Christmas Letter 2009

Dear Family & Friends,

Well it’s that time of year again. I almost decided to forgo the writing of this letter this year, as it seems I am busier then ever. But because I know how much I love hearing from all of you and for many of you this is the only update you get on the Graham family I decided I would just find the time. So here is a quick review of the past year.

Ryan is 13, soon to be 14 years old. He is taller then his mom and is very proud of that fact. I on the other hand am not so crazy about this. He is in the 8th grade and is doing amazingly well in school. He loves school, well I should say he loves his friends at school and can’t wait to get there usually. He is still playing baseball in the spring, basketball in the winter, he is in scouts, and is just a normal teenage boy. He loves to eat, sleep, play on the computer, texting, and did I say he loves to eat. He eats non- stop. Like I said he is just a normal teenager.

Emalee is 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. She is still dancing and loving every moment of it. She moved up on her competition team this year so now she takes about 4 hours of dance a week. So between school, dance, Activity Days, and homework she is one busy girl. She was also asked to dance in the Polar Express at one of the local High Schools. So she has been having practices for that as well. She has her performances this week and she is so excited. I personally don’t know how she keeps all the dances straight. She is growing into such a young lady and is no longer our little girl. But as she still reminds me daily she is a princess and don’t you forget it.

Zachary is 6 and started all day Kindergarten this year. He loves school and is doing so well. I was so nervous for him to go to school and he has done great so far. He played baseball last spring, is taking Hip Hop lessons and loves it, and is playing basketball. As for his health he has been relatively healthy. He has adjusted to his treatments that he has to do and they have helped so much. He has only missed 1 day of school so far this year so we are on a good streak. He continues to be my funny little boy and you never know what is going to come out of his mouth. There are days I wish I could be in his head for a few minutes because his mind sure doesn’t work anything like mine does. Everyday with Zach is an adventure in one way or another so he keeps us on our toes.

Rich is still with Superior Water and Air doing plumbing. We are grateful for his job especially with the way the economy is. His company chose to do pay cuts instead of lay offs. So even though that is not ideal at least he still has a steady job and more importantly health insurance. So we are VERY thankful for his job.

As for me as I said before I am busier then ever. With my kids in school all day I thought I would have all this extra time. HAHA. In August I became the Office Manager at Emalee’s dance studio. I really have enjoyed it for the most part. I’m also still doing transcription at home on the computer during the day. Plus I am still a crossing guard but instead of only 1 school I am doing 2 this year. The money is nice but on cold days it is really cold to be outside for 3 ½ hours a day. Then you throw in doctor visits for Zach, all the schoolwork, and running everyone around and that is why I am busier then ever. I am incredibly blessed though to be able to make an income and not have to worry about my kids because they can be with me if they need to be.

Well that about sums up what the Graham’s have been up to in 2009. We miss all of you and wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Love,
Rich, Kim, Ryan, Emalee, & Zach