It's Christmas Eve Eve!

I can't believe there are only two days until Christmas!  Usually the days seem to drag this time of year, but this year things are sneaking up on me.  I think Julie has enough Christmas excitement for all of us.  I've never seen her this excited before...I am loving it! :)  Today will be spent readying the house for Christmas Eve dinner guests and maybe making some holiday goodies.  I'm sure I'll sneak in a Christmas movie somewhere too. :)

Spreading the News

Through phone calls, instant messaging, and this blog the news of our move is slowly starting to spread.  The reactions we've gotten have been a mixed bag, but nothing unexpected.  I think most people see it as a great opportunity for us, but are sad that we have to move.  My head is already swimming with things that need to be done, but I'm trying not to get ahead of myself because the move won't be "official" until the relocation agreement is signed in January.  Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season...I know I am!

A New Chapter

It looks like the Croppers will be relocating to the Madison, Wisconsin area at the beginning of the summer.  Chad's boss called the other day and said that they would have a relocation proposal ready by the end of January.  So, we are about 95% sure that a move is in our future. We are excited about this new chapter in our lives.  I hope you will follow us on this blog as we prepare for this new adventure.  Any Wisconsinites reading this, we welcome any advice, information, etc. that you have to offer!

Snow!

We've already seen some snow falling a couple of times and it's only the beginning of December!  This is highly unusual for this part of the state! :o  I hope this doesn't mean we are in for a nasty winter!  I'm all for some snow around the holidays, but only in small doses and only if the ice stays away. :)  I got most of my Christmas shopping finished this weekend...I think there are only two people left to shop for.  Then all that's left is stocking stuffers and 1 or 2 things for the kids.  I'm hoping to be done with all of it by the end of this week.  I don't want to have to do any gift buying the last week and a half leading up to Christmas.  Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season so far!

UGH!

I cannot come up with a clever name for this blog.  Everything sounds lame!  I'm hoping that a moment of brilliance will flash across my brain and the perfect name will be revealed.  Until then..we are simply ?  

Julie brought home her first handmade Christmas ornament from school today!  For years, she's watched as we've decorated the kids' tree with some of Steven's school ornaments and today she got to put hers on the tree.  She really is growing up...much too fast!

Back to school and on the mend!

Julie went back to school today!  To be around her you would never know she was sick.  Kids are so much more resilient than adults...they bounce back so quickly.   I had the house to myself today..kids were at school and Chad had to work in Hendersonville and Nashville.  It was strange, but nice.  I cleaned a little, did some more decorating, and watched a Christmas movie..it was a pretty good day.  I'm hoping to finish my Christmas cards in the next day or so and get them in the mail before the weekend.  I love the holidays! :)

Sickness Abounds

 It seems like we all have some sort of cold weather malady right now. Unfortunately, Julie has gotten strep throat and I'm hoping she doesn't spread it to the rest of us! :(  She is such a trooper though...she doesn't even complain.  Today she will be spending the day in her room...watching movies and getting plenty of rest.  No ballet for her tonight! :(   Hopefully we will all return to "normal" very soon!  I'm really looking forward to the coming weeks because this is my favorite time of year.  Christmas music, shopping for gifts, sending out Christmas cards, wrapping gifts....I love it all! :)

No...I didn't fall off the face of the Earth!

Sorry I have been so remiss in keeping up with this blog.  Hopefully I can stick to it this time around!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving..I know we did.  We have so much to be thankful for! :)