Open Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!

During this holiday season, we wish to thank you for your friendship and kindnesses throughout the years. Many of you have truly blessed our lives as living examples of the words of one of our favorite Primary songs:

I'm trying to be like Jesus; I'm following in His ways.
I'm trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say...
I'm trying to love my neighbor.
I'm learning to serve my friend.
I watch for the day of gladness, when Jesus will come again...
Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought.
For these are the things Jesus taught.

It is interesting how often people forget the waves that ripple through our lives from compliments or criticism spoken in passing. Thank you for the kind words and kind deeds that have blessed us and our children.

As another year comes to a close and we look back we realize that most of the adventures from this year are already on this blog, so we will just give a quick update on growth and changes from this year. Much of this will be old information for those of you who are actively a part of our lives. For those we care about that have less time and other vital priorities here is a recap:

Baby Girl
If things go well, she should be joining our circus somewhere in the middle of February. In utero, she is as calm as Maggie was. If there is a surprise that the ultrasound read wrong, we'll welcome a Wilford happily.

Amirrah Belle (Reflection of Heaven)
Is our girly-girl. She potty trained herself a couple weeks before turning two this year just so she could accessorize her underwear. She continues to enjoy tormenting her older brother with practical jokes and started learning to pray with help.

Timothy Abraham (Gifted Righteous Father)
Is progressing in his reading quite nicely. He enjoys tackle football with his Dad and started taking piano lessons. He enjoys playing Super Mario Brothers. His cooking skills rival that of his Mom's and can often be found in the kitchen cracking eggs and mixing ingredients.

Magdalyn Regan (Tower of Strength in a Time of Rain)
Lost all four front teeth just in time for Christmas. She enjoys playing with a wide variety of friends. Is doing well in her piano lessons and school. She also participated on two soccer teams coached by her Dad this year. She is a great example and takes care of her siblings.

Melissa
I continue to enjoy my full time job as a mother. I take a break from this every once in a while to continue my sewing business from home. I picked up crocheting again this year and produced quite a few afghans and foot blankets. To keep my mind active I took a couple online classes on film, child psychology, and began taking piano lessons again. I have been an assistant room mother. I've also studied Star Trek, 1st grade math and 1st grade reading (with the children). I look forward to weekly dates (sometimes more when pregnant! Yea!) with David, chocolate, church sports, and sleep.

David
Began writing college curriculum for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of his work responsibilities. He also took on five piano students. Coached three soccer teams. He spends his time serving me, the children, and in church responsibilities.

Thanks for reading. We love to hear from you.