Back in Civilization!

I realize it's been way too long! My computer quit working over a week ago....it won't even turn on! The good news is we have a great friend that owns his own computer business, so we quickly arranged to have them come over the next night to fix it. Because I can't survive without my computer! Well it just so happens that that night his wife went into labor and they had their twins a few weeks early! Obviously, fixing my computer won't happen for a little while! So my awesome husband found a great deal on a new laptop and ordered it for Valentine's Day. It came in yesterday and I'm up and rolling again!! I'll post some of the happenings from the last few weeks. Nothing too big has happened....lots and lots of snow which means playing frisbee with Marathon and lots of movie nights. Needless to say, we're looking forward to Spring!!

I Miss Volleyball.....

aaannndddd Sarah's mad dance skilz....why did the groundhog have to see his shadow today?!

Job Update

Last week was a pretty eventful week concerning Chris' job. There was an error in filing some federal request. Without this request the project can't continue. So at this point the project is on hold until they get it refiled and approved. As a result of this, they laid almost everyone off until further notice. Luckily, Chris was able to keep his job. Unluckily, however, all our friends lost their jobs. Hopefully, the project will be relaunched shortly and everyone will have their jobs back. However, there is no telling when that will be. So in the mean time, some of our friends are staying here and getting jobs, some are moving home, and some are staying here just until they get transferred to a new project.

We are so thankful to still have a job here, but of course, we're sad at the prospect of our friends moving away! Hopefully the project will be relaunched soon and we can put this all behind us!!

Lazy Winter Days

I realize we've been AWOL for a while. We really don't have too much to report. We had 10 days of snow....literally....it NEVER stopped. I love snow more than most people, but I've realized I have a limit. I've also realized that I'm a Summer person. I've never cared before, however I do now! I miss my long outdoor runs in the morning, my afternoon walks with the dogs, my evening walks with the husband, and the summer afternoon/evenings spent playing sand volleyball. Well, there's my gripe session for the week!

In any event, this is what our days have consisted of lately:

I recently invested in a space heater, and the dogs are eternally grateful. Especially Emma, who hibernates in the winter!

We did however venture out this weekend for a card night with friends and a great afternoon spent at an outlet mall. I got some killer deals, and even ran into a friend from Mo! It really is a small world!

Redneck Letter

It is so amazing how often mail gets delivered to the wrong address here in West Virginia. I know perfectly well that it is illegal to open up someone else's mail...........however, this letter was delivered to the wrong address and wasn't even sealed. So, I decided to take a sneek peek inside. This is what I found:

Dearest Redneck Son,

I'm writing this slow because I know you can't read fast. We don't live where we did when you left home. Your dad read in the newspaper that most accidents happen within 20 miles of your home, so we moved. I won't be able to send you the address because the last West Virginia family that lived here took the house numbers when they moved so they wouldn't have to change their address.

This place is really nice. It even has a washing machine. I'm not sure about it. I put a load of clothes in and pulled the chain. We haven't seen them since.

The weather isn't bad here. It only rained twice last week; the first time for three days and the second time for four days.

About that coat you wanted me to send; your Uncle Billy Bob said it would be too heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.

Bubba locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were really worried because it took him two hours to get me and your father out.

Your sister had a baby this morning, but I haven't found out what it is yet so I don't know if you are an aunt or uncle.

Uncle Bobby Ray fell into a whiskey vat last week. Some men tried to pull him out but he fought them off and drowned. We had him cremated, he burned for three days.

Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pickup truck. Butch was driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other two friends were in the back. They drowned because they couldn't get the tailgate down!

There isn't much more news at this time. Nothing much out of the normal has happened.

Sincerely, your favorite aunt,

Mom

2009 in Pictures!

January: Celebrating Nicole's birthday at the Japaneese Steakhouse!

February: We spent lots of time with our family!

March: We moved to West Virginia!!

April: After 3 weeks living in a hotel, we finally got a rental house!

April: We ventured into Pittsburgh with the Sharps and Bixlers!

June: I went back to Mo for another great year of Camp Rainbow....even if a few campers put a pie in our face!

July: Chris joined me in Mo for the 4th!

August: We explored Wv a little more! This day was supposed to be a day relaxing in Arden, but due to the rain, we could only venture out and take a few pictures!

September: We went to Washington DC for an amazing weekend with the Sharps and Wolfords!

October: Baby Caylea Bixer was born! It's the first baby in our group.....with many more to come in 2010!

November: We headed back to Mo for Thanksgiving.....and some quality time with Lij!

December: We headed back to Mo again for all our Christmas celebrations!!

It's great to see where we've been in 2009. I definately didn't forsee living in Wv, but we couldn't be happier! We've done a lot of traveling and sightseeing this year!! Can't wait to see what God has in store for 2010!!

Jeschke Christmas

Even with all the snow, we managed to have the Jeschke Christmas on Christmas night. We were, however missing some our family who couldn't make it from Kansas City due to the weather. Even though it was a little smaller, we had a blast!
It's a Jeschke tradition to sing Christmas carols, and it's definately one of my favorite parts. Elijah got to hand out the song books this year!

Nanny is a great guitar player and always leads us in the singing!

All in all, we had a great, white Christmas!!