. . . and a Happy New Year!

I am saving .44 where I can this year, and will include our Holiday letter on the blog. Of course I still expect our mailbox filled with your letters and pictures, so don't cross us off your list.

Well, we're both over 40 (how did this happen?) and have been married for 20 (blissful) years. We have a kid with facial hair and his homework makes us scratch our heads in confusion - any of this sounding familiar? The highlights of this year are a visit from the Swiss crew in October, Sten and Milah visiting Aunt Shelly in SanDiego, Auntie Pam coming to stay with us for a few days, and a gathering of old friends on the banks of Green Peter for some camping, eating, s'more building, joke telling, and reminiscing with occasional bursts of hysterical laughter.

We didn't venture too far from the house as Scott is tied to the office these days. As many would know, starting a new business requires long hours and jumping at the customer's request. We have 2 trucks leased to the City of Albuquerque, and three truck bodies waiting for chassis. If you need a garbage truck to entertain the neighbor kids, we can set you up! Scott loves what he is doing and his customers are thrilled to have a local source for parts/service. He continues to swim 3 days/week and is on the Swim Club board. Their most successful fundraising effort is staffing a concession booth at the OSU Football games. Scott organizes the crew and works the games, so we are relieved that footballl season has ended and we can have our Saturdays free. Scott and the girls recently participated in a community singing event called the "Singing Christmas Tree." Sten and I learned the songs too as they were constantly humming, singing or dueting their pieces for 3 months.

Sten is a sophomore in High School and was an avid supporter of "No Shave November." Yikes, he had a lot of hair on his chinny chin chin by the end of the month. He earned his permit in July, so we are frequently passengers - sometimes gripping the handles and "offering suggestions." He purchased a 1979 Ford crewcab pickup and plans to complete a frame-off restoration, replacing the motor with a Powerstroke engine. If it has tires (or tracks) and you must put gas (or preferrably diesel) in it, he is a knowledgeable source. He started a custom haying business this past summer and it was a family affair to keep him hydrated, scheduled, and transported from field to field. He has participated in water polo, wrestling, and golf. He is swimming this winter and hopes to get in some snow boarding and snowmobiling.

Milah loves school and is ultra organized which suits her well in her recently elected secretary position for the student council. She is in the 5th grade and is nuts about math and soccer. After being undefeated the previous year, it was a bummer when her team didn't win a single game this year. She is a valuable player in any position, and I especially like watching her kick the ball as goalie - she can boot it nearly to the other goal. She has joined 4H with a horse group and she is looking forward to Fair - she does not, however, enjoy cleaning the stalls. She is in the swim club and enjoys leading her group.

Maren is in the 2nd grade and recently obtained spectacles so she can see the board. We had no idea that she was having trouble until she failed a school screening (we get the clueless award). She looks adorable and she has been (surprisingly) responsible with them. She continues to be the most social one of the bunch and has a real knack for making everyone feel special. We are certain this will lead to a sales career (hey-maybe selling garbage trucks). She competed in soccer - and I do mean COMPETED - she was one of the leading scorers on a coed team. Maren also swims and enjoys harassing the big kids at every practice.

Susie spent most of the year with us, leaving in September to go to nursing school in LaGrande. When she is around, I feel like I have a "wife" to help shuttle kids and pick up an occasional gallon of milk. The kids sorely miss her, but she is enjoying college life and even got a 4.0 her first term.

Danner the dog happily plays "Hank the Cowdog", and truly is "Head of Ranch Security." Funny how such a mellow and friendly hound can sound so ferocious. When he hears an unfamiliar car at the bottom of the hill, he alerts us (he is always right on). He speeds up the hill beside us at 20 mph, breaking to do mid-air twirling 360's and has an annoying habit of attempting to bite the driver's side tire, despite multiple bouts of hollering, rock throwing, and air soft gun shootings. But he is C-U-T-E, even if he is D-U-M-B.

It is my job to make sure all these characters have clean clothes, full bellies and a smile on their face. I enjoy creating and selling my wares at a shop in town, and I don't feel a day is complete without a little sawdust in my nose or paint in my hair. I am attempting to be a Quickbooks wizard and dance a jig when I balance to zero every month - I also have to keep a close eye on the Snap-On invoices (ahem). Susie and I are the marketing geniuses and our brochure/exhibit displays are jaw dropping (a possible slight exaggeration).

Hope this finds each of you nestled cozily under a blanket, sipping hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. We are looking forward to the New Year and welcome strays and relatives or stray relatives. Love to you all. Scott, Lisa and Crew