Sunday, December 30, 2007

Guess What? Chicken Butt!

My daughter, Brooklyn, told her Grandma (my Mom) today, "Yesterday, my Mom said Chicken Butt!" Then my daughter, Lauren, said the whole joke to Grandma: "Guess what? Chicken butt!" I actually have not said that joke for some time, but to Brooklyn the past is always yesterday or last night. It was funny, and it caught my Mom off guard.

Today we did some Christmas clean up. I always enjoy the clean up after Christmas. It makes everything feel so clean to get rid of Christmas clutter. We always have a lot of it!

Okay, it's another day but I had started this post so I left it as my intro. I have been quite busy. So sorry blog fans. I wasn't aware that I had any, but Teri says I do! See comments on my last post.

Andrew and I went away on New Year's Eve. It was all his idea. He even got Amy and Keith to babysit the kids! Thanks guys! We went to Palm Desert. It's the first date we've had in months! Anyway we spent the night there, went to Mimis for dinner, saw the new national treasure movie (good), and did some shopping. It was fun. The next day, we bought a car! Now, those of you who talk to me a lot knew I wanted a new car. Mine was starting to drive me crazy! It's a 2007 Saturn Outlook. It's silver and we love it!

Our dog, Riley, got really sick this week and we've been tending to him. By the way, hospital stays for dogs are very expensive. It's a good thing he is cute and that we love him!

Between Riley and the car, I need to work more! Anyway, I think you are filled in for now!
Love you all!
Janice

Friday, December 21, 2007

'Tis the Season to be busy!

I subbed four days this week~ WHEW! I subbed for a 1st grade class on Tuesday. Then I subbed for Kyle's teacher, Mr. Manson, from Wednesday through Friday (today). Mr. Manson has a family of 8! (Six kids + two parents). His wife was very sick with the flu while two of his kids have chickenpox! YIKES! Needless to say, he had to be home with them. I work in his class every week so I know the kids. It went fine. I am tired though ~ I'm not accustomed to working that hard! You know me, the lady of leisure. My dear, sweet , wonderful friend, Joanna, watched the girls for me. I am very grateful to her.

Tomorrow is Nana's Tea Party. Every year Andrew's Mom gives a tea party for the kids just before Christmas. The parents don't have to go so it gives us a chance to do last minute shopping, wrapping, etc. It's one of my favorite days of the year :0)
It's rare on a Saturday that I would have any time to myself. I do have lots of wrapping, baking, even decorating to still do! I'm looking forward to it!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Working on some Christmas magic,
Janice

Monday, December 17, 2007

Christmas Letter!



If you already read this regularly, you won't get one of these in your Christmas card because I'm putting it here. You probably know all the information anyway, but , here it is nonetheless.




December 16, 2007

Hi Dear Ones!

We hope we are finding you well and enjoying a very special Christmas season! Life at the Shepard house is always interesting!

We have had a good year. Lauren and Brooklyn turned 4 in March. Kyle turned 8. Also in March we took a trip to Legoland. The girls liked it, but said that next time they would like to go to Barbieland instead! We went to the beach and Ruby’s on the pier. It was fun. Our kids like hotels (they take after their Mom!).

In June, Noah turned 10! I can’t believe how old he looks! He is a fifth-grader now and Kyle is a third-grader. The girls will go to kindergarten in fall 2008.

Our niece, Amber, got married in July. Lauren and Brooklyn were flower girls and Kyle was the ring-bearer. Noah was in charge of the gift table with his cousin, Eli. It was a beautiful wedding and it was so fun to have the kids in it!

At the end of July we went to Washington for a month! It was heaven. We saw Janice’s parents, our Anacortes friends, and had a wonderful time. Andrew and I spent the last week of our Washington trip on a cruise to Alaska. We left the kids with Grandma and Grandpa. The kids had a great time at their house. Lauren keeps saying she wants to go back to Washington and play with her Washington toys.

This Fall I (Janice) started to substitute teach. I only do it sometimes for my friends. I did finish my CLAD certificate so that I can teach again in the future. I also began to sell Mary Kay for fun. I really like it and it’s nice to get out of the house! Andrew is still working for Loma Linda University and also taking x-rays to make ends meet. Next fall, he is starting his Master’s Degree! UGH!

Our latest news is that we got a puppy! He is a golden retriever named Riley. He is cute and sweet and perfect, except, he got stepped on and it broke his leg….so he is mending, but is still cute and sweet!

That’s about it for us! Now you are up to date! You can read our blog about our latest antics at http://janifay.blogspot.com/ and feel free to leave comments! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas season! We pray God’s blessings on each one of you, and join you in celebrating Christ’s birth!

Love to you all,

Andrew, Janice, Noah, Kyle, Lauren and Brooklyn Shepard

Friday, December 14, 2007

Bookstores and Coffee

Tonight I was out shopping with my WHOLE family. It's not as enjoyable as you would think. The girls and Kyle are running this way and that...and Noah is doing his usual whining. I'm catching the dirty looks from people who no longer have little kids. It's so easy to revert into dreamland. You know the place you wish you were. I looked into the window of Barnes and Noble and wished I had the freedom to sit in the Starbucks section, have a coffee, and read a book. I told Andrew if I was single: meaning, without any of my entanglements, I would probably spend a lot of time there. It looked so warm and cozy and stress-free....

I know someday I'll have that time and wish back to these times. We always want what we can't have! But, all I want is a few minutes in my dreamland, then I'm ready to be back in my crazy life.

Here's hoping you can have a few minutes in your dreamland too!
Janice

Thursday, December 13, 2007

It's Already December?

Hey all you loved ones!
Time is getting past me like never before! I keep thinking I have time for things, such as my blog, and I don't! I have been so crazy busy that I can't think straight! Yesterday I got up at 4:30(am!) and I went and went until about 9(PM!). I have been working at selling Mary Kay and I have been subbing. When you add in orchestra practice it makes for a busy time! Tonight is Noah's first band performance. He is learning the alto saxaphone. I have to admit that I am surprised that he is sticking with it. He still seems interested though and I am glad for that. I think he is playing Jingle Bells tonight.

Riley has been keeping me busy too. He goes to the vet at least once a week to have his leg checked. It's also a full time job keeping him from chewing on things and keeping a plastic bag on his leg when we take him outside. Lucky for him, he's cute!

I took the kids to Disneyland on Monday to see it decorated for Christmas. It's my favorite time of year to go. It's so beautiful. I posted a picture of them on my mobile blog.

Last week we saw the movie, Enchanted. We loved it. It's the best family movie I've seen in a long time. My girls, of course, LOVED Giselle! We bought the movie soundtrack and sing the songs every time we are in the car! If you have not seen it, I recommend it.

Well I'd better check to see what Riley is up to!
Love, Janice