2008 Christmas Letter

What a great year 2008 has been. Yet another your full of God's provision and blessings! As I write this I am stuck by how faithful and incredible our God is. He provides, protects, and blesses far beyond what we deserve. I am constantly stunned at how He cares for the little things in our lives even though there is so much BIG stuff going on in this world.

Although not big in the sense of the big picture, 2008 did have some big changes for the Biddison family. Probably the biggest change was in Amy's career. You might remember from last year that she was working on getting her alternative teaching certification. Well, God opened the door for her to begin teaching this year. Amy is teaching 6th, 7th and 8th graders at New Braunfels Middle School. She is a dyslexia intervention teacher and LOVES it. There has been no looking back and no regrets as she ventured from the legal world to the world of education. Amy has one test left to take before she will get her full teaching certificate.

Another big change was the start of school for Landry. He is in kindergarten and doing great. God was so faithful in placing Landry with a teacher that was just the perfect fit for him. It has been such a joy to watch him grow and develop intellectually, socially and emotionally. He has made new friends and loves school. He is particularly proud of his new reading skills and takes every opportunity to point out words that he knows. This year he has continued with his speech therapy and continues to make improvements every week.

Steve remained at Southwest High School in San Antonio this year. Although he too made a change from teaching sophomores to teaching seniors. He loves the job change that God opened up for him. He continues to coach girl's basketball for the Dragons, although the season has not started off too well. But - we know that our God is a God of miracles - which is what it will take to turn this season around. :-)

We continue to be blessed having our family close to us. We love that Landry has both sets of grandparents very near and he continues to build bonds and memories with them that he will cherish for many years.

To our family and friends, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are blessed to have each of in our lives. Each of you have left some imprint on our lives that makes us who we are today. We are truly blessed that God has surrounded us with such awesome people.

We hope that each of you has a very Merry Christmas and a great 2009. We are excited to see what God has in store for us in the upcoming year.


Steve, Amy and Landry

Retirement, Zoo and Father's Day, Oh my!

We had a fun filled long weekend last week. The events started with a trip to Austin to watch my Dad get recognized for his retirement at the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals annual conference. Landry loved watching Papa on the stage and on the big screen. Scott, Mariana and Audrey met us in Austin for the festivities.

Thanks Papa for all the hard work you have put in. You have truly affected the lives of thousands of teenagers and adults during your time as a teacher and administrator. Good or bad we don't know - but you have affected them! Just kidding! It was an honor being known as "Coach Hughes' daughter."

We celebrated the retirment back in San Anotnio at Dad's restaurant of choice - County Line. To see the happy man with his ribs look here.

Friday we ventured off to the San Antonio zoo. We all had a great time and here's the proof.

Landry and Audrey on the lions.

Landry with the map ready to show us where to go.

First stop - Flamingo exhibit!

Landry and Audrey checking out the HUGE snake. See it coiled up there. Imagine meeting one of those face to face. Actually - I'd rather not even imagine it!

Landry and Steve must be watching something really riveting.

Nope, just a bear that looks really miserable in the Texas heat! That was a trend that I noticed amongst the animals. Even the animals that are supposed to adapted to the heat seemed a little hot.

The zebra found the one strip of shade to stand in.

The rhino found his one shady area too!

And don't let these humans fool you. They were actually stalling in the new air conditioned hippo exhibit. Trust me, checking out the back sides of two hippos was not near as exciting as they make it look! Hippo bottoms or stalling in the AC - definitely stalling!!!

Of all the things we saw - the funniest was the neurotic ostrich who was apparently hungry. However, there was no food around, no gnats in the air - nothing. I think ostriche's are capable of having hallucinations in the hot Texas heat! Check out the video at the bottom of the blog!!!

Saturday night we went to Sarah's first birthday party. Landry had a great time playing with his cousins and Aunt Amy got to feed Sarah her first bites of ice cream! We were just bonding Beck!

We finished th weekend up with a celebration of all the father's in our lives. Happy Father's Day!

Wow - what a weekend!

I'm What???

Last night while Landry and I were laying in bed and getting him tucked in we had another one of those "deep 5 year old" conversations. We started out talking about kindergarten when Landry asked if he would see me at school. I told him no, if Mommy gets to be a teacher she will be with older kids. To which he responded "Yeah - Mommy old, Ginny old." (Mrs. Ginny was Landry's preschool teacher from January - May; and he adored her). Here's the rest of the converstaion:
ME: Well, how old are you?
L: I'm not old, I'm brand new.
ME: Oooohhh (while I ponder the brand new thing). Well how old is Mommy?
L: Mommy is "5 old" like Ginny.
ME: Ooohhhh. (Thinking OK - that's not too old.) Well how old is Daddy?
L: Daddy's not old.
ME: What? (I know he misunderstood the question). How old is Daddy?
L: NO - Daddy is not old.
ME: OK (confused and perplexed about what makes one old - I tread down the family list). Is Mimi old?
L: Yes. "19 old" (BTW - 19 is the biggest number Landry knows right now. Sorry Mimi - he said it not me).
ME: Is Papa old?
L: Yes.
ME: How old?
L: (Shaking his head in wonder) I don't know.
ME: Is Audrey old?
L: NO - Brand New.
ME: Is Tia old?
L: No.
ME: Is Uncle Scotty old?
L: Yes. "19 old"
ME: Is Grandma old?
L: (With a smile on his face that said "silly mommy") Noooooo Mommy.
ME: Is Grandpa old?
L: Yes.
ME: Who else is old?
L: Micah and Meagan are brand new.
ME: So - what makes a person old?
L: (Now with the "duh mommy" look on his face) Jesus!

Well, although no one wants to be called old, if my oldness comes from Jesus then I'll take it. AND - I'm in pretty good company (Old and Brand New alike)!

Here's an update on the job situation for Steve and I:
Steve has an interview Thursday (3:30) at Clemens High School in Schertz for a Boys Asst. position. The pluses: distance (10-15 miles away), no second sport, back to the arena of boys basketball. The cons: it's not a head job - but it is with a good program so that would be good on the resume for future years.

I have an interview on Monday morning (10:30) with a middle school in the Comal district. The job is teaching Skills for Living / Career Exploration. I looked at some textbooks online for this class and the class looks like it would be tons of fun to teach! The kids learn about their interests and aptitude and what careers they might enjoy, communication, being in the workplace, etc. I also talked to the middle school principal here in NB and that is still in the works but 85-90% chance it will happen. However, I probably won't know about this one until early to mid July due to transfers and tests, etc.

Please keep us in your prayers as we both want to be where God wants us.

Awesome God Video

I finally got the video posted on the blog. A little thinking (OK - a lot and a few days too!) and you can out smart the computer. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see the video box. Click the Play button and get ready to be blessed. There is just something about children singing praises to our God that makes the heart smile! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The End of a Chapter

As school comes to an end this year, we are ending a chapter in Landry's life - Preschool. This last week, Landry had his preschool graduation. What a handsome graduate we had!





Although a little shy and not ready to be front and center with the crowd, he did walk down the aisle with a little help from Papa! Thanks Papa!!! Here's a few pics from the night.





Proud parents with the graduate





Landry and his best friend, Chad



The night was also filled with songs from all the classes at the school. Landry's class performed a class favorite - Awesome God. The students started each morning out with this song - so it was only appropriate that they share it with th parents on graduation night. I've had trouble getting the video to load but I will keep trying.

Sometimes you just have to smile - even when they are in trouble!

Today we have a guest blogger: Daddy! Here's what he wrote.

A couple nights ago, Landry climbed a big shelf in his room to get something from the top shelf. Fortunately for all of us, it did not topple over on him. Amy told him that he was to never do that again because if it falls on him, he could die. In a very sincere tone, he stated that he would go to Heaven. We told him then that he would go to Heaven, but if he did, he wouldn't be able to see mommy and daddy and his other relatives and his friends anymore. His response: "yeah, but I won't go to school anymore." I couldn't keep my smile back after that one (and netiher could Mommy!)

Something lost in translation!

I had the privilege of working in Landry's nursery this class yesterday with another Mom. We talked to the kids about Palm Sunday. We explained that Jesus came to town on a donkey, the people were excited to see him and they welcomed him like a king. They had palm branches that they put on the ground so he (and his donkey) would not have to touch the dirt. They also waived the branches in the air and shouted "Hosanna, Hosanna." Each of the kids made a palm branch and we used them during our praise and worship time as well as during our story. It was really fun to watch them sing and dance to the Lord!

After we left church, I did my normal questioning of Landry to see what he remembered. Although I know we were very clear in our teaching, something got lost in translation from adult to 4 year old.

Mommy: Landry do you know what today is?

Landry: Sunday

Mommy: This is a special Sunday - do you know what its called?

Landry: Palm Tree Sunday! (With a big grin that shows how proud he is for knowing that)

Mommy: And who went to town on Palm Tree Sunday? (Did I just say that I thought to myself)

Landry: Jesus!

Mommy: And what was Jesus riding?

Landry: A donkey!

Mommy: What did the people waive at Jesus?

Landry: Palm Trees! (That's gives quite a mental visual image!

With each question Landry gets more excited and proud that he knows the answers - by the last question he is just beeming

Mommy: What did the people say to Jesus as he rode into town?

Landry: Jose! Jose!

Gotta love them!
Well - from our family to yours - Happy Palm Tree Sunday!

I hope that during this very special week you will dwell on the magnitude of Christ's love and sacrifice for you!

It's Official

Thanks for all of your votes and e-mails about a name for the puppy. It was a tight race, and a vocal campaign by many of you. After considering all the input you gave, we decided to name the puppy Fluffy. OK - not really - the puppy's name is . . .

Sprite! This was just too perfect (and Landry was stuck on it). Despite being a Landry favorite, Sprite also lives up to his mythological background of being very feisty and spirited.

Sprite went to the vet for the first time and weighed in at 2.7 pounds. He was an instant hit at the office and was given a clean bill of health. He has explored his way around the house and backyard and is getting accustomed to his new home. He loves chasing Landry around and Landry loves it too! his favorite toy is Landry's dirty sock!

Landry is being such a great big brother. He even helps take Sprite outiside for his morning potty break! One morning it was rather chilly and Landry ran inside to get a hat to help him stay warm.

I guess it was less about immediate warmth and more about thinking of a warm place (note the wide brimmed beach hat)! Or maybe it was just that we live in Texas and don't really have hats that keep your head and ears warm becuase we rarely need them.

This morning, Sprite went to school with Landry to meet his friends. Landry was so excited to introduce Sprite to his class.

Sprite was - once again - an instant hit.

Mommy's Birthday Present

Mommy's birthday is tomorrow but she already got her birthday present. I just wanted to share it with you.



I just love the new puppy. He is soft and cuddly but he also likes to play tag. I have fun watching him explore the house, especially when he slips and slides on the wood floor.

We went to San Antonio to look the puppies and this one was the first to run, play and explore. Mommy says he is a Maltipoo (Maltese daddy and Poodle mommy). Please don't hold his heritage against him Scotty and Tia - he looks just like his daddy.

Now we have the hard decision of finding the perfect name for him. Mommy has already vetoed many of my choices (Superdog, Bat Hound, John Deere Tractor, and Backhoe). But there are a few we all like! We would like your help because we just can't decide. Please check out the names and then cast your vote in the blue box on the right.

1. Emmitt - we have noticed the ability to run and cut just like Emmitt Smith. This will come in very handy when playing tag with Landry.

2. Duke - Steve loves the Duke Bluedevils basketball team and it seems like a cute name for a boy puppy

3. Scout - Amy's favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird and Scout, a character from the book, won out over Boo and Aticus

4. Sprite - one of Landry's favorite drinks. We just didn't think root beer was an appropriate name for a white dog.

Please vote on the box to the right. If you don't like any of these then please feel free to leave your name of choice as a Comment. Thanks for helping us out. We hope to have the perfect name very soon.

Disclaimer: The family keeps the right to name the new puppy whatever they want despite the results of this ever so official vote!

A glimpse into the future

This week at school, the letter of the week was V. As we were getting ready for school on Friday morning, Landry wanted to wear his new vest because it started with V. He also wore his new shoes (both thanks to his cousin Micah). He looked pretty spiffy if I do say so myself.

I asked Landry to take a picture so that I could send it to Aunt Maribeth and Micah. Instead of the normal stand by the wall, hands straight down 4 year old pose, his inner diva came out. The first shot was just so natural and is ready for the cover of GQ.



For the second shot, Landry immediately adjusted his pose. Mommy started seeing the future of a model - his natural moves, working the camera . . .


Then he struck his pose and the criminal justice major and attorney in me saw only one thing



my precious 4 year old looked liked he was getting arrested. His arms were up against the wall ready to be cuffed. Talk about seeing a totally different future flash before your eyes! The only thing that kept me in the moment was nice little foot lift to show off the great shoes! I guess he really was modeling and doing his best to sell the clothes (at least that's what I've learned they are supposed to do from watching America's Top Model! That admission in and of itself is its own post.) Here's one last typical 4 year old smile for the camera.

Thanks Micah for passing down the clothes (and Maribeth too!)

Here's a special Thank You just for Micah, from Landry.

School is more than the 3 R's

So lately the common question in our household is "Landry - where did you learn that?" And the answer is always "my school." No - its not what you are thinking. No four letter words, obscene gestures or subject matters not appropriate for 4 year olds. Let's all pray that we don't go there anytime soon!

We have however, seen an increased knoweldge in many subjects important to boys. First, there was the day that Landry was playing football with Papa and confidently announced "Inpete" as he waived his hands across like an NFL Referee. Then there was his sudden interest in baseball and his instincitve knowledge to hit the bat two times on the ground before getting ready to swing. However, it was last night's demonstration that caused me to laugh out loud. Last night Landry proclaimed to his Daddy "I know karate." After a short demonstration to Daddy he was sent in to show Mommy what he knew. I immediately knew this was one for the blog. Here is an excerpt from the Karate Demonstration. (Just hit the arrow below the screen to watch Landry in action.) I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

New Year's Resolution

So Mommy and I were talking today about what a new year is. I don't really get it, but she said we get a new calendar and the year is now 2008. Then we started talking about what we could do in 2008 and we decided on this "Make it GREAT in 2008!" To me this means that whatever I do I will do my best. I am going to be the best helper I can be, be the best obeyer I can be and when it comes to playing, be the best player I can be. I hope you will join me and make your 2008 GREAT too!