Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas Eve! I finally got all my cards sent out a couple days ago, but didn't include a Christmas letter - mostly just because I was not that organized. So, I thought I'd type one up here for my friends and family to read. So, see? You still get one. :)
2008 was a pretty eventful year for our family. At the end of the year, we are appreciating our many blessings including health, home and friends and family. The year started with ice and snow. The kids had a lot of fun going sledding and making snowmen, a snow dog, and snow angels. Shannon began her new calling in church as the secretary for the Young Women. In Feb. and March, Damian had some serious tummy issues. We were very concerned for a while, and even went to see a specialist at the St. Louis Children's Hospital, but were relieved to find out that it was just a bad virus, and he's been fine ever since. Yay! :) Angel got glasses in March. She wears them for reading, writing and computer/TV viewing. She loves her Princess glasses. :)
Spring brought a whirl of activity as Frank and I were busy planning bachelor and bachelorette parties and showers, and finally attending the wedding of our friends Max and Megan. Frank was given the honor of being the best man, and Angel was a flower girl (and soloist! - she sang the National Anthem at the reception when she got a hold of the karaoke mic!). Of course we also had our April Birthday Bash for the many birthdays in our family around March/April. Lots of partying for us!
Summer brought the whole (Harris) family together for Memorial Day. We were able to get some rare photos of everyone together. :) In June, the kid's had their dance recital. They have also been involved in other sports this year including BMX and soccer for Damian and gymnastics, and cheerleading for Angel. At the end of the year awards banquet for BMX, Damian won the Daredevil Award, and Angel got a "Female Vocalist of the Year" plaque for singing the National Anthem every week at the track.
Frank and a business partner began a new venture when they bought the inventory of 3 motorcycle shops that went out of business. That has kept him busy, along with working hard to get our "new house" ready for us to move into (hopefully soon). He also continued racing motorcycles this year, and his team finished 4th for the year.
The kids' Grandma and Grandpa Gonzales took them on a great vacation to South Dakota for a week over the summer, and Frank and Shannon were able to get away for a weekend, too. Just before school started, Frank and Shannon also took a trip to CA for another wedding. This time Shannon was honored with being asked to be a bridesmaid. We were also able to visit some family and more friends while in CA. We fell in love with San Diego and hope to go visit again.
On our way home from CA, we found out that Shannon had a brother and sister both in the hospital. Sean had crashed his motorcycle and several injuries. He spent a week in the hospital, another month on another sister's couch, and ended up moving in with our family. Frank was able to give him some work to do, and Shannon takes care of his kids. He will be moving into the duplex ajoining ours after Christmas.
Julie had gone to visit Sean in the hospital, passed out, and cracked her skull and had bleeding in her brain. She spent 35 days in the hospital, and is making a good recovery. She's still has some lingering effects from the head trauma, but has been cleared by her doctors to go back to school next month. She's very excited about that!
The beginning of school was very important this year, as Angel started kindergarten! She was very excited to start school, and has been doing extremely well. She was chosen as Student of the Month for the first month of school! Unfortunately, Damian was sick on the first day of school, but has been going strong since then. He aces almost every spelling, science and math test, and was chosen as this month's Student of the Month.
Damian turned 8 in October. He's growing up way too fast for me! He's lost several teeth this year, started scouts, and got baptized by his Grandpa Harris in November. November was also exciting because we got to go to Disney World! It was a perfect dream of a vacation. We spent a week in Orlando, got to visit with more family, went to the 4 main Disney parks, and Wet'n'Wild. It's hard to come home and back to reality after a trip like that!
This holiday season has been nice, with a lot of family time together. We're looking forward to more visiting and good times with family this coming week. I hope you all have a blessed and happy Christmas, too.
Love,
Gonzales Family

My little cheerleader

has been busy this past week. She was in the Christmas parade on Sat. We all went to watch. D met up w/ a friend, and my niece kept me warm by sitting on my lap. Tonight was her last class/ parent presentation tonight. She recieved a certificate and a trophy for perfect attendance for 3 semesters.
D (son) must've done well this past month at school. I was just told yesterday that he's been chosen as student of the month for Dec. The character ed. word of the month was honesty, and that's what the teachers and other students go by. They try to choose the student who best displays that trait. I'm so proud of him. Honesty is so important, and he makes very mature decisions when he chooses honesty - even when it's not always easy. I'm a proud mom!
Of course, this time of year I've been busy, too. Monday was Angel's Christmas party at dance class (she's got another one coming up Sat.). Tues. was D's first pack mtg. for cub scouts. As the newest scout in the pack, he got to lead the opening ceremony where they call out directions for the color guard, etc. That was pretty cool! I was supposed to go caroling w/ the YW from church, but had no voice due to this extremely annoying cough I've had, so I stayed at pack mtg and helped w/ the activity. Wed. was my Dad's school Christmas concert. He's a high school/middle school band director. The concert was great. I hate to admit that I dozed off for a couple of songs, but I think I was awake for the mostof it. :) Sorry Dad! It was a great performance by all involved - including some dancers from my step-moms studio who performed during the Nutcracker songs. Of course I've also been busy w/ the normal shopping, wrapping, organizing class parties, taking care of sick kids (and self, and hubby), trying to keep up w/ house cleaning (and failing), etc. I still have cards to send and treats to make. Those are my weekend goals.
I'll try to be back before Christmas, but if not - here's my Christmas blogger card to you:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
May you have a wonderful Christmas filled with making beautiful memories and enjoying many blessings.
Love,
Shannon and family. :)

Santa Pics

It's late, so I'm not going to post much, but here's a quick update and the Santa pics I promised. :) Tonight we had our PTA Christmas party at the Pres.'s house. It's a fun and very nice bunch of people. Our school is so blessed. Of course we had a good time, and my bro kept the kids. Angel fell asleep coloring at the dining room table - so cute! :)
Yesterday, my bro started moving into the duplex next door. He and his kids got to sleep in their beds for the first time since Sept.!!! I'm sure they're so much more comfy now.
Angel's going to be in the Christmas parade tomorrow, so I'll try to get some good pics to post later.
Enjoy the Santa photos:

Awesome Day

Today was a really fun day! Yay! I love days like today. First I took Angel to dance class and picked up donuts to take home for brunch. In the afternoon, we went to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop. Their winter wonderland area was great. The kids wrote their letters to Santa and mailed them in Santa's mailbox, and we got a free photo of the kids w/ Santa and one with all of us with Santa. We even saw some friends there, which is always nice, and he took some family pics of us, too. I don't have those yet to post, though. While we were there, Damian practiced his archery - a hobby he enjoys.
This evening, I went with a friend to a local chocolate factory for a tour and to watch the movie Chocolat. It was really fun, and it's a very unique factory. The chocolate is a very pure, rich, dark chocolate. They use only cocoa and organic sugar. We sampled some of the chocolate, and even got to eat the cocoa nibs (peeled cocoa seed). It tastes a little nutty. I bought "sipping cocoa" - different from hot chocolate. The sipping cocoa is just cocoa powder and hot milk - once again, very dark and rich - and not very sweet. I brought some home to try w/ cayenne pepper on it - like in the movie. I did add more milk and sugar, too, so it wasn't quite as thick. I also bought some of their cocoa powder to try in my baking. I wonder if I'll be able to tell any difference.
When I got home tonight - I played cards w/ the family, then the kids watched The Santa Clause 2. Overall, a very enjoyable day. :) I hope yours was just as wonderful. :)

Santa Sighting!

Look out Springfield! Santa's in town! I saw him today - out walking his dog. He had his red jogging suit on, a red cap, and a red and white striped cane. I could see his white hair under his cap and of course his long white beard. I told my kids they better be good - Santa's here checking on them before Christmas. :)
Here are some Thanksgiving photos: Angel helping her Great Grandma make whole wheat rolls.

Two of my beautiful sisters. Julie did not want to give up the baby, and ate Thanksgiving dinner holding her.
Julie finally had to hand over the baby. Her's Alyssa w/ our newest niece (actually great-niece), Jaidyn. Isn't she beautiful? (of course I meant they're BOTH beautiful!) :)
The guys after dinner. What else did you expect?

Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving weekend has been wonderful.  I've been at my Mom's and MIL's  since Thursday, and will head home tomorrow to have another get-together at my Dad's.  We did all the traditional foods and shopping and just spending time together.  The only low points have been those that have gotten the stomach virus going around.  I posted about it last week when the little ones in my home all got it.  I got it Tues. night, and was out of commission all day Wed - which was when I was supposed to bake and head to Mom's.  I still got my pies baked, with the help of my daughter - so sweet!  And D made some cookies all by himself that were a hit with everyone.  I have the greatest kids!  Thurs. morning I was feeling much better, and we got to Mom's about an hour before dinner.  My Grandma Harris is back, and all my sibs were there, but 2.  One lives out of state, and rarely makes it home, and 1 spent the holiday weekend w/ her boyfriend's family.  We sure missed them, and the nephews/niece that were w/ their other parents - but I know we'll see them soon.  Chelle did bring her baby grand-daughter, and I took about a million pics of the beautiful little girl.  I'll have to post later, though, when I'm back home on my own computer.  Dinner at Mom's and MIL's were wonderful, and so nice to spend such a special day w/ family, and everyone getting along and enjoying each other's company.  I have such wonderful families.  :)

Unfortunately, the stomach virus was not finished w/ my family, and Fri. both Hubby and another sis were not feeling well.  We all did a little shopping Fri. and today.  I'm excited about some of the things I found today - can't wait to see the kiddos open their presents!  We'll be heading home tomorrow - looking forward to Thanksgiving at Dad's and helping set up their tree - a tradition.  I'll post pics later, too.  Until then - bye!  

Hello! How's everyone's Thanksgiving week looking so far? We'll be heading out tomorrow after a do a bit of baking. Since my last post, my son, Damian got baptized. Several family members were there, and several friends and thier families. It was nice. The family all went out to dinner afterwards at one of our fave chinese restaurants. The kids had fun w/ the drink ornaments. :)
One of our friends brought D a late birthday present. They gave him a mini radio that looks like an ipod shuffle. He loves it! He's been listening to it every chance he gets - so cute. :)
Unfortunately, later that night - all 3 other kids (besides D) got sick. We still don't know if it was a virus or something they ate - but it was a very eventful night for several of us. Luckily, it didn't last long, and by morning, they were all doing better. The kids are excited to have such a short week at school - only 2 days! Today was a little warmer than it has been recently, so the kids played outside, and the grown-up kids gave the little ones rides on the dirt bikes. Damian likes to ride this one, that's way to big for him!
Well, I'm off to bed. I wish everyone safe traveling and a Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

TGIF - I'm back!

Well, it's been a week, and I'm just now getting back to blogging. Sorry it's taken me so long. Are you wondering about our vacation? Well - it was AWESOME! I couldn't have asked for anything to be better. The kids were great, we all had fun together, the weather was nice, and the lines were short. We went to all 4 Disney parks, Wet n Wild, Orlando Science Center, and spent some time w/ family.
When we got back, Angel and I went w/ my sis, Chelle and her son, to a gymnastics expo in KC. That was awesome, too! It's taken me a week to sort photos, do laundry, clean house, and get back into a routine.
Today I spent a lot of time getting ready for my son's baptism tomorrow. I've got family coming in tomorrow, too - so we'll probably just spend some time together. I'd like to show them the new house w/ the kitchen put together. I'll try to post some pics here, too. More catching up later. G'nite!

We're off!

to sunny FL. It's 7:50 am, and we're headed out the door for a 10:05 flight. I'll try to post while on vacation, but if not, I'll be back next week. :) Take care!

Nov...so far

Well, the weekend after Halloween was pretty uneventful. But, Monday - Oh boy! We were supposed to fly to FL for a Disney World vacation. We got to the airport 1/2 an hour early - a little later than what we'd planned, but still w/ plenty of time to catch the plane, right? (Springfield airport is very small - no lines, etc.,) Well, when we got there, no one was at the ticket counter - but there was another lady waiting at the counter to be checked in too. I had to go behind the counter and knock on the employee door to get someone to come to the counter. He started to check us in, but then a lady came over to him and said the flight's closed, they're too late. WHAT??????? We were there 1/2 an hour early, no one at the counter, the plane is still sitting there outside w/our seats open, and you're NOT going to let us on it? Well, let's just say I was NOT happy, and was sure to let them know that. We argued and talked and brought up options until the plane actually left. Even Damian got his 2 cents in. He told them he knew they could let us on the plane and were CHOOSING not to, and that they were wasting our time by arguing. (GO, D!!!) Bottom line - we're now going next week instead. The kids actually handled it very well. Frank stayed cool, calm and collected and rationally talked to the guy at the counter until we got our tickets for next week settled. I cried. When we got home, I apologized to Frank for getting so upset (the guy at the counter was scared - said he thought I was going to throw something at him!) Frank actually thought it was fun to see me get that upset because it doesn't happen often - well I guess I have nothing to be sorry for, then. ;) He told the ticket guy that he'd never seen me that upset, but he'd only met me 18 years ago, so maybe he didn't know me that well. Haha, Frank!
To make up for the day being so disappointing, we went to a show in Branson Monday night. We had tickets to see the Baldknobbers. It was very funny. The jokes were mostly geared toward people older than us, but still funny. Angel loved all the musical numbers, and would even get up and dance in our aisle. Damian really enjoyed the comedians. It's so funny to me that they're such opposites. When the comedians would come on, Angel would ask "why do these guys keep interrupting the songs?" When they'd start singing, Damian would roll his eyes and endure "another song". So funny. They did both get autographs from the whole cast and pics taken w/a few of them.
The rest of the week has been back to business as usual. I've been helping at the school, the kids have gone back to classes, Frank's been working on our house. Current news there - my cabinets have doors and look awesome! And they're laying the living room sub-floor now.

Halloween

It's taken me a few days, but here are pics from our Halloween night. We did just a little bit of trick-or-treating. We ALL went - it was fun. It was such a nice night. Not too cold or rainy. One house had their porch set up as a mini haunted house. It was really cool. Our kids weren't fooled, though. The 2 guys tried so hard to stay in character and be spooky, but Trenton started asking the "head" on the table questions about the decor, and Damian told them "you guys did pretty good. He's just sitting there with a table around him, and that box just has food in it, but it does feel like brains. Good job!" By the time we left, the guys were laughing and just talking in normal voices to the kids. It was pretty funny. Frank looked so cute escorting his 2 princesses around. We went to Grandma Angie and Grandad's house, too. Grandma Angie had a Snow Queen costume to wear to go with Angel's Snow Princess costume. We got lots of good candy, too. Tons of chocolate - my fave. I hope your Halloween was as fun as ours. :)

Hail Halloween!

Yes, hail! This morning was great Halloween weather. Warm enough not to need a jacket, but overcast and gray, like any Halloween should be. I was truly appreciating and enjoying the perfect Halloween day until, on my way home from story time w/ the munchkins (or the pirate and fairy princess), the slight drizzle turned into a hard rain and HAIL! Then I started thinking, OK - this is too much! Mother Nature must've overheard my thoughts, because by the time we got home, it had stopped raining, and I could see that the sky to the west was clear and bright. All this on a 12 minute drive from the library to my home. Amazing Missouri weather. :)

We finally did our pumpkins Wed. night! Here are some pics. Some were more enthusiastic about cleaning out the pumpkin guts than others. :) We did some painting, some carving, and some decorations you stick into the pumpkins. Quite a variety. :)

Yesterday was the last day of BMX for 2008. Damian did well - came in 2nd. We had a trunk-or-treat for the kids, too. Damian (and most of the racers) just wore their race clothes. The munchkins dressed up in their pirate and princess outfits, and Angel came straight from cheerleading practice, so she was a cheerleader. BMX will start again next April. It will be nice to have a break from twice/week races for a while.
As for me - I'm having fun with all the scrapbooking website's Halloween activities and looking forward to tomorrow's Digital Scrapbooking Day activities. Yay! Freebies galore! Today I'm doing the Sunshine Studio Scraps/Scrap Orchard blog hop. DSO has a Halloween mini-mega,
This afternoon we had Angel's parent-teacher conference. She has the same kindergarten teacher that Damian had, and this teacher is just wonderful. She truly loves teaching, she loves the children, and she really makes it fun for the kids. Angel loves school and is doing very well. During the conference, the word "perfect" was actually used by the teacher to describe Angel as a student! So of course I was beaming with motherly pride! :)
I'll be back tomorrow to post about Halloween. Everyone be safe! and have a good night. :)