A Christmas Card from the Shaws

School is finally over for a while and I have really enjoyed the time off. It is nice to teach 3 of the same classes each day (much less prep time), but the immaturity of the freshmen is about to drive me nuts! I almost had it worked out that I would get a student teacher the first half of next semester and then my maternity leave the last half. That would have been amazing, but of course the scheduling did not work out and she must come the last part of the semester.

I hope that each of you are getting geared up for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have enjoyed getting Christmas cards from many of you and they are all displayed on the dining room table. The cat, Alba, loves to slide across it to send the cards flying in every direction! Speaking of her, you can see the latest picture of the whole family up above in front of the tree. There is Josh and Chloe, too. We are thankful that Alba has more interest in the tree skirt than the actual tree it self. It is a new place for her to hide under to stalk and attack us.

Next year the pets will probably be long forgotten and the focus shifted to the new addition. We are trying to prepare them for this transition. I start my third trimester next week on New Year's Eve. I will make sure to post a better profile of me at that time. Josh and I will be celebrating NYE in the Dominican Republic this year and we can't wait! Don't worry...I will bring plenty of sunscreen. The recent weather has been so weird here lately that I actually had to mow the grass one last time last weekend. And guess what...I got sunburned! That is pretty bad, I know. This poor baby will probably come out albino.

Week 24

It is weird because half of the time I feel like I have been pregnant forever, but then to think that I am almost in my third trisemester seems impossibly fast. I just blame it on the hormones...like I do with everything else.

There has been a little excitement in southern Indiana in the past couple of weeks. We are lucky enough to have a railroad track go through our driveway...but trains hardly ever use it. When they do, we get really excited to go count the number of cars attached and there has been a high score of 3 so far! But anyway, the first weekend of December the city council drew names of community kids to take a special ride on the "Polar Express". It was a cute train with one car decorated with lights that travelled from North Vernon, past our house, and into Vernon (a 4 mile round trip). Josh and I were able to put up our lighted Christmas tree on the balcony before the first trip came by. It was fun to see all the kids excited and waving. (The newly added picture is a little dark, but you can see the train and our lighted tree on the balcony!)

I was able to finally make it up to Chicago this past weekend to visit with my sister and my good friend, Brenda. Though it was C-O-L-D, we had a great time. I gained 3 pounds just from the weekend! Sarah is doing well and excited to get started on the nusery bedding. I went out on Saturday night with Brenda, a few friends from the Taylor University days, and some other crazy girlfrends of Brenda. We were celebrating the upcoming wedding of Mark and Brenda. The ceremony is over New Year's in the Domincan Republic...and your's truly is in the wedding! Josh and I cannot wait for the vacation. I just hope I don't gain much more weight so I can still fit into the bridemaids dress. Don't worry, I will post pictures.

The goal this afternoon is to pick out the perfect tree and finally did it decorated. I always grew up with a fake tree, but I love that we get a live one...you can't beat that smell. It has become an important part of Christmas. The interesting part will be what the crazy cat, Alba, will do. I am guessing that the tree will fall over at least 3 times. Each year I find ornaments that represent the year. This year we add to our collection an ornament from New Orleans, Niagara Falls, one for Alba's first Christmas, one of a tent and campfire, and of course one of an expantant snowwoman. Hopefully I will get my act together this week and get Christmas cards out! Not many days are left.

Well, I guess that is all for now. A shout out goes out to Erin...it was great to visit with you last night. No big baby news right now...people are just now noticing my little bump. Love you all!