Christmas Card 2010

Hello my friends!

I know it's terribly lazy of me to blog my Christmas card, but Christmas is stressful enough without worrying about cards. So there.

This year has been a year of many blessings. It started out on a pretty bad note, so it really had nowhere to go but up. Steve started his new job in February as the Facilities Manager of Fort Douglas. It's great because it's all of 6 minutes from home and a low stress job, not to mention an income once again! Steve has also been busy with reffing lacrosse and working on the basement of our house. Hopefully by this time next year we can boast an additional bedroom and bath!

Stevie has been growing up fast. He turned 8 this year and was baptized last month. He also got his own room (finally) and LOVES to kick his sisters out of it. Most days he shuts himself in there reading or playing with legos...that is, when he isn't playing the wii. He is still learing French in second grade and has taken on the chess club as well.

Riley started first grade this year and is following her brothers footsteps with French and chess club. She has also taken on the piano and is doing fantastic! She cannot wait until she is big enough to play the flute. Riley has officially passed Stevie in the tooth losing department and seems to lose one every month. She is a huge help around the house, especially when I get sick like I am now, and loves to vacuum and sweep. These just happen to be my least favorite chores, whoopee!

Natalie is now in her second year of preschool and has blossomed into a social butterfly. Her teacher (Grandma) says that everyone loves her and wants to play with her. This is a huge releif because last year she cried every time she had to go. She is bound to be popular, for who could resist that infectious smile! Natalie and family participated in our second walk for diabetes this year and it was a huge success. We raised more than $500 this year and hope to double it next year. Natalie remains a positive, happy child that loves life and everyone in it.

Emma is our little angel who is learning quickly from her older siblings how to get into mischief. Her personality has exploded this year and she makes us laugh daily with her grown-up comments. She loves to sing and dance, especailly to Barbie's Princess and the Pauper. I admit, I too have now memorized the songs. Emma loves playing with the big girls and most of their friends treat her as a little sister too, in a good way.

As for me, I have been plugging along this year trying and failing to keep my house clean, keep on an exercise program, and cook dinner for my family. Instead, my house is always trashed, I weigh the same as last year at this time (I hope) and we eat out more than I care to admit. Oh well, I have a loving family who are all in relatively good health. What more could I ask for?

May you all have a Merry Christmas and may all your New Year's resolutions last far longer than mine ever do.

Love, the Niederhausers