If you are seeing this blog for the first time, it is probably because you received our Christmas card with my note. :)
I know people make fun of the "holiday letter" but I truly love reading the ones we get every year. The Marine Corps lifestyle has allowed us to make so many wonderful friends over the years. As we all move to different duty stations, your letters and photos help to fill the gaps of time when we are far away.
I have been keeping a blog for a little more than a year. It has taken place of the scrapbooking that I just can't seem to find time to do and serves as a photo journal for our family. Kyle and Kelsey have been known to ask, "Is this going on the blog?" during family outings and celebrations. :)
Quick personal updates:
- We recently found out that Tim was chosen for a very cool opportunity (not sure how much I can say about it) that will take him out of the area in a few weeks for three months. We will miss him a lot, but this is also exciting for him - and hopefully our final Marine Corps-ordered separation as we expect him to retire in about 15 months, two weeks and a day (not that I am counting).
- I continue to work at the hospital part-time as well as my full-time store-owner job. We are excited to say that 2008 was a very good year of growth for Babies in Bloom! We tripled our sales, added two real employees (who are also dear friends) and will be moving to a store four times larger in February. Very exciting! Yes, Tim will miss the fun of moving, but I know the extra work will keep us busy and the time will go quickly.
- Kyle is now a high-school sophomore, and is getting better at juggling rigorous school work, sports and a social life. He is taking his first AP class now. I know I sound old, but I can't believe they earn college credit in 10th grade now - we were seniors when we took AP classes! He is taller than all of us now, and will break 6 feet soon, if he hasn't already, but continues to have that goofy sense of humor. He is all about the learner's permit he hopes to earn in May.
- Kelsey is in 8th grade and is doing well. She has a great group of friends and I am enjoying watching her come out of her shell and shine. She likes school, playing on the computer, horseback riding and talking. She is also usually happy to help with the cooking and "running of the house." Oh, and she would be disappointed if I didn't mention that she is now a full inch taller than me. I am now officially the shortest person in our family. :/
That's it from here. Feel free to look around the blog...leave a comment or two. If you are ever in Southern California, let us know - we would love to see you!
We hope you all have a wonderful holiday and a new year full of health, happiness and prosperity! ♥ Tim, Shell, Kyle and Kels
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Just like you- Shellie I love reading everyone's Christmas cards and feeling like, if only a small bit, like I was there. I love your Smilebox. Your children are just beautiful and you can see that they are very loved but their parents. I hope 2009 will be a happy and prosperous year for you all. Miss you bunches!
-Chrissy