What's been going on in 2008???

So, I have been on the phone with Linksys and Centurytel for approx. 5 hours over the last two days and we FINALLY have internet service!! We even fixed the wireless (which wasn't working for the last couple months) I am now going to attempt to update everyone on what's been going on since Jan 1, 2008....which thankfully was not too long ago. 28 days!!! How did this month fly by so quickly!!!!!!!!!!

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Hannah started piano lessons last week. She has been asking to take lessons for quite a few months now & we decided to give it a shot. We were able to find a sweet deal on Craig's list for a used keyboard, keyboard stand, and stool. She has only had one lesson, but has been really practicing alot for her first week! We'll definitely continue to encourage her practicing and interests & hope this one lasts for a while. (Unlike Kyle's guitar lessons which lasted a record two months).

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Kyle and Hannah got their quarterly report cards early this month. They continue to do well in school & we are so proud of them. Here's their grades:

Kyle:
Reading A-
Spelling B+
Language/Writing A-
Math A
Social Studies B-
Science B

Hannah: (range is 1-4, with 4 =consistently exceeds expectations)
Reading 3+
Spelling 4
Writing 4
Math 4
Science 3
Social Studies 4
Citizenship & Responsibilites 3

We did get the usual comments from the teachers. Kyle rushes through everything & if he slowed down a little bit he would get straight A's. Hannah is doing well academically, but continues to talk too much in class. As far as I am concerned, Hannah has a great personality & that is why she talks so much. As long as she keeps bringing home those good grades, I'm supporting her 100%. I'm glad I don't have a zombie child sitting in the classroom all day long.

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Kyle continues to get older right before our very eyes. He turned 10 in October and since then has begun to use deodorant & cleaning his face with special face cleanser (for guys, of course). I think he is at my most favorite age ever right now. He still has some innocence about him (even though we did have "the talk" a few months ago), but he is also a little more grown-up and make jokes that even I think are hilarious. He is mostly busy right now playing outside as much as possible & having friends over. Since we're somewhat in-between sports seasons, it is a nice break for him to build on his friendships.

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Matt has been SO BUSY finishing the basement. He seriously works on it every single time he has a spare moment and almost every night. He is very eager to get it done & we appreciate all his hard work! We're adding a bedroom to the basement (Kyle's future bedroom), plus a full bathroom, a living area and there will be room for the ping-pong table, too! It will be a nice addition to our home. Plus it will free up an upstairs bedroom for something....

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I began singing on the Praise Team for our church's Kidz Ministry in January. Since stepping out of the major role of running the Single Mom's Group a couple years ago, I have been able to focus more time on my new marriage & new family dynamics. All has been going rather well & I have really been called to get involved again in my church. I tried a few different things & finally decided on the Praise & Worship team. It has been SO fun!! We also have a "Live Out Loud" team for the Kidz Ministry & kids get to get on stage with me & sing the songs & do the motions. Hannah actually joined that team & we sang together for the first time last Sunday. She is truly a natural-born entertainer. I'm glad she's doing it to be involved with her church, but I think her real reason is because she wants to be on the stage in the spotlight. Either way, it's praising God & we're having fun doing it!!

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Well, I should run & spend some time with my family!!! I'll post some pics soon!