The Presleys 2006

The Presleys 2006

BUSY is becoming my family's most used four-lettered word, as this year was very busy, both at home and on our jobs. At the beginning of the year, my company, Delta Wire Corporation, was acquired by Bekaert Corporation, an international company with headquarters in Belgium. Also, Delta Wire's biggest customer, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, is having a strike that started on October 5. We are having a very tough time as we had to lay off most of our hourly employees indefinitely. My wife has gotten a part-time job working for Delta Health Partners, a non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce the infant mortality rate in the North Mississippi Delta region by educating expecting parents about causes of infant mortality such as SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and how to prevent it. She is serving Delta Health Partners as an Outreach Consultant for Coahoma County.

Of course, the biggest change for us this year is our move to our new home just outside of Batesville, Mississippi, on June 16, 2006. I have a 34-mile drive back and forth to work that I had to get used to, which really isn't a big deal, but I do miss going home for lunch! The kids love it out here in the wide open space, and we love the peace and quiet of the country, as well as the scenery. Oh yeah, our gravel road was paved about two months after we moved, so now everything is all good! Also, we live in the South Panola School District, home of the South Panola Tigers, whose high school football team is currently the only football team in Mississippi that is nationally ranked in the top 25 poll! South Panola has also won their fourth straight state championship title this year! We also were able to purchase a 1997 Chrysler Town & Country minivan in Batesville for only $4400! The kids really enjoy the extra room, especially on long road trips!

Our kids have been real busy this year with schoolwork and activities. Javon is a fifth grade homeschooler (the Presley Family School District is still in effect). He has transferred to the Batesville Cub Scout Pack 478, and he played soccer in the Batesville City League. He is doing very well in this sport. Ciera is going through a big change as this is her first year of going to public school. She is a first grader at Batesville Elementary School, and she is doing very well in her classes. Ciera also played soccer in the Batesville City League, and her team won the League Championship. This is her second soccer league trophy in a row! Jensen is having fun running all over the countryside and being his mom's big little helper.

The first Christmas season in our new house. We are so syked! We have the Christmas tree up and the kids are waiting for a bunch of presents to place under the tree. We let the kids decorate the tree, and they really enjoyed it. The Presley family wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Finally, I want to give a shout-out to Michael and Sharrell Scott, who are now the proud parents of twin boys! I also want to thank everyone who helped us with our move to Batesville, especially my mom and dad. You are the greatest! Thanks to everyone else for the housewarming gifts and visits.

Love,
Julian, Chelesa,
Javon, Ciera, and Jensen

Here are some pics of us during 2006. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger picture.