2006 in Review, Looking Forward To 2007

Posted on Tuesday 2 January 2007 at 10:15 AM - Post Comment

It's really true that as you get older, the years just fly by. Christmas cards...well, that didn't really happen this year. Immediate family got some and I never got a chance to get the rest out.  So here is our year in review, including pictures and links to blog pages with more pictures.

 
First Day of Second Grade

We successfully finished homeschooling first grade and are now well into second grade. It's amazing how easy it is...and how difficult it is at the same time. Regardless, the rewards far outshine the few negatives...if there are any negatives. One of our favorite field trips was to a local goat farm. Boo has been in Cub Scouts this year and has been having a lot of fun.  You can see more here, here, and here. We recently did our Raingutter Ragatta where Boo entered his "Mayflower". He came close to winning, the boat was capable but his tecnique needed more practice. Next will be the Pinewood Derby. Two of Boo's favorite accomplishments were being able to mow the front yard by himself, and being able to ride his bike without training wheels. We also said goodbye to two hermit crabs...Chip and Crawl, and one goldfish...Humongous. Here are some links to some of his work: Two Star Work, Water Colors By Boo, and Star Work

Hubby's job continues to be a big challenge. It's hard to see him so overwhelmed and without the help he needs, but we both know this is where God has us for this time. Hubby has also been enjoying the abundance of local gaming areas with Boo and he's hoping that 2007 is a prosperous year for hunting. Hubby and Boo have been doing quite a bit of fishing as well, and Boo was excited to catch his first fish at their favorite fishing hole.

 
Boo Fishing At The Lake

I personally have been enjoying the career I was created for...taking care of my family and managing my home. I can't imagine doing anything else. But depression does come in and steal my joy periodically. I surely continue to see God’s grace in new ways. My biggest challenge remains being organized, not just with homeschooling but with everything. I've also been working on crafts like a recycled jean skirt, crocheted dish cloths, and hand made cards.

We continue working on our house, most recently the kitchen.
Kitchen:  Removing Wallpaper, Repairing Walls, Replacing Light Fixtures

It's a lot slower process than I imagined since hubby's job takes much of his energy of late. But we are thrilled with the results. We took up GeoCaching which is great fun. Basically it's treasure hunting with our GPS. Our garden this year wasn't as productive as we would have liked thanks to the local rabbit population and Japanese beetles. Then what was left (tomatoes and cucumbers) grew all wild with all the rain we got. But it was still nice to get out there and get my hands dirty. Boo enjoyed raising his own cherry tomato plant and did very well. I enjoyed my first crop of onions. We had a busy time this summer with my cousin's son coming down for a visit, then my cousin and her husband coming down for the 4th. It was a whirlwind visit that was filled with both work and play. We are still greatful for their help while they were here. Then our friends came up from Georgia and we had a great visit with them which included a trip to Six Flags.

 
Boo And The Kids At Six Flags

The kids spent a lot of time at the kiddy rides, but then moved quickly to the adult rides they were tall enough for.  Boo loves roller coasters and finally rode his first looping coaster as well as a couple other basic coasters.  The Thanksgiving tradition with them continues only this time we traveled to Georgia. It would be the first Thanksgiving in a while with no snow!


Hubby With All The Kids Waiting To Pet The Sharks And Rays At The Aquarium

We had a wonderful visit, a trip to the Atlanta Aquarium, and fabulous smoked turkey for Thanksgiving. By the way...who knew you could smoke a turkey in a trash can?? My friend and I both agreed that the husbands are officially responsible for the Thanksgiving turkeys from here on out. Christmas was a relaxing, quiet time for us. While we wanted to go up to Michigan to visit family and friends, we needed the time together...especially hubby needed the time to decompress from work. We will be seeing everyone soon though as we will be heading up to Michigan in mid-January.

Well, that's our year in review. We continue to be very blessed in all things, especially our family and friends.

May 2007 be a blessed one for you all.

Ann'Re, Hubby and Boo

Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."’