout helps a lot. I can't seem, though, to eat enough tuna, pizza or grapefruit juice.

We had a great, two-week vacation to Miami this summer. Normally we go down for just a week, so we really enjoyed the extra time this year. We took full advantage of our trip and spent everyday either swimming at the beach/pool or on day-excursions. It was really nice, too, to spend time with Robert's cousin who passed away just a few days after coming home.

Robert is always busy at work--never a dull moment at the courthouse and never a lack of criminals. He's hired two new attorneys this year, so he's spent quite a bit of time training them. He's still in the Bishopric, so his evenings are spent doing church stuff, playing with the boys, or watching KU.

I'm still teaching piano lessons and volunteering at the boys' schools. I was put in the Primary presidency again this summer. I've started counting down the days 'til my "free time" ceases to exist and becomes "baby time".

Adam (7 y/o) and Matthew (4 y/o) are both in school this year. Adam is in 1st grade. He is doing very well. His need and thirst for knowledge is often insatiable. He was put in the Gifted Program (2 years early) and loves it--finally something a bit challenging. Matt attends Preschool three mornings a week. He loves all the hands-on activities his teacher does. His love for scissors has gotten out of control. Just in the past week, he has cut up Christmas decorations, important papers and his clothes. He is the tease of the family, always finding the humor in every situation.

Besides Legos and reading, Adam is hooked on the piano. I started giving him lessons last month. His obsessive nature wants a lesson everyday. I've limited it to three times a week. He'll easily practice 30-60 minutes a day.

Matt will be in Kindergarten next year, so he and I are just enjoying our time together. He soaks up all the one-on-one attention. He's my little pal--and mischief maker. He's currently hiding behind the couch eating candy. He thinks I don't know he snuck it from the cupboard.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Thanks to all those who have sent cards. It's nice to keep in touch.

Love,
Robert, Heidi, Adam and Matthew

Santa's Lap

Here's our annual pictures of sitting on Santa's lap. Matt had his Preschool Christmas Party this morning. Adam was invited to attend, too. Adam told Santa he wants a Wii and a Nintendo DS (expensive taste). Matt said he wants a snowman action figure (????).

Piano Recital

Last night we had a piano recital at our house for my piano students--all three of them. Adam had been looking forward to it all week with much anticipation. He did tell me afterwards, he was so nervous he thought he was going to wet his pants. He did very well, considering he's only had lessons for six weeks. Each student played two songs. Adam played, "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and "Just a Second". The actual recital took 10 minutes max, followed by 20 minutes of refreshments and 60 minutes of playing downstairs with all the kids.

My piano students--Abe Kentner, Adam Kennington, and Spencer Hunt--notice they're all boys.

Let The . . . .

Nesting Begin!!! I shampooed our carpets yesterday. Ahhhh, it's nice to have that done. Now on to the next project.

Happy Trails & Happy Times

Here are some of our newest photos. I'm a bit late, and perhaps a bit lazy, but at least they're here. Adam has been thrilled to be taking piano lessons. Nearly everyday after school he asks if he can have another lesson. Sometimes I have time and sometimes I don't. On those days that I don't have time, he asks if he can teach himself. He's doing quite well. He has now started "teaching" Matthew, which they are both very excited about. I love the photo above--they both look so cute.

Here's Adam riding one of Aunt Kim's horses. I didn't think Adam would want to do this because he has an issue with germs & animals. He really enjoyed it, though.

Matt didn't want to ride the horse but he was definitely curious as to what they were eating and drinking.

St. Nicholas visited our house the night of December 6th and filled the boys' shoes with goodies. It such a fun tradition that we adopted from living in Europe as children.

I'm So Crafty...

I'm so crafty............I (unexpectedly) create people!

ETA is May 17th (happens to be our anniversary).

Final product is a boy! (thank goodness I don't have to buy a bunch of new clothes)

This was so completely not planned. To be honest, I'm still in shock and can't completely believe I'm pregnant--even though I've had 16 weeks to process it. And I never thought I'd be having a baby at 36. So, how's that for a shock. It was the surprise of the century for us.


As for other news, Adam has been tested and put into the gifted program at school. Typically the students don't start this until the 3rd grade. However, the 1st grade curriculum was simply not challenging Adam at all. We're really glad and grateful his teacher and school recognized his need for something more demanding. Since he's the only 1st grader in the program, he'll have one-on-one instruction with the gifted teacher each week.

Rob is off to Topeka for the next few days on a business trip. We just got back on Sunday and now he's gone again.

All & all, it's been quite a week.....and it's only Wednesday.