Other news!

Yes, we really do have more to talk about than the progress on our house. Just a little update. We got a call from Ozark Police Department last week and they had recovered some of Mark's stolen property. They busted 2 guys that live in some other townhouses here in Ozark with a lot of stolen equipment. We only got some of Mark's stereo equipment back. They said they sold the car parts on the internet! So, anyway, at least justice was served, somewhat. The two were arrested but were let out before the warrant was issued or something and so they fled! So, maybe one day they will be caught but for now at least we know something was done about it!

Also, we wanted to let everyone know that we have a little model in our family! :) Mr. Bryce was featured in the Bass Pro Shops 2006 Fishing Master Catalog. He is on page 762 on a little black bear rug. He loved doing this and wants to do it more! I can't imagine why? He was paid over $50 for less than an hours work. Not too shabby for a 4 year old! If I can ever get my scanner to work again, I will scan a picture of it, otherwise, check it out for yourself!

I guess that is all. I am leaving in less than 6 hours to get on a plane to Arizona. The boys and I are flying to Tucson to see Aric. We will be there for a week, so I am sure I will have many new pictures to post after we return! I guess I should go and finish packing!

Have a wonderful week! :)

Progress at last.....

Ok, so things seem to be taking shape these days. I see light at the end of the tunnel for the first time in this lengthy process! My dear Dad and his crew have been working for 2 weeks now on the house hanging sheetrock and taping. As I take a little week's vacation to Arizona to see my brother, I hope to come home to the house being finished (in drywall terms, not as in, I can move in)! Then after that, things SHOULD go fairly quickly! Now, we are optimistic about being in at the end of February. Keep your fingers crossed! And your toes, arms, ears, eyes.... ok enough! Can you say 'anxious'?
The guys are finishing up the outside of the house this week. They are putting the wood siding on and we went and picked out our stone this week also. The wood siding will be painted, so don't think the pictures really show the color of our house. (This is a picture of what the color of the house will be also, the stone will be a little bit different). We are very excited. Can't wait to see the final outcome. Here are some new pictures. Enjoy!

New Year's Day 2006

We spent New Year's Day at my parent's house. We had our Christmas dinner and exchanged presents! The boy's got way too much stuff as usual, but they loved it all. Being the 'all boys' that they are, both Bryce and Dylan got Big Dump Trucks and were of course, out the door loading up all of Grandma's landscaping rocks and dumping them on the back patio. It was a beautiful day outside, so at least they got to enjoy it. The boys also enjoyed spending time with their Uncle Aric. Bryce usually doesn't let him too far out of sight when he is in town!
Here's to family, friends and keeping those New Year's resolutions!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a good one!

Happy New Year - 2006

We rang in our New Year at John and Amy Scott's annual party at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield. This year, it seemed to be one, big SBC get together but there were also many others there too! We celebrated 2006 with the following: my brother, Aric; Gary and Karie, Preston and Melissa, Nathan and Melissa, Mitch and Emily, Lori and Brandon, Natalie and Jeff, Matt and Brooke. We had a lot of fun and were left with many fun memories as we said good-bye to 2005! Happy New Year to you and your family!

Mark's Christmas present 2005

He finally got his dream car! A 2003 BMW M3!
On Christmas Eve, we picked it up at eCarLink.com in Dallas. He was
a little more than anxious after waiting a whole week to get it! Then, of course,
the battle was who got to drive it back to Missouri on Monday! Lucky for me,
Mark had to drive the truck because it was carrying our new office furniture
that we bought while we were there at Thanksgiving! But, being the sport
that I am, I did let him drive his car some of the way! I had to take full advantage
because I knew that once we got home, I would probably not get that priviledge too
much! :) Just kidding! Merry Christmas baby!

And there are more......

We also celebrated Christmas the weekend before with the McNish side of the family. It was held at Steven and Natalie's house. It was great to be all together again! I know Grandma McNish was up in Heaven smiling down on us that day for sure! ;) It just isn't the same without her there but we must go on! She wouldn't want it any other way! It was a wonderful day!
Watching all of the little ones running around brought back many fond memories of our Christmas Eve get togethers but it didn't seem possible that we were the parents instead of the rowdy kids that ran around so anxious to open our presents! Looking forward to more get togethers in the future! Happy Holidays!

More Christmas photos.....

These four kids had a wonderful time! Emma made Bryce a picture that was turned into a plate.
It was 'Santas great cookie plate'. He loved it! They played with playdough and with their toys and just enjoyed being together at this time. What sweet memories!

Christmas 2005 Memories....

We spent Christmas in Texas with Mark's family. Bryce and Dylan got to go a few days early to spend time with his cousins that he hasn't seen since February. Clint, M'Liss, Emma and Clara were able to be there and we enjoyed seeing them after their 9 month stay in France! They will be moving to Africa in February to work with PBT (Pioneer Bible Translators). Please keep them all in your prayers!
We missed Holly and Jason being there with us this year, but they were enjoying the holidays in Taos, New Mexico. Thanks to them, we did have the pleasure of hosting Christmas dinner to a lady by the name, Teresa, who was a Hurricane Katrina survivor from New Orleans. She lived in a retirement community just across from the levy (that ended up breaking) but was evacuated days before. She was a wonderful person and we enjoyed getting to know her!
The kids had a wonderful time and enjoyed many, many hours of playing and catching up! Of course, the visit from Santa Clause was the highlight of their weekend. Bryce was excited to get the new 'truck, boat and trailer' that he had asked Santa for many times! Dylan just mainly enjoyed unwrapping the gifts that he received. He was so patient and took his time tearing the paper off!
We had a wonderful time and many memories to last for years! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and will be followed by a Happy New Year ahead!
God Bless!