Christmas Update

Merry Christmas from the Sparkmans! I didn't do an "official" letter this year, so I thought I'd update you on us.

David is a busy, busy man. After pursuing the FedEx career path for the past 5 years, he decided that he absolutely hates it. Hates the work, hates working nights, hates being tired all the time. Can I get an Amen??? So after some prayer and pondering, he headed back to school in January to pursue a Masters in education. He is also planning a doctorate to teach education on a college level. Right now he is about half way done with a perfect 4.0. He has even achieved a 100% in a few of the classes. He took the PRAXIS and scored in the top 15% of anyone who has ever taken the test. We are so proud of him!! He also continues to work nights at FedEx and photographs weddings on weekends.

Catherine, too, manages to stay crazy busy. She still works two days a week as a real estate paralegal. Due to the economy, her current company is closing at the end of the year. She is starting at a new firm and hopes for the best. Her much more important job of wife and mother manages to fill the remainder of her time. Lately the roles of cook, maid, taxi driver, etc., have taken a back seat to nursemaid. (See the Plague Post for more info.) I am praying for a healthy 2009! In her free time (what's that?) she enjoys time with her family, book club, and nights out with the girls! (Also she really loves writing about herself in 3rd person.)

Chandler (almost 6) graduated from preschool in May. He started kindergarten in August and loves it! We have full day kindergarten here, so the bus picks him up at 7:30 and brings him back at 3:15. It is a long day! But both Chandler and Mom have adjusted. Chandler has no trouble with the school work, just some trouble stayting on task. (I wonder who that sounds like?) He loves reading, math, and especially science. He loves to do "experiments", which are always fun to clean up. Chandler also loves to swim and got rings off the deep end of the pool this summer.

Callie (3) started at the big girl preschool this fall. She is a little more tentative than her brother, but is enjoying it and doing well. She is a girly girl and loves pink, princesses, and dress up. The other day I attempted to put a blue shirt on her, and she said, "What are you putting on me? This is not pink!!" Callie has been absolutely in love with Christmas this year. She loves Baby Jesus and immediately removes him from any nativity scene she comes across to hold and love. (I think my Mom's is still missing.) She loves Santa, and the lights, and the cookies. She was upset when Santa came to our house last night and didn't say hi to her. She also wanted to pet his reindeer, Comet and Pukid. (aka Cupid, we gotta work on that one.)

2008, like all the others, has been a blessed year for our family. We have felt the Lord's hand as he has guided decisions, blessed our lives, and given us shelter from the storm. We are so thankful for the Savior, the true reason for the season, and for the opportunity to celebrate what he means to each of us. We hope this Christmas finds each of you healthy, happy, and surrounded by those you love. Happy Holidays!