Christmas 2007 - It's Time - Again

I now know what my mom meant when she said that the years were getting shorter.  Or perhaps it is just that I'm getting older :).  However it works - this year has definitely gone by very quickly.

Richard - Is teaching again this year at East Hall Middle School.  He heads up eighth grade math. Rich got nominated (again) this year for EHMS's teacher of the year.  After representing his school and then winning the county's teacher of the year a couple of years ago - it was a very nice gesture on the part of his peers to nominate him again. Richard also teaches two classes at night at Lanier Academy (the evening high school).  A move to a high school teaching position (for next school year) is under consideration. 

Richard had an opportunity to travel with Mike T to Colorado this Fall.  They attended a Christian conference.  While there, they got a chance to experience a hot spring - although they said the suphur smell was terrible!  Richard continues to get opportunities to speak at Christian gatherings.  He will speak at his school's FCA group this month.  The Wise Men will be his topic when he speaks at a home fellowship.  Rich continues to "shape up" the book he's been working on forever several years.

Jay - This is Jay's senior year in our homeschool high school. He is currently playing first violin with CFAF (Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth).   He was the Concert Master at this year's Christmas performance. Jay is also a member of CFAF's Swing Choir group (guys and girls dance/sing together).   In addition to the two yearly recitals, the Swing Choir will also perform in Chatanooga on a dinner cruise this coming spring. Jay continues with karate/kickboxing.  In August Jay got his first part-time job as a lifeguard at our new YMCA.  This picture is from the Spring 2007 strings competition where is got a "superior" rating for his role in an ensemble, and an "excellent" for solo performance.

Susan -  I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel - so to speak.  This is the end of a ten year committment to homeschool our son.  So - I am faced with the "what do I do next" question.  For now I continue to take my art classes at the Quinlan Art Center.   I've met a great bunch of artists through my classes. I painted the watercolor picture of the barn above, - below you'll find other examples of my work.  I need a better camera - you are not getting a good idea of the colors.  That far right picture is especially poor quality - the leaves are deep purple and Prussian blue.  Richard and Jason insist my drawing in charcoals are my forte - but for right now I'm painting.  I'm trying to get some things ready to put in a show.

Of course I continue to knit.  I joined a group of knitters online called Mystery Shawl 3.  There were over 7,000 of us knitting the "clues" that were released each week until we got to the end of the shawl.  I learned many new knitting techniques and skills. I've knitted several shawls and pairs of socks this past year. And I still blog and enjoy the fellowship I have with people from all over the world.

As many of you know, Georgia is in the midst of one of the worst droughts it has ever had.  Lake Lanier is at its lowest lever ever.  Burning is banned indefinitely.  Outside watering is banned too. The effect on business and agriculture - huge.  There has been some discussion as to how many days Atlanta has before the water runs out. Our governor called for a day where the people would pray for rain.  Gutsy on his part to say the least.  By the way - it sprinkled that night and rained the next day.  The engineers expect that it will probably be 1-2 years before the lake truly recovers.  Still - developers plan huge new suburbs as Atlanta continues to sprawl.

We are in the season where it is Christmas time - again.  And while the earth around our family may appear parched,  the Lord Jesus Christ is reigning in our hearts.  We who were once thirsty - thirst no more.  May you and yours be blessed this season as always.  May you choose to let Jesus Christ reign where you are.

It is time again - to rejoice.  Merry Christmas from the Three B's.

May you enjoy Michael W Smith.  If you can't read the lyrics - right click on the player's screen and click on "show all".