Hailey arrived just two days after Heather's 5th birthday on May 6th and was eagerly greeted by her sisters. Harlan is really outnumbered now. Hailey is a delight in all ways and is just growing way to fast. She is already maneuvering around the house, wherever she wants to go. She loves jumping in her bungee bouncer that hangs in doorways and delights in tearing up magazines, newspapers, and anything else she can get her hands on. The only complaint we have is that she doesn�t sleep very well, or long. She is still nursing thru the night and Mary is a walking zombie.
Heather began Kindergarten in August and is doing exceptionally well in her class. She is already reading on a level 4 and her teacher brags about her every time Mary sees her (which is often since she is secretary of the PTA). She has joined the Daisy Girl Scout Troop and is taking dancing again and really enjoying it. She also played soccer this fall with Daddy as assistant coach.
Hannah turned 3 in October and is in Pre-school at Sonshine Early Development Center. She loves school and even taught herself to write her name before school started. She is now writing Heather�s name too. She pretends to read like Heather does also, so we are sure she will start for real before she heads off on the school bus for Kindergarten. She knows all her colors, shapes and counts to 20+. Now, if we could only get her to potty train and sleep in her own bed. She is taking dancing this year also and would love to be included in the other activities that Heather is in. We will have them all back in Kindermusik in the spring.
Harlan began a new position with Dow in July. He is now in the logistics area in charge of all the barge/ship loading/unloading and all the large tank transfers for the Site. The Site lives and breathes with his group's every decision which makes life even more exciting. He continues to referee soccer a good portion of the year as a National Referee, College Referee, and a mentor to younger referees. He really enjoys the time he has with his Girls and enjoys every activity.
Mary is staying busy raising three children. She has also increased her involvement by being on the board of The Women�s Club, Mothers of Pre-Schoolers, Infancy to Independence, and the PTA. She finally joined something as just a member this year when the Le Leche League formed a group in St Charles Parish. She is also still involved in her Premier Designs jewelry business and started a new venture, Stayin� Home and Lovin� It, this fall. She has turned our home into a safer environment for the children with the natural products from Melaleuca and is also pursuing the home business aspect of that company. She is hoping to stay on track with their mentoring and leadership program and have Melaleuca make our next car payment before the Maxima decides to give out on us. You can check out her website from our links on the side.
Tasha has had a few more problems this year. A few weeks after we brought Hailey home, she began having epileptic seizures. She is now on Phenobarbital to help control them along with her arthritis medication. She continues to tolerate the girls and steals their food on a regular basis.
We hope that God blessed your holiday season and 2005 is your best year yet!
Love, Harlan, Mary, Heather, Hanah, Hailey and Tasha.
(pictures are available by clicking on underlined words)
