Ellie's "green" thumb...

Ellie came home with a green thumb today, after painting a miniature stadium which she built in Tech Ed. Her team of 8th. graders are vying for a prize for the best sculpture. In other news, congrats to Eva for getting a 4.0 this semester. She had a tough curriculum, (composition, pedagogy, student teaching) so this is an accomplishment. Want to mention here that my niece Kylie, who couldn't join us because of finals in Houghton MI, is having a great first semester as a freshman. We'd love to hear from her when she's back home in Traverse City for Christmas. She and her brother are great kids, and Kathy and Bob can be very proud of them. Kudos also to Elle for landing a role in the spring play. Elle, Eva and I will be attending the Nutcracker Ballet in Chicago soon, performed by the Robert Joffrey Ballet. Can't wait. Elle is in her 2nd. year in pointe, and is anxious to go. Elise also studied pointe for many years. I wish she could join us. Friend Jack called from church, and has a family who will 'adopt' Aliyah and Minnie for Christmas. He would like to meet them. We may set up a time on Friday for the meeting, or I'll give them the gifts myself. It depends on his schedule. Many thanks to John from church, who helped with the clean up of the hall, and made an effort to locate a lost item. The church community has been wonderful to us. Thanks also to all the prayers and thoughts for Elise and James. We appreciate all the positive e-mail messages and cards. We found out yesterday that 120 people will be attending the homeless/homebound meal tomorrow. This is a little higher than expected, so I'm going to work tonight to be prepared. To everyone...have a great night.