Happy Holidays

from the Haywoods!

original drawing by Christopher Haywood

Hi Everyone,

Merry Christmas from the Haywoods in Kansas City. This past year is one of the best we've had in every area of life. Our baby Buttercup, D'Andra, is doing very well. She's pictured with John Tait, offensive lineman from the Kansas City Chiefs. 

D'andra's therapists have said she is closer to her chronological age in every aspect. She's walking, crawling and trying to say everything. Everytime I hold her I'm so thankful that God brought her into my life. She has opened up a whole new world to me of compassion and mercy.

Alexander started kindergarten this year. He enjoys it so much that he asked if he could move to Laurel Hills Elementary. I said asked if I could quit my job and move in too. I would like to go to recess, eat snacks and take naps. He abruptly said "no mommy, then we wouldn't have any place to live." Last night he asked me what he should be when he grows up. I told him that he could be whatever he wants to because he will be a success at whatever he puts his hand to.

Alexander enjoys being with people, playing games and reading. I can't believe he's already in kindergarten! These years fly by so fast.

Christopher, age 8, is my artist. He told me that he wants to be a professional football player and anime artist. He drew a mural on his bedroom wall. The photo of the mural is below for your admiration. 

The mural is a jungle scene with animals drawn proportionally and to scale. He is working on another mural of a "Bug's Life" movie scene. I told him that he could pay his way through college by painting murals for rich people. :-) He's already told me that he wants to go to art school.

The big Haymaker, Jerome, is doing great at Lowe's. He enjoys wheeling and dealing about flooring with people. He's a great dad and husband and I could only wish that all my single girlfriends could meet someone like him. Several friends told me that they would like him cloned.

I wrote about him in a column that I submitted to our local newspaper, The Kansas City Star. That column landed me a regular gig as a columnist starting in 2004. He said, "Now I'll have to watch what I say around you or else it will end up in the paper!" It's funny coming from someone who doesn't read the paper. I'm still at Community Blood Center as a communications manager but I was published a few times in Charisma magazine in 2003. I also helped a friend of mine edit his book which I believe is going to be a best-seller.

Now onto 2004. I pray that you would know the blessing of His presence for this year. Jerome and I are thankful for your friendship and prayers. May you grow closer to Him in the coming year.

Blessings to you, Jerome, Leilani, D'Andra, Chris and Alex

P.S. The beautiful little girl pictured with us is my niece Erin. We were blessed to have her with us for 3 weeks from California. Drop us a line sometime at leilanihaywood@aol.com or call 816-743-0443.