January Pics

 

 

 

 

January Happenings

I just came back from a trip to Penna. It was my mother's birthday so my sister and I loaded kids and scrapbooking materials into our respective vehicles and braved to long trip. My driving time was 8 hours with stops and hers 6 with stops. The fun didn't stop with the commute. We then piled into my parents 3 bedroom house with 6 grandkids ages 7 years to 2 months. Oh, did I mention that my brother lives in one of the bedrooms and there is a family dog and two cats. It was a little like camping.

The kids had a blast. They played Wii, went to an indoor playgym, came out shopping with mom, played with the electric train, and ate pap-pap's fudge. Unfortunately, Maddie got sick during one of our outings and two days were spent recovering.

Matt was able to take advantage of the week without us by revising his research manuscript, taking in the same movie twice at the theaters, hosting the college group from church, and relaxing in the evenings.

They week has passed and we are now home again. The van is unloaded and laundry nearly done. It has been a bit of a challenge getting into the swing of school again.

Lily's latest: tantrums and dramatic playing

Amelia's latest: sleeping 8 hours at night

Michael's latest: Sounding out words

Maddie's latest: improved reading

Matt continues to do well in his clinical rotations. He is currently at a private hospital and enjoys the added perks of catered meals for staff.

As for myself, I have rejoined the MOPS group at our church and have been pouring over my library of homekeeping and organizational books.

So just a brief update.

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas and Happy '08!! So this picture was taken oh... a few minutes ago. At least we are all in the picture. I hope all of you had a blessed celebration season. We were blessed to take in the winter and the birthday of our Savior in the serene surroundings of White Sulphur Springs in Penna. Matt's parents joined us there taking the trip up from FL. We made a quick trip up to Kim's parents where we reunited with her family.

It is hard to believe that it is 2008. The UBER FIER joined the FRANCK DREI in welcoming in the new year. All 7 kiddos hung in there till 12 when the parents wisked them off to bed. All in all we are doing well. Amelia is a joy and has a pleasant spirit. Matt says that she ranks up there with the best babies. His rating system is solely based on the sleep to cry ratio. And despite enduring a cold she continues to be a sweet little baby (8 weeks).