Brinks Bit: Ten Years...ago

Here we are into another year...now what were we all doing ten years ago?? Oh yes, worrying about the Millenium and if our computers will just all shut down! It's hard to believe that we're all ten years older as well; I don't feel it, hope you don't either. I'm not vowing nor am I resolving to do anything different this year as far as making empty resolutions and promises. Just a personal promise to do more of the good stuff and less of the bad!!

Last year started out pretty brutal; what with the robbery right off the bat (keep in mind that that's never happened in the 20+ years we've been in business!!) Then ending with Kurt's truck being broken into and his stereo ripped right out of the dash...disheartening!! It was definitely the year of theft..., I'm trying really hard to keep an optimistic outlook in all of humanity but..it's getting tougher and tougher!

However, without dwelling on all the bad, we also ended the year with a lot of good things and happenings. Most important, the kids are happy and healthy, we love each other, a roof over our heads and our bellies full (maybe too full!). You just can't ask for more sometimes, nor should you...but as usual I do!

Jared & Evan have enrolled in Karate again at the Parker Academy of Martial Arts. We just started and they're really enjoying it. Hopefully, it will give them a sense of discipline, responsibility and respect within themselves. We're on a trial period right now; so hopefully we can keep it up! Jared had some previous experience as you all know so they moved him up from a white belt to a purple after evaluation. Evan's a newbie so he'll start on white but he's loving it, which is the important part!

We recently opened up a booth in a store called "The Parker Shoppes" out here in Parker. This store has about 50 different vendors selling everything from clothing, home decor, foods and with us in there as "Diamond Mine"; we've incorporated jewelry into their selection. It has low overhead and a lot of opportunity for big profit; another one of Kurt's brilliant ideas!

Christmas came and went, all the hoopla and build up...! It was a great day and the kid's as usual got what they wanted from Santa!! I'm grateful we were able to provide it...but can't help and wonder if we're setting up for failure but it's so hard not to spoil them! Jared got his coveted "PS3" finally and there were tears of joy!! We couldn't believe it...!

Tears of Sheer Happiness!!

Making Cookies for Santa

Gunny had the most fun opening his presents!! So Cute!

Evan's must have - Criss Cross Crash!

I was equally blessed and surprised...! Kurt went and bought all new cooktop, microwave and oven for our kitchen. I was so sick of the ugly, nasty, old appliances but I knew it was going to be a pretty penny to replace all of it. He somehow made it happen...it is beautiful!! The wall oven on the bottom is also a convection oven; just like the microwave! We have been floored by the amazing technology in these appliances. The oven can also dehydrate...!!?? Jerky anyone? What can it NOT do right?! It was completed with a ceiling pots/pan rack and all new cookware!! What a great present!! Couldn't have asked for more!!