Quick Update
Welcome to our new living space. Just kidding. The above photo was taken at Longwood Gardens, which is not far from our home here in the woods.
We have been busy living instead of updating this website, but I wanted to give a quick update.
We got through the holidays, and it was all very enjoyable. We had a few surprises with family and friends dropping by which was wonderful.
We had a great New Years Eve and even got to watch some spectacular fireworks. I feel so blessed for all of the positive things in our lives.
There haven’t been too many house updates this past month, other than a war on drafts. If anyone plays the stock market, invest in a company that makes caulk and plastic window sheets. Thanks to us, you’ll make a fortune.
Wildlife is making many visits to use this winter, from deer that bed down in the backyard to hawks that practically knock on the front door. With the help of some friends we decorated a nature tree with all sorts of goodies, so we are of course contributing to it all.
We are still trying to be economical, especially with our grocery bill. We did a huge BJ’s run, that was almost the equivalent of a mortgage payment, so we are basically cooking from the pantry (and freezer) for the next couple of months, with the exception of milk (we go through almost three gallons a week), eggs, bread and a limited amount of fresh produce.
I’ve taken on some extra work, and am up to about 125 hours a month, sometimes more, so things have ben crazy. We were hoping that this sort of schedule wouldn’t happen until after all of the kids were in school, but that just isn’t how it is working out. We still believe it is so important to have me home with the kids, so I work mostly early morning, during naps and late into the evening (once Tom gets home).
Tom is on FaceBook now, so e-mail him or give him a call if you want to connect that way. He has been blessed with sometimes being able to work from home, and that always makes life a little less stressful. Since he works in an office down in the basement, I schedule laundry and dryer use on those days. A makeshift diverter puts the heat and humidity from the dryer back into the space. Hey, we conserve wherever we can.
Andrew has been given the opportunity to take on some gifted classes at school. He is doing very well with them and is enjoying the experience a lot. He continues to go to chess club as well, were he has been described as “a leader.” Hmm, perhaps that means bossy, but we are still proud.
Molly has been doing well with learning informally at home. We have to make the big decision about whether to send her to preschool or to home school her in preschool this coming September.
Henry continues to be the charmer that is too wise for his age.
Well, that is all for now--
Mary Ann
Friday, January 9, 2009