Christmas Lightbulb Moment

Each year we send out about 100 cards.

We got in the habit (or tradition) of sending out photo cards, which have a sentiment printed on them along with our names -- Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, From Our House to Yours, etc. There are some that say a picture is worth a thousand words; others think a card without a note is right up there with re-gifting fruitcakes.

I like to stay in touch, and share with our friends and family, but each year I struggle with the "what else should I add?" dilemma. It's difficult to write something on the photo cards with regular pens, and some Sharpies don't lend themselves to long, chatty letters.

This year I had a Christmas Lightbulb Moment, and I printed out some slips of paper to add to our cards that said,
"In lieu of a Christmas letter, please check out our blog for stories and photos of our lives! :)

http://mamabear.pnn.com"

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, we survived another year!

Matt's loving his job, despite layoffs all around him. One of the highlights of 2008 was his sister Andrea's wedding, where he got to give her away on a beach in Florida...

I quit my crazy-making job as an editor and now am fully enjoying the whistle and 'good tickets' at my job as a yard duty. I am also writing for PNN, the Windsor Times, and on various projects (my children's book is out to agents right now, fingers crossed!)!

Megan is beginning the process of getting braces, but don't worry-- it hasn't affected her ability to click or sing, yet! She's very busy with Taekwondo, Girl Scouts, choir, and of course, fourth grade homework, but she still finds time to read a Harry Potter book or two!

Thomas is busy counting down the days to Christmas, and making regular checks up the chimney to check on Santa's progress. He's adding and subtracting, writing words and sentences, and keeping his teacher and aide on their toes in his first grade classroom, but luckily, he's cuter than a button...

Misha the kitty is fatter than ever, and Emily the guinea pig is fully enjoying being the class pet in Megan's fourth grade room.

Well, that's about it at the LeRoy house, so Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Love, Juliana, Matt, Megan and Thomas