I wanted
to take this opportunity to wish all our family, friends and associates a
very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
2009 has
ended on a very good note for our family. Back in September a door was
opened for Mike to once again be on staff at a church. He is now
minister of youth and education at Antioch Southern Baptist Church in
Harrisonville, Missouri. God has perfect timing and the move to
Harrisonville has been a huge blessing for our family and kids.
Alan-Michael mentioned just yesterday that “mom and dad don’t have to work
on Sunday anymore!” The move had Tonya leaving The Children’s Place –
where she has worked for nearly 6 years – and finding a teaching position
with a local child care (Wee Rock). Alayna goes with her.
Austin started the 7th grade this year. When he found out
that this grade does have an organized basketball team, he was ecstatic.
As a the starting guard for the “B” team he is the leading scorer. The
past two months has seen him make dramatic changes in his study habits.
Another shocker for him is the fact that he has a “girl friend.” We
were a little shocked to hear of this development, but he is not embarrassed
about it at all. She (Mia) has been a guest at several youth functions
already with Austin and will be going with us to Branson in March.
Alan-Michael has developed a love for anything military and/or history –
especially military history. His room and pretty much anything he has
or reads is military. He made the Honor Role this past semester with
only one B and the rest “A’s on his report card. He also was a member
of the school choir that performed their Christmas concert last week.
Ever since he was fitted for glasses back in September, we’ve seen a big
surge in his reading proficiency. Last year it was a struggle.
Now we know why.
Alexis is a High School Musical nut! That is pretty much what she
listens to and watches. She made all A’s this past semester too –
keeping her yearly grades at all A’s, too. There is some thought of
placing her in advanced classes next year.
Alayna has grown up so much. We used to struggle to understand what
she was saying, but not anymore. Now there are times that we just
cannot get her to be quite! Alexis is rubbing off on her!!
Alayna is a big Dora fan! She enjoys watching any video or TV show
with Dora in it. One of her early Christmas gifts was a blanket with
“Boots” on it – one of Dora’s friends. Next year, Alayna should be
starting pre-school.
Time continues to pass by so quickly. We look back at how God has been
working in our lives – directing our very paths even though we may not have
realized it at the time. This time of year we remember the times we
have had with our dear friends and family. We miss each of you!
We continue to be blessed as we develop new friendships and relationships
with those in our new home. As the Christmas season is here and the
New Year approaches, the Royal family wishes each and every one of you a
very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Don’t forget, you can visit Mike’s
Facebook page for a more
frequently updated option.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
