Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Schampaert Family Update - 2008

Well, I'm sure most of you are like us and can't believe 2008 is nearly over already. As I ponder on what to write this year, there are so many things that make Vince and I feel a sigh of relief, especially amidst all the bad news on the economic front. After nearly 7 mos, we were able to sell our house in Arizona. We had been renting our house to a very nice couple for 2 yrs. You would think we would have waited until the market turned around but the renters were very wishy-washy not knowing what they really wanted. And so, we decided to put our house on the market while they continued to rent it. In the end, all went well and we closed EOM November.

This past year, we also had 2 family visits from Belgium. Uncle Eric was here in Feb and Christel and Catherine came over in July. In April, we went to our usual vacation spot in San Diego/So. CA. We plan on returning this Jan or Feb to see the whales migrate.

Vincent traveled to Phoenix for almost 5 mos straight, from July thru Nov. for work. Caremark, now CVS, had requested Vince for this particular project and since it was only for 3 days a week, it was doable and a nice break from Micron. If he ever loses his job, I think he would do great selling paraphernalia on ebay. He seems to have a knack for making money quickly, especially when it comes to selling our used electronics, taking him only hours to sell anything --- quite amazing I must admit. I only mention this because he just recently sold his blackberry and my cell phone in less than a day and has a history of selling other items in the past just as fast.

MaryAnne has been occupied being an administrator, chauffeur, volunteer at Sophie's school, as well as, being the project manager and multi-tasker of everyday domestic work to ensure things are run smoothly, efficiently within our household (aka super mom in disguise). Battling Utah County for property taxes owed to us the past 2 yrs was finally resolved in our favor. Initially, we were told it was extremely rare for anyone to receive a refund. So, after many months and acres of time and utilizing Vincent’s clever way with words and logic, our appeal was finally granted which paid off handsomely.

Sophie will be 5 yrs old Dec 22. I'm amazed how much she has accomplished in a year. She's fascinated with words, eager to please and is non-stop with her questions and “whys”. She's a very simple little girl only wanting balloons and a cake for her birthday, no presents. Her current favorite extracurricular activity is gymnastics. She attends preschool 3 hrs a day, 4 days a week and looks forward to it everyday… and wishes she could go to preschool even on the weekends. (I wonder how long that’s going to last?) In her words, she loves doing the centers, painting, coloring, arts and crafts, going to recess, learning how to kick her legs on the swings, playing on the monkey bars and slides, learning how to do a good job as the star helper, pass out papers, pass out napkins, be a line leader, be a good example and lead the other kids in the pledge, going to P.E., singing, etc. Whew !! As you can see she absolutely enjoys it very much. Her favorite shows are Caillou & Fireman Sam. Overall, she’s a very sweet, funny, considerate, creative and expressive little girl.

Wishing you well with lots of love and peace into your hearts and homes.

Love,

Vincent, MaryAnne & Sophie