Merry Christmas

To all our family and friends, we wish you the merriest Christmas and safe New Year. We have had a year full of trials and triumphs, some which have changed our lives forever. Here's the condensed version:

• Gary had a miraculous epiphany whilst talking to one of our children which led him to the truth.
• Sue had a busy year with work, children - especially the addition of Samuel - and more work.

• Sariah has continued to excel in her education,volleyball skills, social life and yes, is a full-fledged teenager (and lovin' it). She plays the violin - but does not want to be labeled as a nerd (heaven forbid!)

• Benjamin plays the clarinet like nobody's business, had a great season of basketball, was ordained a deacon!!! and is back to 'workin' hard'. We have yet to figure out what he's workin hard at - ......

• Jacob has thrived in his scouting - close to earning his arrow of light - loves the flute and cello - to the point he can't decide which to continue in - and still brings home A's. He is still our loveable tease - great to see the uncles' genes come out from both sides LOL

• Nephi is the quiet achiever, desiring to play an instrument other than the piano, loves to show compassion and love to all his siblings - even when they're mean to him. As the middle child, he has patience and tolerance for all his brothers and sister.

• Ammon is loving first grade, reading, playing with friends and taking care of his two little brothers. He is trying hard not to be sensitive 'all the time' - only he's so darn tender hearted, that it's hard for him.

• Joseph had a fun time at preschool and learned to write his name very well - by practicing on the walls in the house! He has managed to limit the writing to just pencil and crayon, which are somewhat easier to remove than dry erase marker (!)

• Samuel has gone through all the milestones - walking at 10 mths, talking constantly, cutting 6 teeth, being as cute as any baby ever!

• We had a wonderful family vacation to visit our family in Miss-ouri (yes, we Miss them so much) and many spiritual experiences from fasting and prayers to seeing friends pass on and enter into this mortal life. We are grateful for the Savior and His sacrifice for us. We know that if we obey, we can all enter into His presence. We wish His love upon you at this time and always........

Samuel's Birthday!

It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since our spoiled treasure came into our lives..... Here's some things we ALL love about Samuel:

• love to chase him and watch him giggle as he runs away
• loves that he's cute and funny
• love to watch him eat his food and grunt for more
• love to see him waddle around
• love to take pictures of his adorable smile
• love to cuddle him up whether he's asleep or not
• love to give him lots of kisses and raspberries on his tummy
• love to watch him dance and nod to songs like some beat boxer
• love to love him!

Just in case you didn't notice, he is always smiling...... except when he wants something! Nobody can believe how happy he is all the time!!! What a blessing to have in our lives ♥

9-1-1!

There are some things that you never think will happen to you, funny as they are for others, and then when it does, you don't see the humor in it at all. I was late for a tithing settlement at the church on Saturday, and got a call as I walked into the church building that Joseph had called 911! I was at a loss for words! I didn't know whether to turn around and head back or just stay put - in case I attempted an unavoidable painful consequence to the culprit who had erred.... Apparently, he didn't know where I was, so thought it best to call 911. Poor Sariah had to explain that it was an accident and that everything was fine - but the officer was still on his way. He spoke to Joseph and explained that calling 911 is only when there is extreme danger or harm - I wonder if he would have taken that rational approach had it been his son that had called?
Needless to say, the day continued without a hitch prior to my return so that I would be pleasantly surprised.