Christmas Letter!

This year I decided to add a small Christmas letter to our blog for those of you that check in regularly. The year 2007 started out as usual with Kacie and I both heading back to classes. In February, we finally got together with all of the Smith family in Grand Island for Christmas. We all stayed at a hotel and the kids got to swim and play. We also had a gift exchange, so we had a great time. Kacie also had her 8th birthday on the 25th. Spring was rather uneventful other than the normal day to day happenings for us. In May, I finished my last semester at McCook and Kacie finished 2nd grade. During the summer, I worked full time at the golf course in Enders again and Kacie spent most days at the pool. We were able to have Jake come and stay with us for a few days, as well, so that is always fun. He and I got a couple of golf games in and he is becoming pretty good. We spent some time at the lake at Sutherland with Jay's family. Kacie enjoyed swimming with the kids and Jay and I went golfing with Gene and Del. (Jay's dad and cousin.) In August it was back to school. Kacie started 3rd grade and she is in Palisade this year. She seems to really be enjoying it. I started my nursing classes in North Platte and spent M - TH there. I have a cousin that lives there, so it is nice to have a place to stay, rather than driving every day, and Mom and Dad have been very generous to keep Kacie. I know it hasn't been easy having to learn how to "parent" an 8 year old again! In September, I started working at the hospital in Imperial and I really enjoy it. It is definitely stressful going to school, working and being a mom full time, but the end is in sight! In May 2009, I will graduate with my RN and I will hopefully then start my BSN online through UNK. In October, my Grandma Ora turned 85. She is starting to go down hill a little at a time, but we are so blessed to have her living close so that we can see her often and check in on her at a moment's notice. Thanksgiving was spent at my parents' with Court, Brent and Jake, as well as some dear friends from church - The Camerons and their girls and families. It was so fun to see all of them as it has been quite a while since seeing them. It is now almost Christmas and we will have time to spend with both families. We are very thankful for all that God has blessed us with this past year, and we look forward to 2008. We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year.