We have a Bethlehem Marketplace,, and I am exhausted. But it is shaping up, and everyone now seems to get the picture...so this week was worth it. Next week, time is scheduled to devote to costuming. Then I leave!!!

I am so looking forward to my visit to Arizona. Playing with, reading to, and cuddling grandsons. What could be better? Life is actually pretty good. Even tho. my husband is currently out of work [a major theme in our ward!] There are options opening up to him, and I know we'll be OK in the end. As I earlier told Sariah, everything will work out. I can't see the end from the beginning as can the Lord, but it will work out one way or another.

Last unemployment time, I was upset every minute, but this time I am totally calm. I know that the Lord wants me here through the Nativity Pageant which also guarantees Richard this semester in his HS. I hope to remain here 'til he graduates--at least [two years]. We'll see.

But in the meantime: because of his job loss, Keith has been walking three miles daily, which has tremendously helped his back, which is in the best shape in over a decade! He is also working with the dr. on fiddling with his meds, which is improving other situations. All blessings unobtainable while he was working in that job.

I am so totally focused on Nativity, genealogy, book club, Sunday school, and family that I don't have time to think about difficultes.

Erica is back in school and sounds like she is off to a great start this year (see her blog).

Richard is off to a good start this year--he's even toying with the idea of joining French club. I encourage his club joining. He's also in the Nativity Pageant, playing a little pick-up hockey, attending early morning seminary, taking fine arts, and looking towards auditioning for the upcoming show, so his life is filling out as well.

A sad farewell to Fuma. The last of our series of guinea pigs, she was 5 years old and in distress, so we had to put her down this week. The cats miss her, too. It's funny how an animal living entirely in a cage really does become part of the family. As I cut vegetable for lunch today. I cried--not from onions, but because I always gave the end pieces of my tomatoes to Fuma, as well as the inner parts of the bell peppers--her favorite treats. So... Farewell Fuma. Now frisking about in a better place.

News from the older kids continues to be basically good, so my corner of the world is looking pretty nice. I hope we can all say that as we enter this new year. Incidently, I believe the year goes from Sept to June. July and Aug are just sorta out there. Thus speaketh a retired teacher!