Call Family Newsletter January - March 2009

[Christine Call]

Hello All,

We hope you have all been doing well.  Exciting things have been going on here.  We are about a month to a month and a half away from completing our house.  Of course I have a million pictures I could sent you all, but I don't want to overload your emails.  I have probably sent too many already. 
Our house has undergone massive changes since I last wrote to you all.  The biggest project we undertook ourselves was the structured wiring (in ceiling audio, tv, audio, data, and intercom cables).  We never would have been able to accomplish this feat without the help of our wonderful, and generous friends, who spent several days with us, drilling holes and pulling cables.  This was all done without any major catastrophes, there were a few minor ones though.  One pipe was drilled through and several hands were injured by a totally ridiculous staple gun.  I say it is ridiculous, because I was one of the unfortunate people to staple myself with it.  1 tetanus shot and some antibiotics later, and all is well pretty much back to normal.  I punctured the tendon on my ring finger though and that seems to be healing more slowly, which wouldn't be a big deal, but I can't get my wedding ring back onto my finger without it hurting, bummer.
The interior is pretty close to complete at this point.  The drywall is done, cabinets and trim have been installed, they have been painting the last couple of days.  The tile is going to be installed soon.  Anyway if anyone is interested in pictures, just let me know and I will try to zip a bunch up and send them out.
Jensen lost his first tooth today, which was actually my inspiration for sending out this letter.  He lost it at school and said he showed it to everybody.  He is so excited for the tooth fairy to bring him some money.  He said, "Maybe the tooth fairy will leave me a dollar under my pillow."  Sorry kid, not in this economy. 
Jensen just finished playing basketball, and is starting T-ball.  So far most of his t-ball practices have been cancelled due to rainy weather.  So much for the drought this area has been having.  Josh and I have joked that if you want a drought to end, just ask the us to build a house and the rain will start pouring.  Jensen is enjoying t-ball more than basketball though.  He liked basketball, but I think it is a more difficult game for kids his age to grasp, which made for some pretty hilarious basketball games.  There were only 2 kids on his team that really understood what the game was all about, unfortunately Jensen was not one of them, but oh well.  All of the teams in his division were that way though, one or two kids were out there stealing the ball and making baskets, and everyone else was just kind of running up and down the court. He will be better next year.  T-ball is more fun, because he can already hit the ball, catch, and throw.  We really like his coach (he has had the same coach for basketball and t-ball), and hope that we can stick with him as long as he decides to coach. 
Jaina has become much more independent lately.  She is going to sleep on her own and sleeping through the night.  It is awesome!  I have been working on some pre-school stuff with her, and every day she says "I want to do my homework, mommy". (If only Jensen were as motivated.)  She has an incredible imagination, and is totally cute (when she isn't throwing a tantrum).  She has been having fun being a cheerleader at Jensen's games, and has made friends with other kids her age sitting in the stands.     
Well I suppose that is enough for now.  We would love to hear from all of you!  If any of you have a desire to visit Huntsville, you are always welcome!  We wouldn't mind seeing the people who live around here a little more often as well.

Love,

Christine, Josh, Jensen, and Jaina