2010 Christmas Letter

Happy Holidays from our home to yours!

I've been procrastinating again (shocker!). My christmas cards are finished, addressed, stamped and ready to go. In each one I put a card, that read, if you want to read our christmas letter to come to this blog. I thought I'd "go green" with our letter this year. The cards have sat on the kitchen table for days, collecting dust because I didn't want to send them out and there be no letter for the recipients to read. I could lie and say I've been pondering something witty to write, but the truth is I just haven't taken the time to sit down and type. 

"Twenty-Ten" went by in a flash! Here's a quick year in review~

Eddie continues to work hard to provide for our family. His practice has grown over the past 8 years and the hours he puts in and the stack of charts he brings home to dictate are proof. Anyone I happen to meet who is a patient of his tells me how much they think of him and appreciate him. He is a truly caring physician to his patients, but more importantly, he is a loving husband and father. Eddie is a wonderful example to the boys. 

This year both of us went on a mission trip to Bagazan, Peru, in the Amazon jungle. It was an amazing experience, which at times I find myself still processing. This trip was Eddie's 3rd mission, and my first. The conditions were rough to say the least, but the awesome christian family that we worked with and the work that was done was well worth the dirt, bugs and heat. It was a humbling, yet wonderful experience. I'm glad we got to share it together. 

I (Shannon) am still working as a teacher assistant at Fort Craig Elementary, where both the boys attend. I love being able to be at school with them each day. While I don't see them much when there, I like just knowing that they are there, if I need them- wink, wink. I taught myself to knit this past year and found that it was good stress therapy. Also, I have totally embraced my role as soccer mom, as the manager of Cameron's team and co-coach of Matthew's. 

Cameron is 10 years old and in the 4th grade. He has grown about 10 feet this year. I can't wait until its warm out again and he can wear shorts. His pants keep getting shorter and shorter, and I'm pretty sure they are not shrinking in the dryer. He loves soccer and plays for the local club team, Blount United. He is quite a player, but I'm biased. Honestly though, he is a team leader. Also, this year, he started guitar lessons. He has a gift for music, which I'm sure came from Eddie's side of the family. Cameron is a super kid and Eddie and I are so proud of him.

Matthew is almost 8 and in 2nd grade. He has finally come out of his shyness shell and into his own. He is quite the personality at times. He played soccer as well, and was a stand out on the field and will be ready for the club team in the fall. Matthew has always lived in his imagination. Currently, he has taken on Harry Potter as his alter ego. If only there were a Quidditch team he could play on. I love that boy's imagination. Not only is it a source of entertainment for us, but motivation for him. His imagination has motivated him to love reading and learning. Like his brother, Matthew is an excellent student. We are proud of him, as well.

If you're ever in East Tennessee, look us up. We always love visitors. 

We are blessed in so many ways and thank God for all we have. 

Have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy 2011!