Hope this finds you well! This has been a good year here for the Moravia Carmichaels - though a busy one. Since I'm not as good as I'd like to be about writing or keeping up this page...thought you might like a little update on the gang.
Jeffrey Paul Jr. is 2 1/2 yrs old already. He's figured out all the finer things in life...taking off his clothes, jumping out the crib, eating the frosting first off of donuts, flirting...and just how much he is loved. He makes our days long and short at the same time. He loves Pooh bear and tractors, reading stories and play dough.
Cara Leigh is 8 and in the 3rd grade. She is a great little baker, and of late, a mad scientist - with various experiments marked "DO NOT TOUCH" around the house. She is planning a science fair experiment about the taste regions of the tongue. I have a feeling this might combine her love of sweets and science... Cara is active in 4-H and really enjoys projects and her 4-H friends from near and far.
Anna Bee is now 10 yrs old and in 5th grade. Geesh. She is growing right up. Don't worry she is not old and grey yet - she just wanted to be Martha Washington for Halloween. She recruited her pal Hannah to be George and put her Mom's sewing skills to test. Anna is active in a bunch of things at school - band (second year oboe) , chorus, Art Club, drama (performing The Music Man Jr. this spring), Odessey of the Mind, 4-H (She is our club president this year) and she has been selected to be a People to People student ambassador this year...with a trip to Australia planned for this coming summer. She enjoys time in the kitchen with Mom, loves time at the barn with the goats, horses and chickens, and adores her little brother. When I look at this list it all seems like too much for a 10 yr. old -but it is who she is and she seems to handle it with grace. 
This year brought a few new editions to our petting zoo. In May the girls purchased two Boer-cross goats. In July they had the experience of showing goats at the county fair and they attended a 4-H goat training this fall. From hoof trimming to transporting goats, we have learned a lot...and have really enjoyed the experience. And...then there was the addition of two kittens to our home last August. I don't think I have a picture of them as they are hard to catch sitting still...but, I am happy to report that they are "earning their keep" around here - keeping the place free of undesired critters.
This summer brought us to Estes Park, Colorado for a Carmichael family reunion. It was delightful to be with family from across the country...and so very beautiful. We hiked in the mountains, saw elk, went horseback riding on an easy trail (not so for me as I kept looking down and over the cliff edges), and visited with the family. It was terrific and made us long for more outdoor adventures. With Jeffy going on 3...we are hoping to begin camping again next summer.
As for Jeff and I - no real changes - we keep busy with work, professional organizations, church and community...but mostly with family. Honestly, most days feel exhausting...but so full of good things, rich experiences and special people.
We pray for our friends, soldiers and everyone involved in the war. When I was a teenager I never thought our country would go to war...I still can't believe that things can, in 2006, get to a point where we are losing lives over an inability to reasonably come to a solution. I don't have any solutions myself...but surely there has got to be a better way.
Know that we are always up for a visit from friends and family! I don't even have to cook by myself anymore...I have a couple of great helpers :).
May the Force (of Christ) be with you -
Momma Celeste for The Carmichaels of Moravia
