Christmas 2009

Well, it's that time of year when all the family newsletters go out and this is our version this year. Figured if we did an electronic version those that wanted to read it would put in the effort to find our blog and in the process we might save a tree or two. Don't worry... I'm not becoming a tree-hugger by any stretch of the imagination, but if we all do our part, we can make our world a better place.

This year, as with most, has been interesting. I started the year newly unemployed and wondering what I was going to do next. So I took the time to enjoy my baby girl's summer and get caught up with things around the house. Honestly, I don't know where I had the time to get family, household, friends and church responsibilities done AND work 50 hours a week! I thought I was going to get bored being at home but there's always some thing to do or some place to go. I did finally take on a part-time job in mid-August. I work Tuesday through Thursday from 9-3:00 at Crossroads Ministries. Yeah, baby--every week-end is a four day week-end! I get to drop Monica off at school and pick her up every afternoon.

At Crossroads, I'm assistant to the President and am learning such an appreciation for the elderly. Crossroads Ministries trains chaplains and volunteers to visit the forgotten elderly in our local senior care centers (formerly known as nursing homes). It's mind blowing to think that approximately 85% of those living in the care centers don't receive one-on-one visits. None. No one comes. No Christmas presents. No birthday celebrations. Nothing. But, thanks to wonderful volunteers, Crossroads is trying to change that all across the country. Yes, I guess you can say that I am becoming passionate about "the cause."

I've also been working at another part-time-part-time job -- doing home inspections for banks and mortgage companies. That's been interesting as I get a list of addresses that are being foreclosed on, in bankruptcy, etc. and then go to the house do visual inspection (some times inside, too), take some photos and send in my report. Unfortunately with the coming of winter and bad weather, I haven't been doing many inspections, or maybe it's an indicator of our economy and that things are getting better financially so there just aren't as many homeowners in trouble. Let's hope it's the latter.

Ed continues his work at High Country Pest Control and just completed his first year with the company. It continues to be a small company but a great bunch of people. I think his favorite account right now is going out monthly to the puppy mill rescue. He gets to love up on all the dogs and some of the dogs have come to expect him. Needless to say, he's got puppy fever, but I'm trying to put that one off. Ed's been doing lots of Bible study and reading this year--all good stuff.

Of course our real full-time job, no, vocation, is taking care of Miss Monica. She started kindergarten in August and LOVES school. She actually cried every week-end for the first few weeks of school because she couldn't go to class. I hope she feels that way when she's 15! Being in pre-K last year really gave her a jump start on this school year and so she's at the top of her class. She reads to me at night and I love hearing her little voice sound out the words. She like to write stories and illustrate them. It's amazing to see how creative she is--drawing, writing, singing. She's an amazing kid.

I still sit at night watching her sleep; totally amazed at the blessing God gave us. She turned 6 in November and we also celebrated the 5 year anniversary of becoming her forever family. I don't know where the time went because I still vividly remember the day she walked into our lives as if it were yesterday. At 38 inches tall and 31 lbs., she's in a small package but is big in personality and charm. I love hearing her sing in church in Spanish, roll-playing and using her imagination, being bossy and always ready with the last word. Okay, maybe I don't like that last one as much, but she's so verbal, I think sometimes she can't help it. She tests her boundaries and has to be punished occasionally with no computer or TV time, but it's at those times when she's being her naughtiest that I'm reminded of God's grace; of His forgiveness to me when I'm being a knot head. As Monica likes to sing, "I'm unbelievable," and she really is.

Well, guess I should wrap this up. The Schwartz family is doing good. We've had to deal with illness and there never seems to be enough money for everything we want, but we have everything we need. Even at Christmas we're reminded of our need for a Savior and how God sent His son, Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, so that whosoever believes in Him might have eternal life. Have a very Merry Christmas. Spend time with those you love. Tell them you love them often. We hope to hear from you soon. Joy to the world the Lord has come!