Sherry's 2006 Christmas letter
Richard and I didn't get around to sending out Christmas cards this year. But, I thought, "Hey, in this modern day, why not do it with and email?". So, we're hoping this holiday season and upcoming New Year find you all in the best of health and spirits. This year has been one of changes and good times for Richard and I. As most of you know, we spent the first half of the year in our new apartment in Valencia. I had an enjoyable year teaching 3rd grade at Mitchell, with only 20 students!!! =) Richard made it thru the 5th grade, and enjoyed Sunday school at our church. His new bedroom was a cool campground. I had set up our 4 man tent in his bedroom and put his mattress in there for him to camp out every night. He loved having a swimming pool and a work out room nearby, and loved when Nanny came to visit since she always took him there to play.
For Spring Break we made our way up to Oregon to visit relatives and to see my Grandma who wasn't doing well. I had also been struggling for the past year with trying to decide if moving to Oregon would be the right path for the two of us. I was hoping the trip would help me to decide. Shortly after arriving in Oregon, my Grandma passed away. Although it was a sad time, we were happy she was no longer in pain. Being in Oregon, with all our family felt right. After looking at more houses then I could remember, I still hadn't found the right one by the time I had to return to California.
A few days after my return home, my mom called me with news about a fixer upper, as is, house that just came on the market. It's located just down the block from my 3 aunts who live in Rogue River, and it was priced right. Ignoring everything I wanted in a house, I bought it (sight unseen) for the location. Those couple of months were crazy, emailing and faxing my Realtor, taking care of moving arrangements, and trying to close up the school year and pack my classroom. But, just about 3 days after school was out, we were on our way to Oregon.
I'm spending this year subbing. I'm supplementing that by tutoring and by selling Pampered Chef (if anyone wants to have a cooking party or a catalog party I'd love to talk to you about it). Richard has enjoyed the freedom of being able to run around and be a kid. It has been really nice to see him be able to go out and play with the neighborhood kids, ride his bike and enjoy himself. We've enjoyed having family nearby to visit with and to be involved in the family activities in the area. He's still adjusting to the small school and the differences in the kinds of kids in Oregon. He has enjoyed going to Youth Group at church, and went to basketball camp this summer.
We've just spent a week in Southern California visiting old friends and family. It was nice to be back, but I'm looking forward to going home. My parents look like they're selling their house after trying for about a year and a half. We can't wait for them to join us in Oregon.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and start your new year off with a bang! =)
Sherry and Richard