We rode on the Santa Express last week at the railroad museum

Christmas update

Dear Family and Friends, I pray that this Christmas season finds you very blessed. I know that I am counting my blessings everyday and we have many things to be thankful for. First and foremost, I thank the Lord for sending his Son, Jesus, to be the Savior of the world. I know that Callum and Alex are looking forward to singing happy birthday to Jesus in 2008. As life tends to do, we have had another year of ups and downs. Tom has had to go through a couple of job changes again, but we are very thankful to God for his faithfulness in providing jobs when needed. Another exciting thing is that Tom has started back to Red Rocks Community College to work on his associates degree with hopes of completing his engineering degree sometime in the future. Working at FracTech and learning the chemistry and engineering part of drilling oil sparked an interest for Tom that he is pursuing. Amanda loves being a mom and substitute teaching when needed. It is so much fun to be a part of my boys growing up. They are amazing and I am so privileged to be a part of their lives. It is also so much fun teaching for a change of pace. I have taught nearly all grade levels (K-12) and pretty much all subjects. I love the variety of substitute teaching. It keeps me on my toes (as if my boys don’t do that enough.) Alex turned 5 this year. He started preschool this fall and loves it. His teachers say that he is a friend to everyone, and it is so much fun to watch him work on his beginning sounds and learning how to read. He continues his interest in trains and he got his first HO scale train set for his birthday this year. Tom built a platform in Alex’s room and Alex loves to go in there, put on his engineering hat, and play with his train. He also continues to love gymnastics, riding his big wheels, and trying to keep Callum in line. Callum is 2 years old and FULL of life. He is such an entertainer and loves any attention he can get. Life is a game, and if you are willing to play, everyone has a great time. He makes me laugh every day. (Literally!!!!!) He also loves trains, Elmo, playing with Alex, riding bikes, soccer, and music. The greatest excitement around here is we found out we are going to have another baby!!!!! The boys are so excited and Alex is already picking out names. They both want a girl (so do I…..) But Tom is convinced it is another boy. I don’t have an exact due date yet, but it will be sometime in June. I am so blessed, I am sitting writing this letter and both of the boys are sitting on the back of the couch looking out the big window at the new snow with all of their stuffed animals. It is the first “big” snow of the season and they can’t get enough of it. They are soooooo adorable. I know that things are tough for many families this year, but my prayer for each of you is that you can find the greatest comfort and hope in our Lord and Savior, because without him, this life doesn’t mean much! I know that if I didn’t have the hope of one day being with my Savior, life would look pretty bleak right now. If you have questions or wonder what God is all about, I pray that you will seek the answers to those questions. God loves each and every one of you and he welcomes all with open, loving arms. Have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!