xmasnews2001

DECEMBER 2001

Hello everyone! Wow - is it REALLY almost 2002? It just seems like a couple months ago I wrote out my first online holiday newsletter for Christmas 2000!

We are doing fine - and yes, we are STILL in Japan! Unfortunately, I won't be able to say that next year at this time. We are due to PCS, (permanent change of station to you non military folks) this upcoming May. That is sad news to us because we love Japan and this community so... but we are a military family and we know and expect change. We are pretty good at adapting to whatever lies ahead of us.

Speaking of change - I'm sure all of you know by now that there will be a big change in our family come this February... Just in case you forgot, :-) we are having baby #3! I can't believe how close it is to delivery time as I type this. We will let everyone know when the big day arrives.

On the subject of change, my girls are really changing and growing! Michelle is thirteen years old now and in the eighth grade. She's just a smart, lovely girl! I could write paragraphs on her accomplishments and how wonderful she is - but lets just say she is a joy. On the subject of joy, Melissa is now eight years old and in the third grade. I know I have said this before, but I'll say it again. Melissa is my sunshine! She is bright, witty and growing in to a compassionate, (here's that word again!) wonderful young lady! It's exciting watching them learn and grow. Challenging sometimes...but exciting nonetheless and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to help raise them.

That brings us to Danny, (the fella who is helping me raise these girls!). He is doing well, managing his diabetes nicely. The shock of learning he has it has worn off and now we are coping with it. It is much easier to deal with than we previously thought it would be. It's no ride in the park, but it's not as bad as I thought. He works hard and enjoys hiking every weekend. He is always up for a new adventure and willing to try new things. He's picked up photography again - just in time for the new baby! He's always liked photography, but digital cameras have opened up a whole new world to him.

I am doing fine - trying to mentally gear up for the big move that is ahead of us in a few months. The thought of doing that with a new infant is a little daunting - but I'll get through it somehow. We don't know where we will be stationed yet, but we do know that it will be in the United States somewhere. I'll be sure and keep everyone posted!

So that about wraps it up for this years letter! I tried to keep it short and sweet just to let you know that we are all well and good. I hope to hear from each one of you soon. We wish you the very best for the upcoming New Year!

                                                Merry Christmas!
                                   Lisa, Danny, Michelle, Melissa & ?????????