The Clements Christmas 2006
The Christmas cards have started arriving, so I figured I better get busy and start my letter. As long as you don’t count exhaustion, all is well at the Clements home as of this writing.
As all of you can tell from the war in Iraq the defense business is booming. Raytheon has had us on mandatory overtime since March. I could write a new definition to the word tired. I’ve been with them for almost 20 years but if this continues I think my New Years resolution will be to become a stay at home mom and take care of my family.
We had several new additions to the family this year. Jennifer and Joel became proud parents. Jaxon Wayne Simental was born on February 15th. I have to admit it he’s one of he best babies I’ve ever seen. Mama Max who was left on our door last winter gave us two litters of kittens. Three the first batch and four the second and NO there will not be a third batch. Needless to say our house was beginning to look like a zoo. We’ve found homes for five of them and decided to keep the other two who we’ve name Boo and Buster.
Elise started kindergarten this fall. Her teacher Mrs. Salas is teaching them Spanish and Sign Language. In the beginning I kept getting frustrated with her when I would ask her a question and she wouldn’t answer. I finally realized she was answering me with her hands.
Even with all the overtime we still managed to get out and enjoy a few thinks this year. Elise and Raleigh participated in the Dog Days of Summer Event. They got a ribbon for being one of the top ten finalist. Elise managed to pull off another 1st place in the 4of July Parade. Raleigh came in second in the animal event. I even got a few ribbons this year at the Flower and Herb Show. I won 1st prize for my Bayberry Bushes, Clary Sage and Sweet Marigold. 2nd on my Bay Laurel, and 3rd on my Golden Sage and Passion Flower.
As usual me and Russ waited anxiously for Halloween. Our first new decoration we put out was one of the huge pumpkin air globes. Someone decided to go through our entire neighborhood slashing all of them. After that I just lost interest in decorating the yard. We did manage to have a Halloween party for Elise and her friends. On Halloween night the three of us got dressed up and went Trick or Treating. I think I had more fun this year than any other time. I think I have finally reached a point in my life when I’m going to have to start saying “Less is Best” instead of “More is Better”. I need to take lessons from Russ. He’s always so calm, never gets upset. His motto is... If It Gets Done It Does, If Not It Doesn’t.
Just like I do each Black Friday, I got up at 3:00 a.m. and went out and stood in the lines to get a few things on sale. Russ gets up at 3:00 a.m. gets on the internet and does his shopping and is back in the bed in 15 minutes. I on the other hand got home at 4:00 p.m. exhausted and went to bed.
Elise is looking forward to seeing what Santa will bring her this year. She has asked for a Baby Alive, My Little Baby Pony and My Little Pony Castle. Thanks to the sales on Black Friday Santa will be able to fulfill those wishes. We’re looking forward to seeing her in her Christmas Play this week. She will be an angel singing Silent Night in Sign Language. As for me I’m looking forward to the 10 days I will be getting off from work.
The Christmas cards have started arriving, so I figured I better get busy and start my letter. As long as you don’t count exhaustion, all is well at the Clements home as of this writing.
As all of you can tell from the war in Iraq the defense business is booming. Raytheon has had us on mandatory overtime since March. I could write a new definition to the word tired. I’ve been with them for almost 20 years but if this continues I think my New Years resolution will be to become a stay at home mom and take care of my family.
We had several new additions to the family this year. Jennifer and Joel became proud parents. Jaxon Wayne Simental was born on February 15th. I have to admit it he’s one of he best babies I’ve ever seen. Mama Max who was left on our door last winter gave us two litters of kittens. Three the first batch and four the second and NO there will not be a third batch. Needless to say our house was beginning to look like a zoo. We’ve found homes for five of them and decided to keep the other two who we’ve name Boo and Buster.
Elise started kindergarten this fall. Her teacher Mrs. Salas is teaching them Spanish and Sign Language. In the beginning I kept getting frustrated with her when I would ask her a question and she wouldn’t answer. I finally realized she was answering me with her hands.
Even with all the overtime we still managed to get out and enjoy a few thinks this year. Elise and Raleigh participated in the Dog Days of Summer Event. They got a ribbon for being one of the top ten finalist. Elise managed to pull off another 1st place in the 4of July Parade. Raleigh came in second in the animal event. I even got a few ribbons this year at the Flower and Herb Show. I won 1st prize for my Bayberry Bushes, Clary Sage and Sweet Marigold. 2nd on my Bay Laurel, and 3rd on my Golden Sage and Passion Flower.
As usual me and Russ waited anxiously for Halloween. Our first new decoration we put out was one of the huge pumpkin air globes. Someone decided to go through our entire neighborhood slashing all of them. After that I just lost interest in decorating the yard. We did manage to have a Halloween party for Elise and her friends. On Halloween night the three of us got dressed up and went Trick or Treating. I think I had more fun this year than any other time. I think I have finally reached a point in my life when I’m going to have to start saying “Less is Best” instead of “More is Better”. I need to take lessons from Russ. He’s always so calm, never gets upset. His motto is... If It Gets Done It Does, If Not It Doesn’t.
Just like I do each Black Friday, I got up at 3:00 a.m. and went out and stood in the lines to get a few things on sale. Russ gets up at 3:00 a.m. gets on the internet and does his shopping and is back in the bed in 15 minutes. I on the other hand got home at 4:00 p.m. exhausted and went to bed.
Elise is looking forward to seeing what Santa will bring her this year. She has asked for a Baby Alive, My Little Baby Pony and My Little Pony Castle. Thanks to the sales on Black Friday Santa will be able to fulfill those wishes. We’re looking forward to seeing her in her Christmas Play this week. She will be an angel singing Silent Night in Sign Language. As for me I’m looking forward to the 10 days I will be getting off from work.
Merry Christmas To All Of You.
Russ, Judy and Elise
