As many people seem to say at this time of year, “How quickly time has passed!” This post brings with it love and hope that you can spend some time this holiday season reminiscing about the joys and blessings of 2008. Here is a caption of “the year that was” for the McGraw family:
In December, Katie and I were blessed to hear the news that “there’s another one in there” at one of her early routine sonograms. We spent last Christmas filled with joy – and anxiety – about our sudden family of four! Saunter on over to our "Blog Archive" to relive the madness!
In the spring, I began a thorough pursuit of my Master’s in Art Education degree at my alma mater, Illinois State University. As it stands today (December 2008), I am only 17 credit hours away from my Master’s degree!
Katie finished up a Teacher’s Assistant job at Northpoint Elementary school in May – and even though she was pregnant with twins – she was still able to keep up with the little kids! Katie has taken this school year off to be with the boys and tutor mathematics to high school students during the week nights.
I am still at Chiddix Junior High School teaching 7th and 8th grade visual art. In August, I was offered the visual art building chair position at CJHS, which means I oversee the art department and work with the district on curriculum and building issues. I am blessed to be able to say that I truly love my job. I also spent last spring coaching the CJHS Track and Field team. I will be entering my third year of coaching the team this March.
Of course, the biggest news of the year came in June when Joseph David and Jameson Michael McGraw were born into the world. Joseph’s name is in honor of my late father – as it was his middle name – along with honoring St. Joseph, to whom I have a great devotion. Joseph’s middle name, David, is in honor of Katie’s father. Jameson’s name is an Irish variation of James, who is my patron saint. His middle name, Michael, is in honor to St. Michael the Archange
l. Having children truly does enrich one’s life – especially if you have two for the price of one! Too bad hospitals and insurance don't honor that "two-for-one deal!" As of this writing, they are smiling, babbling, sometimes rolling onto their backs, giggling, and have totally mastered drooling. They are also beginning to learn the wonderful use of a spoon (as documented earlier).This year has brought many changes to the McGraw household, but through it all, the constant in our lives has been the love we share. We extend that love to you along with best wishes and prayers for a blessed year! May the joy God brings this season stay with you all year long!
Peace and Blessings,
The McGraws
