The Annual Christmas Letter

Hunter is a first grader this year.  At AWANAs he is about to finish memorizing all the books of the Old Testament.  He played t-ball again this summer (he had really improved and grown a lot taller!).  He loves to play outside, watch Spongebob Squarepants, and play video games.  He likes school and playing a "Sparkles" spelling game.  He can read very well, and he has earned some pizzas at school by reading lots of books.  He is beginning to go hunting with Phil, and he's been wearing his Chiefs clothes, too.  He lost his first two teeth on his 6th birthday--not his idea of a happy birthday present!  He is just as sweet as ever.

Hadley and Harper are big talkers and singers.  Staying at the babysitter's house each day seems to be going better now (not as much crying when mama leaves).  Potty training is in progress with many successes lately from Had and Harp (mama and daddy are very happy about this!).  The girls enjoy listening to music (they love to dance!) and story books.  They love baby dolls, stuffed animals, and dishes.  They think Hunter is the cat's meow and follow him everywhere (much to his dismay).

The kids have had their share of bumps, bruises, and medical episodes this year.  Hunter got some cuts, scrapes, and bruises from a playground incident.  He also lost a tooth (his third) to that same fall--ouch!  Harper fell off the porch steps at the babysitter's house and cut and bruised her face.  She also had a black eye from running into a table and a bruised cheek courtesy of her cousin.  Hadley, at some point in time, put a piece of fleece up her nose.  After one unsuccessful trip to the ER and several to the doctor's office it was FINALLY removed at the hospital in Liberal, KS under general anesthesia.  Amy was actually glad to see that chunk of fabric--she KNEW something was up there!

Amy crafted her way through the first six months of 2010 (felt food, an apron, or a ribbon tag blanket, anyone?) along with finishing up her Masters of Education.  She passed her certification test and finished her graduate portfolio.  She's now back to work as a Library Media Specialist for four sites (over 700 kids from kindergarten to fourth grade!).  The job is challenging and tiring, but the extra income is nice.  She's hoping for a new(er) vehicle in the near future.

Phil is teaching and coaching.  His basketball season is underway, and he thinks both teams will do well.  He is still raising German Shorthaired Pointers (he has a new litter right now!).  He had a great container garden this summer, and the family enjoyed lots of the fruits (well, veggies) of his labor.  He helped put a metal roof on the house, and he built a beautiful little playhouse in the backyard.  He's got in a few days of hunting already, and he looks forward to many more this winter.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Phil, Amy, Hunter, Hadley, and Harper

Christmas Letter 2009

Hadley Sue and Harper Kate are two rambunctious two-year-olds! They can walk, run, jump, climb, throw, sing, and dance, among other things. Their favorite songs are the Alphabet Song and Itsy Bitsy Spider. They find it necessary to clap at the end of every song, much to the amusement of everyone else! They are avid watchers of Blue’s Clues and Max & Ruby (don’t bother them when either is on)! The corral (aka “the cage”) is still in the living room. Cage fights are a daily occurrence, but we also get some cage kisses, cage hugs, and cage songs.
Hunter, our oldest, is now five and a half. He is in kindergarten at Straight. This summer he was in t-ball (the first place team!), and this fall he was in soccer. He still likes school, but likes recess best. He goes to AWANA at church (this year he’s in Sparks). He is learning Bible verses and earning points and jewels. He is beginning to read on his own and surprises us often by reading something we didn’t know he could decode! He grew two inches in the last six months—he’s going to be taller than Mom pretty soon! He recently learned to ride his bike without training wheels, and now Amy’s worried he’ll just ride away!
Phil is still teaching and coaching at Straight Grade School. He is looking forward to this year’s hunting season. His German Shorthaired Pointers are looking good this year—we now have four! He is still supporting his Kansas City Chiefs even through the rocky years. He had the kids this summer while Amy went to Ada for three weeks—he’s got a lot of patience! He keeps the yard looking wonderful (compliments abound)!
Amy is at home with Hadley and Harper each day. She has one more class, a certification test to pass, and a practicum to complete before getting her Masters of Education degree for School Library Media Specialist. She got 9 free hours of class this summer (and lived in the dorms in Ada for three weeks). She stays busy with homework, diaper duty (potty training coming soon!), laundry, and chasing little girls (with help from Grandpa Gene). Will she go back to work next fall? Only time will tell….
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!