"I'm a cub scout for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I can climb trees really high, I have a lot of cool dance moves." I overheard Joel introduce himself this way when he was pretending to be a contestant on one of his invented game shows. Loved hearing not only how he views himself, but what characteristics he wants to stress and impress upon others.

A great kid, Joel always makes us smile. This past year he learned to whistle and spent days doing nothing but (to the dismay of his teachers). In order to widen his whistling repertoire Kelly taught Joel the "wheet whew" whistle and told Joel that's the sound you make when you see a cute girl. Fast forward a couple of days and Joel and I are sitting on the couch, "Wheet whew!" whistles Joel, "That's what you are Mom!"

Love that kid.

Eli started kindergarten this past fall. The peace and quiet in the house was almost disconcerting. Almost. He loves school, his teacher and all his classmates. He's upset when vacation days arrive. Would be there seven days a week if possible. (Mommy would go for that too sometimes :o) Hopefully his endearment with school will last throughout his education. We'll see. He started soccer this year and loves it too. Eli can be very sweet at times and recently told me, "Mommy I always hug you really tight cuz I love you so much!"

Cara just turned three and rocks my world. She loves to tell me what's going on in her life and I am the most captive audience ever. Her interpretations of the world around her and its workings always amuse me. She's been in ballet this year, and there is nothing more adorable than your toddler in a tutu with a pink leotard stretching over her roly-poly tum tum and round little bum bum.

Kelly and I keep on keeping on. The kids keep us on our toes while he's busy keeping a roof over our heads and I'm trying to keep a steady supply of clean underwear available to all.

Hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!