Christmas Time

Merry Christmas to everyone. It comes time to reflect on the year, and as I gave Olivia her bedtime kisses, which she now requests me to give her before she goes to bed, I remember how a few months ago we had a very sick girl on our hands. Now, a few weeks later we are blessed to have our little girl back. This Christmas, Olivia carried the gifts, opened her presents with a child-like delight, and was just all around a wonderful little girl. She got to do one of her favorite activies while she was at grandpa and grandmas, she got to play with Whinny. Trent's chocolate lab is a favorite of Olivia's and very interestingly, is quite gentle around her. Very active and careless otherwise, but when near Olivia, she slows down and is quite careful. It was wonderful to see her excited and joyful this Christmas, and in a three weeks, we'll get to see her again at her other grandparents having the same great time.

It's been quite a year in reflection. We've added three new vehicles to our family, and only gotten rid of one. And, that reminds me, if anyone wants to buy a different vehicle, let me know. Of course, the pickup isn't mine, it's just on loan from Grandpa Elgin, so that one I probably cannot really sell.

We purchased a second home this year. Of course, most people purchase a second home in a tropical climate, not 7 blocks away from each other. I didn't realize when we got this place how much of a fixer-uper it would be, but we're currently still working through that. As soon as the window and trim goes up in the bathroom, that project will be completed. It's almost there! Currently though, two rooms are torn apart (one by choice, one out of necessity). As soon as those are done, we'll continue on projects, and we're still trying to figure out how to keep the heat in this place. Old houses with high ceilings may look cool both inside and out, but right now, it's kind of a pain.

With the purchase of that second home, we are also landlords for the first time. It's not that back of an experience, and our tenant is fine, so it's not too bad, and there is great potential, but I still think I'd really like to scale down and just have one place to worry about.

Well, that's 2012 in a nutshell. Alot has come and gone, and now we approach 2013. You're pry thinking that it's not even new years yet, why reflect. Well, when I get to work tomorrow, it will be a madhouse for me until April. I may not be on here much, but I wanted to reflect and wish everyone what will probably be my final post before I'm 30. Only 4 more days, and then I'm official old. Bummer.....