All issues resolved...let's hope!

Well, last time I updated this blog, I thought I had my computer fixed.  Well, it turns out that my hard drive had gone bad and needed replaced.  So, after much discussion and a lot of hunting around on the internet (using the church computer; thank goodness I had that so I could find a replacement!) we decided to get me a new laptop and once my HP laptop was fixed, we would "hand it down" to the girls.  Of course the girls are very excited about having their own computer.  Dale helped us fix it up so it would be in good working order for the girls.  I have set up a separate account for each of them on the computer, with me set as the administrator setting all the parental controls.  It's a little annoying at the moment while they are beginning to visit "safe" sites because I have to give them "permission" by entering my password on the pages I think are ok.  But I think it's worth it to keep the girls safe on the internet.  Eventually, I will be setting up an email address for each of the girls so you will be able to email them directly. 

I got a really good deal on my laptop.  4 GB memory, 500 GB hard drive, HD LED LCD screen, HDMI output, and a fancy multi gesture touch pad...which takes some getting used to, though I haven't had the opportunity to use it's special features, Dolby HD speakers, Webcam and mic, and Windows 7.  We'll see if it's better than Vista and XP.  It's a Gateway and it's red.  I found it on Tigerdirect with free next day shipping!  Another great deal Alexis was able to get was Office 2007.  This is the version that has the professional basics: Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Outlook which is usually priced around $230.  We got it for around $75 including tax and shipping!  Of course that hasn't come nearly as quickly, but we're being patient especially since Alexis is not in school at the moment and doesn't need the programs at this time.  Hopefully it gets here before school starts back up.

On Friday the 18th, the girls and I went to the Brownsburg Post Office to apply for our passports.  We needed to expedite them because we need the passport number for the girls' school applications.  The clerk at the post office said it would take 2-3 weeks for us to get them in the mail (and we had to make two trips to the post office that day because they would only accept either a personal check-and we don't carry checks around with us-or a money order or cash.  Well, I didn't exactly have $450 dollars on me, so the clerk held onto our applications while I ran home, wrote a check, and brought it back).  It only took them a week to get us our passports.  We got them on Saturday and I'm guessing we would have gotten them on Friday had it not been a holiday.  Pretty good!!  The girls were really excited about their passports, and honestly I was too...I've never had one before:)

So that's our excitement in a nutshell.  Hopefully I can get back on here and write all about Christmas and the birth of our Savior in a while, but for now, I need to get ready for more celebrating!
Love to you all!  Merry Christmas!

On the fritz

My computer has been seizing up on me.  It's only taken three days, but I think I have it fixed.  But I truly dislike sitting all day working on the computer trying to fix it's issues.  Especially when I have so much that I need to be doing, most of which involve my computer at least in some small portion.  But that's why my internet prescence has been lacking lately.

I'm excited about the Nursery school program on Thursday.   I'm hoping to record it on my Flip so Ryan can see it when he gets home.  Keep your fingers crossed that Kaylee stays healthy and doesn't miss the program like she did last year:(

I feel guilty that Ryan is having to do all the house hunting and other administrative things on his own...please keep him in your prayers that he won't get overwhelmed by all the details on top of the BIG job he has to do in Spain. 

So it begins...

I have always loved the spirit of giving this time of year!  That brings me so much more joy than anything at all that I ever get.  And honestly, giving to my kids is probably my favorite because I love them so much and they are so good!  I'm really excited that we have two new family members this year!  Maggie and Sam!  They are both so sweet and super-duper cute!  They are special kids with special parents and I feel very blessed to have them in my life:)  Anyway...some upcoming things I hope my readers will take the time to keep in their prayers:

• Families that are struggling to make ends meet.  This time of year has got to be hard on them
• Families dealing with the loss of a loved one in the last year.  Christmas time always seems to be a difficult time when you're missing someone
• Separated families-due to work or divorce-may they find a way to celebrate this Holy holiday together and remember the true meaning of Christmas (luckily Ryan will be with us for the Christmas holidays, but will be travelling extensively from today through the end of July)
• Anyone who is struggling with an illness