Nelson 2009 Christmas Card

Once again, 'tis the season when Christmas is here,
And with some reflection I tally the year...
The day August 10th brought a blessing from heaven,
When dear April Evelyn swelled our numbers to seven.
She is our sweet angel with a visage so bright,
She smiles and coos, and sleeps through the night!
Bryce is a pistol, all boy and all two.
He loves Legos and books, and Lightning McQueen too.
Spencer is reading and loves to ride bikes,
Pizza, ice cream and Wii are a few of his likes.
Chelsea -- my spitfire -- I love to have near,
She helps me with April and is so sweet and dear.
Carter's soon 12 -- and in middle school --
So he frequently tells us what is (and not) cool.
Tyler, my favorite, makes time for it all,
To Boston and New York he took Chelsea this Fall.
Each day brings for Kristen so much to be done,
Too often I yearn for more hours of sun!
We love you and hope that this season brings joy
Happiness, health (and maybe a toy!)
May the spirit of Christmas with you never cease,
As the truth of our Savior's life fills all with peace.

Love,

Tyler, Kristen
Carter (11), Chelsea (9), Spencer (5), Bryce (2), April (4mos)

(Many thanks to Grandma who invited us over this morning to make a lovely Gingerbread house. It provided the perfect photo-op!)

Tales of the Undead

A little while ago, I took Spencer to the pet store. (We needed bird seed.) While we were there, we took some time looking around at all the turtles, snakes, fish, puppies, rabbits, and even cats (shudder). But when it was time to go, there was a certain large-eyed goldfish that Spencer had fallen in love with. According to Spencer, the goldfish kept swimming in circles miming "I love you," through the glass. Being that the fish was only .30 cents and that we already have a small tank at home, I told him he could get the fish. Then I proceeded to explain that this fish was a feeder fish and it wouldn't last more than a few days. I hashed and rehashed the likelihood that once we bought the fish, it was a goner. But Spencer had faith that his new BFF would live forever. Or at least until Tuesday.
.
We brought the fish home, set up the small tank, and proceeded to feed it somewhat frequently. Everyday after school Spencer would run in and check on his fish. "Nope, not dead yet!" he would proudly announce. This went on for a few days and then a few weeks. We began to call the fish Wesley. "Good night Wesley, good work today. You will most likely be dead in the morning."

But Wesley refused to die. Soon, Spencer's cheerful after school announcement turned into a somewhat annoyed: "When is this fish going to die?" or the more macabre: "Die fish die!" But Wesley hung on. He got through Halloween. He survived Thanksgiving. We are now heading into our fourth month with a very tenacious goldfish that may even require a Christmas present (more food).

So, true to his word, Spencer's faith kept Wesley alive long enough to annoy us all. Good work boy.