Dear Friends and Family….
Well honestly I typically wait for a wave of inspiration to write our Christmas letter….but this year the ticking of the clock is most of my inspiration this morning. Admittedly our home is not yet “Christmasfied” and my kids are persistent to point out that we donʼt have outside lights and statues to decorate our lawn. But I will say that our home, probably like your own is bustling with anticipation of Christmas. For those who really do dread these long letters hopefully you can enjoy the card itself, for those who enjoy a glimpse of the the tribe and the parents who try to keep the battle cries to a minimum….this is for you…..
Colby is in his last year of middle school and is taller than me. This year we signed him up for soccer for the first time in years and didnʼt realize the league was for boys through High School. Thankfully he was tall enough to blend into the group but honestly I think he was scared to death. He also asked to begin piano lessons this year. He goes every week and I have had my fingers crossed that this was worth our investment into a keyboard. Last week we were at Best Buy and we parted ways to be in different parts of the store. He went into the instrument area and when I rounded the corner to find him i was amused that he had figured out how to program the keyboard to play Jingle Bells through itʼs computer. I cannot tell you the shock when I realized he was in fact the one playing. I now know he has probably been up until all hours of the night. One of the pros/cons of having a basement where you canʼt hear the kids. The con….our son secretly gets away with his own bed time…the pro…. we feel a bit better about splurging for lessons and a keyboard. Colby also had his first kiss this year. We thought we would include this memory in the photos on the card and hope that this picture would serve as a deterrent to any other fish in the sea….
Kendall is doing well in her first year of middle school. Honestly these middle school years of deciding where you want to fit and who you want to be can be really tough…and to have 2 in middle school….well… pray for our home…. 
Kendall has continued to play soccer and this year has signed up to be a regular worker in the church nursery. She has a heart for special needs children and requests to be assigned to one of them each week that she works. Kendall continues to be our resident massage therapist. She has now taught Keaton some of her tricks but all he remembers is what he has now coined his signature “toe squeeze.” She continues to walk the line between girly and tomboy. When reading her text message to a friend who had her wallet stolen I noted the combination….”I almost cried when I thought of being in your shoes…and if we find out who did it I will kick em….” Fortunately I think her compassion is more developed than her kicking skills.
Caleb is in second grade and is our resident hippie. As you can see from the picture he, like Samson, may just lose his strength if we cut that hair. Honestly if we cut it too much I wouldnʼt recognize him. He found his rhythm with the school thing this year and he is determined to read his way to the top. He catches the early bus solo, my only elementary student, with iCandy close behind. (That dog is loyal and loves this boy.) He continues to be the primary suspect in all things disassembled with a proclivity to remotes for some reason. Caleb celebrated 2 birthdays this year. One when he turned 8 and another in August when he gave his heart to Christ for the first time. We couldnʼt be more proud of this little guy. Yesterday when I got home I discovered Caleb and Keaton playing with my new mac book. I quickly began to explain that my new computer was off limits (the sticky keys and constant finger prints convinced me they had something to do with the untimely death of my last one) until they stepped back. When they did I couldnʼt help but crack up. They had discovered the small camera built into my laptop and had somehow been in my room making movies. They had figured out how to record and playback and had orchestrated a segment with forced dog dancing. (iCandy – both friend and victim.) I only hope I can figure out how they did it and ensure that it is recorded. Somehow I think it may merit a 2010 Christmas card by video.
Keaton….how does one start with Keaton. Well an excellent student this young man confounds me with the energy he has to be our family clown. His grandparents suggested we nominate him as Obamaʼshumor Czar….(they heard he was looking to add one more useless member to his cabinet….oh did I say that out loud….no just typed it…..much better.) The adventures of the last few days include…. A call from the sheriffʼs department (I suspect that he learned about the 911 service in class that day.) Luckily the police department doesnʼt immediately respond to gangs of gigglers calling their emergency number. Another….He turned the task of getting the mail into an entire episode of 24 as we all watched out the windows as he darted behind objects to remain hidden from the postman until he could sneak up to the box and capture the mail. I cannot even begin to describe his dancing abilities….I am just glad I have some video for his wedding. Hard to believe that this little rabble rouser has memorized the 23rd Psalm, relishes the opportunity to help around the house, and supplies me with a constant stream of pictures and love letters. His life is the grand adventure and we are all thrilled God gave us a front row seat.
Christopher will be 4 in April and is relishing his forever throne as the baby of the family. I struggle to eat with him on my lap, walk with him on my hip and sleep when he has conned his way into the covers. He truly is the sweetest little guy. Someone said last night….”I wish I had one that picked up like that”…..my response….”well you get this one 5th if you want to keep going.” (Her heart instantly contented.) He like the others has contributed to the custom art drawn walls and distressed floors but this is the first child I have had that seems just a bit OCD. Finally! One made to order. With 3 older brothers it will be interesting to see how this little guy finds his way….but in the meantime he is everyoneʼs loyal sidekick and cuddle bug….and tolerant of our nickname….Chrissy…..
I guess without much room left we will make this brief. This year has been one of tremendous challenge and fulfillment. God has continued to bless the work of our hands both at Billyʼs company and with some of the volunteer work I am privileged to do.
Billy would be upset if I didnʼt mention his life long dream fulfilled to fish in Alaska…(our freezer is still full if you want to come over for some sockeye salmon). He has now shifted dreams to fishing tuna….hmmmm……not sure I am as eager to have a freezer full of the chicken of the sea. His annual trip to Colorado sent him and a few buddies home with full tags. And after Colbyʼs first deer this year our freezer is full of meat for the winter.
We also had the chance to go to my first Redskins/Cowboys game after being a fan for more than 20 years.. (Thank you Rick) Honestly I am glad I didnʼt express my loyalty through spirit gear – my life may have been in danger…I do admit to singing “hail to the redskins…hail victory….braves on the warpath….fight for old d.c…..but very quietly under my breath)….did I mention we were at the same hotel as the Redskins team while we were there….seriously…..a real treat for me. You can see our view was amazing as we watched my team suffer a pathetic defeat in the last minutes of the game.
Much Love! The Davis Family
I just glanced at our card and realized that Hershey – our Ragdoll is a part of our card this year. I thought you may enjoy the dilemma he faced when the kids captured, nurtured, bathed and cherished his nemesis. For you animal rights activists you will be pleased to know that our “Jerry” escaped and is now enjoying his freedom bathed and well acquainted with the love and affection he has forfeited with his freedom. A recent babysitter has given us a clue as to his whereabouts and letʼs just say he has taken to higher ground.
P.P.S. If you havenʼt found us already here is our contact info to stay in touch……and remember….we would love to have you for a visit….is it time for a little trip to Tennessee?
bdavis@paragonhemophilia.com ~ thetribeoffive@hotmail.com ~ www.daddyzgirl.wordpress.com ~ www.crazylovelady.wordpress.com
