Christmas Greetings 2006

Merry Christmas Yall!

Decided to not do the whole Christmas letter through snail mail and just update the blog with a holiday greeting and wrap up of the year. Still attempting to take a photo of the boys to get out in the mail for New Years, but haven't yet succeeded! Who knows!?!

Nice having the blog so I don't have to go back through the year to update you, so will just update since Thanksgiving. If you missed any other part of the year, just look back on the blog to catch up! Some of the pictures may be gone, but the details are intact!

We spent Thanksgiving up in Dallas with Darrin's family. Lois and Raymond came down from Ohio and we had dinner at Dean and Shelly's new house. It was a nice time. I sure did miss my family, being the first in 15 years that I wasn't with a part of my family in one way or the other! But being that we are so far south, it was nice being able to be with Darrin's family instead of alone.

In mid-November, Dakota wrapped up soccer and football. The last football game the QB wasn't there, so Dakota was able to play QB for the first time this season. I think he enjoyed it, but commented about the pressure of the position. He did a great job! Basketball begins in January with spring soccer beginning in late February.

About 3 weeks ago, Dakota began guitar lessons! We, with the help of PaPa, got him an early Christmas present, a blue guitar, which he can already "play" 2 songs; O Chrismas Tree and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. He enjoys it a lot it seems and I hope that that continues!

Homeschooling goes fine, he just completed a unit on Insects and only missed 2 on his final test. It's amazing how quick we can get through things on some days and how long it takes on others! All in all it is ok. We are going to Austin for a field trip in January to see the capitol as we are studying government. He misses his friends from Nebraska terribly as we all do, but I'm trying to get him together at least weekly with other homeschoolers to be able to play. Thank goodness it is so nice here year round, we can go to the park all the time!

Kye continues to like school, we had a field trip to cut down a Texas Christmas Tree (a Cedar) and that was great fun. The kids choose the tree and then made tons of ornaments to decorate it once it was placed in their room. They had a book exchange for their party and he got a Curious George book which he loved!

Kye played a couple more soccer games near the end of the season and I think out of the 4-5 games he played he kicked the ball 3 times (2 were kick offs) :)

He really liked it best going to brother's games and playing in the dirt nearby! He will begin swimming lessons in January, which he loves!!! We have been trying to think what other things he might excel in, but are still scratching our heads. I don't think there are classes or lessons on "How to act like an animal," or "How to run like Cheetahs" are there? If there were, Kye would be first in line! Seriously, you would be amazed at how fast that child can run on all fours while making animal noises! See.... he has talents!! Kye is Kye and those of you who know him well know exactly what I mean!!!

Kru continues to grow! He is talking a lot more, most of which you can't understand, but he is sure telling a story. He has said water, bye-bye, hot dog, thank you, and his first sentence, "turn it on" in regards to the singing snowmen that he loves listening and dancing too. He is still very busy and into everything. He has broken several dishes, enjoys emptying the pantry of it's canned goods, and his new favorite, playing in the toilet! Sigh! Must I put a lock on EVERYTHING???!!! Yes, I think I must! Kru is so sweet and loves to give loves and kisses, I hope he stays this sweet, forever!!!!

Darrin and I are the same. We had our 12th anniversary yesterday. Can you believe it!!?? I say sometimes it seems just like yesterday and other times it seems like 40 years ago!:) Darrin is getting busier at work which is good. One of his latest projects is animating 300 different types of bombs and missiles. He has been working some freelance on the side when he finds the time. His computer died a while ago and it is harder to do the freelance using my laptop! I'm good, sometimes a bit crazy, but who isn't right!?! RIGHT!!! Thank you for agreeing with me!:) Seriously, we are fine, really missing Lincoln and our friends during the holidays though. It's amazing to me how hard holidays can be when you aren't "home." But we are still trying to find a church and to find some friends! Didn't think it would be that hard to do either!!! But I guess when you had such great friends and a super church, it's hard to find replacements!

We will be in warm Texas for Christmas this year, really all of you who are freezing cold, this is the best time to visit! So if you received this, you are welcome anytime! Being in shorts in Decemberand playing in the water table 1 week from Christmas is too bizarre! Sound appealing?

With the warmth, our tree was a bit dry when we bought it not to mention now. It is super dry!!! Darrin worries that it is going to burn. At work, they sent everyone a video that was a Christmas tree that caught on fire and within 40 seconds the room was consumed! So we don't leave the lights on all day anymore!:)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7723421500841104465&q=christmas+tree+fire

But on a more serious note, I am becoming more and more aware of certain things, and even though I never would have guessed I would be living in Texas this Christmas, I know my Heavenly Father knew, and even though my circumstances may not be what I want, HE wants! I hope that wherever you find yourself this Christmas and New Year, that you are very aware of the Lord's companionship there with you! May this season only increase your love and desire for Him!

We miss you all!

Love,
Kari


Kye was WAY excited to get his soccer trophy, he was awarded the save the day player for helping at the end of the season!
Down....Set....Hike!
And he passes!
Nice Handoff!
Kru enjoying brother's football games!
Darrin and Kru
Enjoying Aunt Shelly's trampoline! Nice hair!!
Kru liked it too!
And so did Kye!
One of Kru's favorite foods!
Picking our tree, oh such joy!!!::)
Kye placing his 5th Christmas ornament on the tree
Kru adding his 2nd year ornament
And as always, Dakota finishes it by topping the tree with the bear!
Brotherly love or shove!?!:)
Making sugar cookies!
A yearly tradition!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Howdy as the Aggies say!!!

I know I have said this before, but I am so weirded out about things down here in Texas! I thought I would update and then add pictures after Thanksgiving.

What do Bumble Bees, Butterflies and shorts all have in common? Things you see during November in College Station, Texas! So bizarre that we can go to the park and be wearing shorts the week before Thanksgiving! We actually have had a few cool days in the 60s and getting into the 50s at night. At Dakota's last football game last week, our low wasn't even as low as Nebraska's high for the day!

We had a nice break from our Texas weather this past weekend. Darrin's sister had her wedding up in Hot Springs, Arkansas and we actually wore out heavy coats! It was fabulous! The leaves were already past their prime colors, but they were still a sight for sore eyes! Even Kye commented on the beatiful colors! It was an extremely fast trip! We left at 3:30AM on Saturday morning and returned home at 8:00PM on Sunday night! Kru was not terribly pleased! Dakota stayed with Granma and Pappy as we will be driving up to Dallas tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Not as long of trip, thank goodness!!!

As we begin the crazy holiday season, I hope that we all can be in the moment of each day and not forget what a wonderful time of year it is! Let's be thankful for all that we have and look forward to the precious Advent season that is the REAL Christmas story!

Have a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving no matter where you are or who you are with and I will post some pictures very soon!

Love to you All!

Kari

Wrapping up October!

Hello Everyone!

Thought I would tell you about our end of October! We have had a busy Ocotber with Dakota's birthday, carving pumpkins and Trick or Treating! We also have added homeschooling too! Yes, things down here in Texas just aren't like they were in Nebraska and I have been struggling since the 2nd week of school with the public system here. SO after many attempts to better the situation for Dakota, the Lord convinced Dakota and me that homeschooling was the way to go. We've only been at it 1 week, but we are both enjoying it so far! Don't have all the books yet, but have been using my old teaching stuff to get by!

PaPa came for a week long visit for Dakota's birthday! It was so great to have him here! The boys loved it and wished he didn't have to leave so soon. While PaPa was here, he got to watch Dakota play football, experienced torrential rain and took Dakota out for his birthday. "All" the boys enjoyed playing with the birthday presents sent from Uncle and Shel-Shel! Dakota "taught" PaPa how to play Madden '07 and PaPa "taught" Dakota about duels with nerfguns!! Since we won't be seeing PaPa at Thanksgiving this year, it was wonderful to have him here in October!

For Dakota's party, Uncle Dean, Aunt Shelly and Stephen came down from Dallas to celebrate with us. That was neat as they have never been able to be around for birthdays. It is nice living closer to them! We will be seeing them again in just 2 weeks for Dean and Shelly's wedding!

Kye is continuing to grow and grow!!!! As you will see from the pictures below, playing with any kind of animal still is his obsession! He came home the other day from school and said,"A girl tried to kiss me at school. Hers likes me! Hers thinks we're in love!" I had to laugh out loud!

Kru is continuing to get into everything and everywhere I don't want him. No matter where we are, he can find the dishwasher, tv and cd players. I have put locks on the cupboards and wonder how I can lock the oven and dishwasher door!!! He is getting 4 new teeth. 2 on the bottom and 2 top molars! What a drooly mess! He was so cute for Halloween!:)

It was 80 degrees on Halloween! Kye and Kru were naked underneath their costumes so they wouldn't be too hot. Kru was in his sandles! It was weird, some people sat outside in lawn chairs giving out candy! We went to a church's carnival that was set up outside. It was great! The boys had a fun time and we even had a hayride!

Today is a cooler day, actually light jacket weather! Yeah!!! Miss you all and keep in touch!

Love,Kari
Reading with PaPa!
Presents from Uncle and Shel-Shel!
Dakota and PaPa enjoy the gifts from Uncle and Shel-Shel!
Having a duel with another one of Uncle and Shel-Shel's gifts!
Playing with his favorite! Animals!!!
Kru enjoys his 1st oreo!
Kye tries soccer again!
Running off of the field!
Nice throw in!
Dakota kicks!
Dakota's 10th Birthday cake!
With add ons!
Aunt Shelly and Uncle Dean and Stephen came down for the party!
Playing basketball!
Big Breath!
Kru's latest! Getting on anything that he isn't suppose to!
Kru gets to help this year!!!
Getting slimy!
Dakota's favorite part!
Happy Halloween!
Enjoying a carnival!
Dakota tries his hand at darts!
Trick or Treat!!
How Special!
It's getting long!!!

Happy Fall Ya'll!?????!

Last night at 5:00 as I was about to publish a new post in the blog, the power flickered. It was the wierdest thing. The lights dimmed real low and the stove turned off, but the clock on the oven just dimmed. And then it went black! And I lost my post!!! It was done, but in between getting supper on the stove and keeping Kru's hands off of the computer, I never hit publish post and it is gone! We lost power last night for almost 5 hours. It was out in the entire Brazos county! I guess even black outs are big in Texas!?!:) So I sit today, recreating the post! So here goes!

Is it really Fall!?!? As I sit here typing this on an October day, the high is going to be at least 94! It is too bizarre to see the pumpkins and scarecrows decorating porches around here, but I realize that I'm going to have to be in the holiday/season spirit without having a change in season! I'm wondering just what Christmas is going to feel like this year! About a week ago, I actually wore a light jacket to Dakota's late football game. I was soooo excited! For someone who loves Indian Summer, I'm dying from the heat that seems to be unending! So for all of you who are somewhere where the leaves ARE changing and the nights feel a bit nippy, or you can see snow up in the mountains, please soak some in for me!

Things are busy here, but thankfully not as insane as last time I wrote. We decided that Kye wasn't going to be a football player or a soccer player this year! Between the practices and games of both of the boys, it was just too much for him! And me! So we eliminated both from Kye's schedule and just let him play with friends while we watch Dakota's football and soccer games and practices. It has helped a bunch!!! He is much happier and carefree about playing with his animals and friends! Lesson learned that maybe 4 is too soon to begin sports for some kids!

Speaking of Kye, he is loving school and comes home telling of books read, singing songs, and ready to go back the next day! In the last several weeks, they have cooked spaghetti and muffins at school! He loved it and told me, "Mom, I can help you make those at home too, but it is HARD work!" I was glad to hear he was willing to help. At Dakota's soccer game on Saturday, Kye stepped right in a fireant mound. We didn't know it until he began freaking out, "Ant's on me!!!!" We quickly had to remove his shoes and socks as they were crawling all over him! It is nuts how fast you can get covered and they are such nasty little things!!! He wound up with many bites on his feet, ankles and legs and I had some from trying to shake them off of his shoes and socks! They do burn and I'm sure that is how they got their name! As I was trying to explain to Kye to watch where he is walking and not to step in the big mounds of brown dirt he said, "Mom, they snuck up on me!" He has a way of saying something funny every day!!! Only in a way that Kye can! Some of you know what I mean because you have heard it!

Dakota is doing good. In need of another haircut! "But only the bangs!" He has longer hair than mine! School is going well, but easy for him this year! I'm trying not to freak out about the little to no homework that he has and that he hasn't opened up a math book yet, just worksheets!!!!!!!!!! He got staight A's on his 6 week report card, which we are very proud of him! I'm praying that he will be ready for 5th grade next year! It's hard to tell if he likes football or soccer better. He is fast and plays hard at each one! He is anxious for his birthday and excited that PaPa is going to fly down for it. It will be nice too now that we are closer to Shelly and Stephen that they will come down on the weekend too! He keeps busy with 2 football games and 1 soccer game a week plus practices. He also goes to Awana which he enjoys! We went last Friday night to an A&M women's soccer game. They were playing Oklahoma. It was really cool! Again, it is crazy to me the support of A&M here! Talk about psycho! On the 13th, we will be going to the soccer Nebraska/A&M game. At halftime, Dakota's soccer team will be one of many who will go out on the field and do a fast scrimmage. It's really neat to see how they support the kid's sports here! We're looking forward to that and of course, will be decked out in RED, not maroon!!!

Kru is growing and getting busier and busier! His latest is climbing on everything! He is getting into some precarious postitions and places. We keep saying that he can't hurt himself until November when Darrin's benefits kick in finally! I know he's eventually going to have to have stitches! He is full out walking and working on running! No more of the crawling stuff! He loves to put on his shoes "SSSS" as he calls them and go outside! He loves being out even in the heat! Him and I go for a walk in the mornings after dropping off all the other boys! He ends up falling asleep before we are home! He is also showing quite an independent streak lately. He wants his way! When he doesn't get it, he makes this little bark sound "AHK" to let me know that he is angry with me! It really is cute! He is such a good baby and such a joy! I'm so glad that I get to be home with him!!!

Darrin is busy at work. He just got a huge project that could last up to a year working on animating over 300 different kinds of bombs and bullets! He likes it! I'm busy still being taxi driver! and trying to have a positive attitude about it! Still praying for another car! In time, I know, I also know I'm not being patient!!! Praying about that too!:) I'm in a super good Bible Study at a church nearby! It's Beth Moore's study on Daniel! WOW!!!! If you haven't heard of Beth Moore or done a study of hers, ladies, you need too!!!! I've added her link to the blog! Check it out!!!

After my last post, someone (Charles) asked me why there weren't pictures of Darr and me. So to appease this friend:) I added a few of us with the boys. I have to say they aren't our best, but defintely reflect our real life with our boys!

I hope that everyone is enjoying their Fall, no matter where you are, and that you are well! Write and let us know your going ons! And the colder it gets for some of you, consider visiting us here is the warm south!:) Will update after Dakota's birthday! Take care!

Love,Kari

At a water park at the end of September! Crazy!!!
Through the spray!
Through the spray as some animal!
Suprise! Here it comes!
Getting it up the nose!?!
Water, water everywhere!
Water up the shorts!
Water down the shorts!?!
Like Mommy like son! Matching hairdos!
Someone is tired!
Do some of you recognize this classic Grover book?
Givin' loves to Daddy!
Kye's short lived soccer career! 1 game! Yeah!!!
Not the best picture, but Dakota's running the ball!
I know, worse than the one above, but that's Dakota making the sack!
Ready for Church!

September Reflections

Hello Everyone!

Life continues to go by quickly here as I'm sure you feel the same where you are. I about freaked out a couple of weeks ago! Maybe some of you can appreciate this! I found my FIRST GRAY HAIR!!!!! I'm not even 35 yet, how is this possible???!!! It made me quite sad! And of course, I pulled it!!!! I frantically looked through my hair trying to see if I saw any more, which was a difficult task as my hi-lights are so grown out that I kept thinking I found one, but no it didn't go all the way to the scalp!!!

The boys' sports have started and after only 1 week I'm already exhausted. I have no idea how some of you with 3-4 kids into sports and such do it! I feel like all I do is shuttle from one place to the other!!! We wanted to give Kye as many chances as Dakota had when he first started playing sports, so we signed them both up for flag footbal and soccer. OH MY WORD!!!!! IT IS CRAZY!!!!!

You know that movie Friday Night Lights and now they have made a TV series about the same topic!?? Well, it's about fanatic football in Texas! And I can now testify to it!!!! You CAN NOT belive how seriously they take football here! I mean, it's just flag ball and it is unreal. At Kye's 1st practice on Tuesday, I sat dumbfounded, amazed, shocked, disturbed by what was going on with 4 year olds!!!!! Needless to say, Kye has decided not to play football!:)

If you are a parent, do you remember the first time that your child wasn't treated as you wanted them to be? I don't really remember the 1st time I felt that way with Dakota! It was too long ago and my brain can't remember certain things. And maybe it's a good thing that you don't remember that feeling. Let's just say that Kye doesn't like football and "I don't want to play FOOT-BALL again!" sums it up. Unfortunately, Kye was put on a team with some not so nice coaches, who were all about football and not really about the kids, if you know what I mean! We had to show up late last night to Kye's football practice because he had soccer practice! I know....it's insane!! Anyway, when we did show up, the coaches completely ignored Kye, didn't acknowledge him in anyway, but looked right at Darrin and I and did nothing! It's hard to express that feeling that you feel for your child, isn't it? I am just so thankful that Kye is completely unaware!! Thank God!!! He is oblivious! So, we have found that he is going to do much better with soccer and later in the fall we'll pick up swimming lessons again.

I know I have said this many times, but it never ceases to amaze me how children from the same people can be so different!!!!:) Isn't God amazing!?! But, Dakota had his first praactice last night and did really well. And his coach is great! He is the fastest on his team and when he was on defense, he was everywhere the ball was!!! His coach actually said once during the practice, "Now someone else besides Dakota get the ball this time." He is a fast little burger! Makes his dad as well as his uncle proud, I know! So we have 2 football games a week and 1 practice, and 2 soccer practices and 1 game for soccer and that's just for Dakota!!! Kye thankfully will only have 1 of each!

Kru is completely walking and has now for about 3 1/2 weeks! He's got the bruises to show for it!:) He enjoys being more mobile, not sure that I do!:) He is into everything!!! You name it! He loves to start the dishwasher, open and close any door, loves to dump the dog's water out all over and pick up a piece or 2 of dogfood to snack on! He isn't talking too much but has a few words or sounds down. He calls Dakota Da, I swear he says Kye, but I'm sure that is just my mother ears!:) He says "T" for Tag, "Kt" for kitty, ba-ba for bottle, although I'm trying to wean him of that! "Ba" for ball and he'll occasionally say da-da or ma-ma, but usually when he is upset or mad! He is growin' like a weed and is trying to cut some new teeth, but still just has 6. Speaking of growing! Kye continues to get taller and his feet bigger. When we went to get the boys' cleats, we bought Kye a size 12 1/2 and Dakota a 2 1/2!!! So bizarre!!!!

Not only am I shuttling the kids to practices and games, but Darrin to work and back home! His truck died again after only being well for 7 months! So we are doing the 1 car thing, which isn't fun at all!!! But we are dealing with it! Darrin was in Austin this week for a conference and it was a nice break for me and the boys, not to have to take him in the early am and pick him up! We're hoping to get a few hundred for the truck but aren't holding our breath!!!

We have found a church that we like and hope to call it our home one day, but we'll see. The kids go to Awana and like it and I have found a couple of Bible studies to attend, which I'm very thankful for! It's been nice to meet some people and not feel so lonely, but I'm still praying for a friend!!:)

Don't have too many pictures this time, but will have more once the games begin next week! Hope this finds you all doing well! Talk to you soon!

-Kari

Playing with Kru's toy! Kru loves Dakota and call him Da!
Learning how to brush his hair!:)
Kye loves drinking water, but it has to be from the refrigerator so it's cold!
Having fun in the kitchen being slid around by Dad!
Bath time fun!
When you tell Kru to swim in the tub, he'll turn his head to one side and get his ear wet! Have no idea where that came from!
Walking everywhere!
Kru's cute feet in his shoes!