Christmas 2008

Hello everyone-

After conversations with my siblings, I feel it makes sense for me to post a blog to start a wider (but quick) conversation. By no means am I trying to force my opinions but I do feel compelled to voice my concerns regarding Christmas and start a conversation albeit online.

In the present economy, we (Eric, the kids & I) are compelled to re-think our spending habits. Things look different today than they did even a short month ago. As a family, we've talked about conservation in numerous ways- water, heat, spending, etc. While we have tried not to create worry in the kids, I think that it is important for them to understand that neither our nor others resources are without limits. I think this is a valuable lesson.

While we are not panicked, we are facing real risks as are many of those that we know. At least in DSM; layoffs, salary cuts and freezes are becoming commonplace. Perhaps it is due to being the insurance capitol where we are surrounded by finance.

Because things are different this year, I am suggesting that we reconsider our traditions regarding gifts in our extended family. While we love to give to those we care about, the number of gifts creates a very real expense for us all. I want to be sensitive to every member of our family from the retired to the single incomes, newly married, expectant parents, new homeowners to the young families. If there is any gift we can give, to face 2009 with less debt is a worthy one.

I know that we all enjoy giving & not a single one of us expects a thing in return. Realistically, however, it is uncomfortable to receive a gift and not to reciprocate no matter what is said. That is simply human nature. So, for some to do this and not others, simply makes the entire situation uncomfortable.

So my proposal is that for those who wish to participate, we simply draw names. Some may, for various reasons, decide to skip this year & that is perfectly fine.

Others have stated young godchildren should be included. Still others add godparents. I would counter, that brings us close to where we are now. As a parent of one of the younger kids, I have to say they won't know the difference. One gift and time with their family is a blessing.

All that said, I know time is short. I, too, plan to be shopping come Saturday. Whether it is for 1, 5 or 10 I know that I am blessed beyond words to call each of you family.

Love,
Leslie

Last volleyball game of the season

What a great season of volleyball Hannah had! she led the frosh/soph team, benched for JV, and avidly supported varsity. Here are photos from her last home game. Varsity is ranked 3rd and goes to state in our division this weekend. Enjoy! (and vote Obama!! :) ) 

photo order

Sorry about any confusion. To look at the photos scroll down to the text, and then work your way up.

Potential new home

Well we found a for sale by owner home and walked through it this weekend with Sherry and Dale. It's an estate and the neice and nephew were in town and were able to show it to us. It's a 3 bed 2 bath brick ranch with a very nice outbuilding in the back and a big patio w/ a "Sunsetter" automatic awning, "with remote."

I'm super excited for my upcoming trip to Memphis! I'm actually sitting her listing to Bruce Springstein "walking in memphis" to get ready....lol....it's growing on me and I'm psyched to explore the new city!! It was actually Sally's idea. She had asked me if we could listen to this song all the way down to Memphis. I declined after informing her that would mean listening to the same song approx 403 times in a row. We comprised and I told her once we hit the welcome to memphis sign she could listen to it til we got to mom and dad's. (I may live to regret that!)
other then that not much news here. Rocky is busy getting ready for the big "opening weekend" of duck season this weekend. i think mocha can feel it coming too as he seems even more excited than usual!
this weekend was payton's 4th birthday party. it was sooo cute, lori rented one of those big bouncy jumper things that they have at carnivals in the shape of a castle and invited her little friends from daycare and school. it was super cute and they all loved jumping in it. payton wasn't home when they delivered it and when lori and i told her at her soccer game there was a big castle in her backyard she wouldn't believe us, but when she got home her eyes were huge! of course lori and rocky and i had our fun in it too :- ) we really are just "big" kids still!
well its getting late and ive been sick with a sinus infection this week so im trying to make sure i get my rest and don't overdue it so i can make the big trip! can't wait to see my little sister and hear all about how she's doing!! (of course i'm excited to see my parents too but they're coming here right after so not as big a deal!)
hope all is going well for everyone!!!
love to you all!

UNDEFEATED!

From the AP: On a chilly Thursday evening, the Packers successfully defended their perfect record with a win over the also undefeated Broncos 26-9 for the coveted I-Town league title. Quarterback Brady Held connected for 3 TD's. Held will take a few days off before reporting to basketball training camp on Monday.

In other news, the Indianola Tumbling Center reports that 10 year old phenomenom Mackenzie Held landed her front tuck. This thrilling feat involves running down the floor, jumping up & planting her feet and propelling herself in the air for an in the air somersault, landing on her feet sans no hands. (No pic available.)

Everybody sing!

Haaaaapppyyy BBBBiirthday to YOUUUUUUU.....

Everybody join me in wishing my big sister Susan a happy 47th birthday on Wednesday! (It will take that long to get through the song, I think.)