Family Christmas "Christmas Story" style

Well we went to my dad's to open gifts for the kids today. My dad has a HUGE heart and always makes sure everyone has everything that they need to make them happy. He never worries about himself. That's why his idea to go out for Chinese food for lunch was accepted and not mocked. We giggled a little to ourselves but knew why he was doing it and that it was something that dad wanted to do for everyone. Dad is one of those people that is over flowing with love and he is always willing to go overboard to show it. Some times he does this in some very unconventional ways, but we love him even more because of it.
Having Chinese food for Christmas lunch was something I wouldn't have thought of in a million years when mom was still with us. She would have put her foot down and said a definate NO! But now that it's just dad, we try and accommodate his wishes if at all possible. (even if it is a little off center) Being that we had just watched the Christmas Story movie the night before, the kids got a real kick out of going to a Chinese place for lunch. They were even singing the falalalala song just like in the movie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46WcFObgYhI Oh well I just had to share the holiday fun with all of you. Hug those around you that you love and always have a very OPEN MIND!!!

Christmas 2008 @ the Haver's

We had Christmas and Ronda's parent's house on Tuesday. It was so nice getting to see them as well as her brother Ron and kids Mackenzie and Jordan. Christmas is such a fun time of year. Seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of the kids makes it great!!

An OOOOOOPS turns into puppies

Well we thought we got our male puppy Oliver fixed in time but apparently we didn't. Nicki gave birth to five new puppies on Sunday the 20th. Two females and three males. She had a very rough labor but nothing a trip to the emergency vet and $500 couldn't take care of!! Everyone is healthy now and all is good. Nicki is a very good mommy and she keeps Oliver and Rudy at bay. They are so cute though. We will have to get rid of these pups as soon as they are ready to go to another home. (10 animals in our home zoo is more than enough!!!) We will be selling them for $300 for males and $350 for the two females. Pass the word around to anyone that might be a prospective good home for them. Keep in touch!!

I"M FINISHED!!!!!

I'm finally finished with my final student teaching at Miramonte Elementary. My mom would have been so proud of her little boy!!! It has been such a bitter-sweet day. On one hand I am so happy that I have finished the final leg of me becoming a teacher. On the other hand I have grown so fond of the class that I did my final student teaching in that I am kind of sad as well. Room 405 took me in as part of their family and taught me so much. I learned as much from the students in class as they learned from me. What a great experience I have had for the past few months. I will always hold this class of 4th graders in a special place in my heart. Now it's on to a long-term subbing job at Reagan Elementary starting in January. I can't wait for this new chapter in my becoming a teacher. The principal at Reagan is a very nice guy and it should be a great experience. Stay tuned for how things go........