Since Dan and I have been married and we have sent Christmas cards out, we have sent a letter to go along with the picture- a recap of the year! This year I invited you to follow the Crout Family on our blog. I thought I would welcome any new visitors and say "Thank You" to you who have faithfully visited and kept up with us!
Please look back at past posts to see what we have been up to (and see pictures), but I will do a quick recap of everyone in the family just for YOU!!
Dan is wrapping up his 7th year at UC Irvine. He is still running the Sign and Banner shop as well as supervising two painters. This has been an added stress as well as income for us (is it worth it?). He has also been very busy doing freelance graphics and pre-press for Mission Hospital (through Office Max). This keeps him quite busy when he isn't at work and I am sure he wishes he didn't have so much to do (but again, the extra money is helpful). In the little free time he has after work- he is spending it with the family, reading books, writing, and playing games on the computer. He is a wonderful provider, an awesome dad and the best husband ever (I am biased).
Ryan is attending ASU for his second year. He is still in the Mechanical Engineering program and liking it. It definitely isn't as easy as high school, but being away from home has been good for him. Unfortunately Ryan was in a car accident during the summer and totaled his car. Thankfully he walked away with only a few cuts and bruises and no other vehicles or people were involved. This meant that he had to get another car and insure the unwanted expense, but we are just so thankful that he is alive and well!! We are looking forward to seeing him over the Christmas break!
Nathan is doing great! He is now in 3rd grade and loves his teacher. Third grade was a big leap in academics and expectations compared to 2nd grade, but he is making it through. About a month ago he got glasses for seeing distances and looks so handsome!! He continues to enjoy building, inventing, creating and drawing and has found a love for reading. He may not be the fastest reader, but his nose is often in a book. He is growing taller and more handsome every day and looks so much like his older brother!
Jason is funny kid who wears his emotions all on his sleeve. He loves watching himself on the iPad as he records himself singing and talking. He reminds me of myself at that age (heck, even now). Jason is in first grade and I think is beginning to enjoy it. He isn't a great student, but he makes up for it with telling stories (he kills the oral presentations) and his math skills. He is getting better each day with his writing and reading, but would rather not sit all day! He is all about the outdoors. He loves hanging out with his friends and his dog.
Dog you ask? We adopted a Cocker Spaniel from our local shelter back in June and she has been the light of our life. We named her Chloe and it fits her well. She is an English Cocker, but probably is mixed with something else. She is a lot of work and has cost quite a bit in doctor's fees, but we love her all the same. Jason especially has always wanted a dog, but all of the boys (even Dan) are quite smitten with her (especially when she is clean). For all the attention that they give her, she is still my baby and follows me everywhere I go.
I, Melissa, am doing well too. I have had a busy and blessed year! I enjoyed a summer off from work with the boys and even enjoyed some time while they were at various summer camps. I spent a lot of time walking our dog, reading books, seeing friends and even relaxing at the pool! I have also enjoyed a year of seeing clearly! On December 20th last year I had the Lasik procedure done on my eyes and now see clearly without lenses. I had worn glasses or contacts since I was 5- what a change!! Also celebrated my 40th birthday over the summer. Forty isn't what I thought it would be when I was a kid- I still feel as young as ever (except for when I don't!). I started back at Brywood Elementary being the kindergarten aid, but found it not as fun as last year when Jason was in the class. I also have missed being with friends and keeping my home organized- thankfully we don't need me to work the extra job. So starting in the new year I will get to go back to being a stay at home mom and I can't wait!!
What's ahead? Dan and I celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary on January 11th and in April he and I will be going to Kauai for 2 weeks (without our children). This is to celebrate our 10th anniversary a bit early, but the timing working out best for our family. We can't wait to be alone in paradise and just have a time of rest, relaxation and some fun too!! We have been saving for this trip for over 2 years with our recycling collection- it is long awaited!!
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We pray that your family finds the joy and blessing in this season of celebrating Christ's birth!
