January/February 2011 Update Letter
Wow! I’m so sorry I haven’t written since September!! I have no excuse. I hope you have been well!
In October, Rachel got a little dog – a Jack Russell terrier she named “Buddy,” and Timmy turned 14. In November, John Luke turned 5! December was busy with Christmas and related activities – which DID include addressing Christmas cards (which then sat in Robby’s car! So sorry about that)!
In January, we once again got to go to Ocean Springs, MS, for a working vacation. While Robby & Bobby worked at the pharmacy, the other kids and I wandered around Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, and Biloxi. 
We spent time on a playground, doing some shopping, and a little time on the beach. It was too cold to stay outside for long periods, though.
On the way home from MS, we ran into snow! There was some ice interspersed as well. With God’s help, we made it home safely. By the next morning, we had over six inches of snow on the ground (and on the roads)! We definitely enjoyed that! It really seemed like winter for the first time in a long time to this transplanted northern girl! The kids used a tote and made a fort in the front yard. They did a very good job with it!
A couple weeks later, Nate turned 11! We had a small celebration at home.
Also in January, Timmy got his first prescription glasses. I find it interesting that, with six children, he is the first that has needed corrective lenses. He definitely sees better with them!
Rachel has begun experimenting with watercolors. She is doing a great job with them!
Beginning next week, the oldest four of us (Robby, me, Bobby, and Rachel) will be taking sign language classes locally. It’s a five-week course, so it’s only the basics, but I think it will be fun!
God bless you, and have a great February!