Offical Membership Application to the Blogsphere

With thanks to the Coates family, I have decided that I could likely handle a blog. This seems like a wonderful way to allow Mike's family in Tennessee access to our life, as well as our friends across the country. Certainly I am one of the last to jump on the train, but haven't missed the ride yet!

Our family is recovering from a bout with the flu. For those of you who don't have small children or have forgotten the joy of a gastrointestinally-challenged youngster, DO NOT try to imagine and please, don't try this at home! Days blend into a 7UP haze...

Because of how long we have been sick, we ended up putting off the Christmas card picture until a few days ago. However, with the beauty of digital photography, our cards will be ready in about two days, delivered directly to the Wal-Mart of my choice. I am posting some of the pictures that didn't make the final cut for your enjoyment.

My sweet friend, Jill, was kind enough to come to the house to take pictures. I simply don't know how we would have made it otherwise. Gavin and Toby are generally "picture friendly" (well, not in the adjacent photo) but Jude takes one look, laughs and either runs away or screams while we try in vain to keep him in the photo.

Jude has been a delight of late--truly, he is most of the time. His current fixation and toy is a tea towel. Mike tucks it into the back of his shirt (or pajamas) and Jude runs around like a superhero. He asks for it by coming up to one of us and asking for "My batman." This is Jude code for "put that thing on me NNNOOOWWW."

Gavin is enjoying his pre-school immensely. He is "the" kid in class...you know, you look at a class full of children and say, "there is always ONE." He is the one...and we love him for it. God has given him such a strong will, personality and drive that I cannot wait to see what he will become. However, in the meantime it is slightly disconcerting while entertaining.

Point in fact, his preschool had a Christmas program. Gavin came home one day and announced that he did not want to be a cow, his assigned part. Both Mike and I explained the importance of doing a good job and accepting the role you are given, etc. (Or as Gavin hears/sees: Blah blah blah) He wanted to be an angel.

At the program, he decided to take off his cow costume. On STAGE! Blessedly, he did have clothes on underneath. I doubt anyone could overlook the cow in a state of undress, sigh. He then proceeded to attempt "flips" on stage and fell down, making the whole audience laugh. If you want Gavin to do something he doesn't want to do, you either provide 100% supervision or be willing to let it go. Don't get me wrong, we talked about how wrong it was, and he regretted it and was punished, but there are some things I can't prevent and I frankly can do nothing but laugh about.

Well, if you like this, then please subscribe to the blog and make comments. Would love to see if it is something people enjoy as well as have the utility of a record of our lives.