Catching up....again

You know, when I started this blog I was thinking that it would be a better way of keeping friends and family updated with what's going on with us, since I don't email as often as I'd like. And now, in addition to not emailing folks often enough, I'm not updating my blog often enough either! My New Year's resolution is to post more frequently. And, unlike dieting, I think that's a resolution I'll be able to stick with!

So, to catch up: things are going well for the LeVines. Matt's made an almost complete recovery from his back issues and returned to work for a couple weeks now. There have been lots of changes at his company - namely, business is booming! Despite the bad economy, Direct EDI's customer base is steadily increasing. So much so that they've almost doubled the staff in Matt's department alone. It's exciting stuff, and great news for us.

In early December, we had the usual parent-teacher conference at Joey's school. His teacher said Joey is doing really well, and she's pleased with his progress. She also shared a funny story illustrating Joey's knowledge of science concepts. Apparently, they were reading a story in class, and at one point it mentioned lily pads floating on the top of a pond. Since this was the first time the Spanish term for "float" (flotar) was being used, the teacher asked the class if anyone knew what it meant. Joey raised his hand. She called on him, and he began to explain, "Well, when the density of the water is greater than another object..." The kid is just too smart for his own good!

Kristin is having a great time in preschool. Recently, they completed a series of lessons about space. They all made these cute space helmets out of old milk jugs spray-painted silver. And then they'd go on pretend missions to outer space in a rocket ship. Kristin had fun learning more about the solar system, especially since she knows it's one of Joey's favorite subjects! Hooray for sibling bonding!

We've been busy around the house as we prepare for the holidays. This year, since we actually have space, we'll be hosting the big family Christmas dinner. We're going to try making a Turducken for the main course. That's a turkey, stuffed with a duck that's been stuffed with a chicken. I'm a little nervous about how it's going to turn out - but I'm trying to just look at it as a culinary adventure. I'm also making a regular turkey breast on the side, just in case. Hee!

And finally, I wanted to share our family's Christmas miracle: my sister Tandy is pregnant! Tandy and her husband didn't think they'd be able to have children of their own. The chances of conceiving were very, very slim. But - surprise! They're both thrilled, and we're so excited for them. I can't wait to be an auntie!!

Merry Christmas to all! (Or Happy Chanukah, or Kwanzaa, or Solstice...or Festivus! Whatever you celebrate, I hope it's wonderful!)