Christmas card edition- 2009

Another year has come and gone... the saying is true: Time flies! This year has been crazy and calm all in the same breath.

Ryan is doing well with his independent financial consulting firm, keeping busy enough for his wants. He had the opportunity recently to restructure his responsibilities and now only works Monday thru Thursday. Needless to say he is LOVING having a 3 day weekend every single week. I really enjoy having him around more as well, and the kids are already used to it like it's always been that way.

I decided to go back to Beaches this last month. What a blessing that I could call and get my job back. I'm happy to have an outlet and some adult conversation again. I was starved for some different demands for sure. And hey, the extra money isn't bad either :).

Cooper started preschool this year and while it was a rough start, he is in full swing of things. He has learned almost all the alphabet, he counts up to 20 and knows all his colors and shapes. He loves his teacher Mrs. Laura so much. I got very lucky to get into such a great preschool here in town. He also does a once weekly 'athletic' class that he calls 'football'. Really, it's just dodgeball and red rover and other physical activities he can do with his peers to get the wiggles out. It also helps develop his gross motor skills and social interaction with others. It's weird how 2 1/2 hours seems way too short, but if it were just an extra 1/2 hour, it would make all the difference in the world... hmmm...what do you do though eh?

Chase is doing wonderfully. He is growing right on target; and while he seems sawed off at the middle, I just think he's growing more in the torso for now... hopefully his legs will catch up. Until then, it does make for some humorous scampering across the kitchen floor with his squatty little stride.

Christmas is sure to be a hit with Cooper this season. So far he has really been able to learn about Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus and it's been so cute to watch him grown and learn in the things that really are the most important! Chase may not quite catch on to it all just yet, oh but he will! We plan to leave cookies and milk for Santa and oats and grass for his reindeer... maybe that'll make Cooper be extra quiet and go to bed right away for fear that Santa will have to pass him up ... doubtful!

All in all, we have nothing but happiness and good tidings to pass on. We're blessed and are thankful for the friends and family we get to count in our lives. Hopefully, you have a wonderful holiday season and may it bleed into the new year and make for a wonderful year to come for you and yours. All our love!

THE BEARDMORES-