Suker Family Christmas Letter

MERRY CHRISTMAS...

This holiday season I have enjoyed so much receiving Christmas cards and letters from so many dear friends and family. I had wanted to send out another Suker family letter and picture, but I realized the time was slipping away from me too quickly. I must admit it was actually the .41 cent postage charge that delayed me! Thanks to all of you who spent that kind of money! This year I decided to take the cheap approach and simply mail it to you with out the high mark up costs! I hope you don’t mind. I know that our cute smiling faces won’t make it on your holiday card collection pile but at least you will know how we are all doing.

Our little family has accomplished so many things. Earlier this year we welcomed our little bundle of joy, Jacob Michael Suker. At the age of 7 months old, he is currently weighing as much as Alayna at one year old! He is chubby and squishy head to toe weighing in at 18.5 pounds! I’m not used to carrying around a heavy weight! I must admit we are all addicted to his adorable smile, laugh and very chill personality! He adores his sister Alayna. She wins the brightest smiles from him, even more than me.

Alayna Mae Suker is our bright and full of life 2 ½ year old. She has recently recovered from a broken arm. She managed for three weeks with her cast and was very reluctant to say goodbye to her “hot pink” arm. I think that is every little girls dream to have pink arms. Alayna is very imaginative. Her daily highlights are playing creatively by playing dress up, cooking along with mommy, doing anything with princess stuff and being with her daddy. She is currently continuing to be a big girl and being potty trained! Yeah. She has a very extensive vocabulary and an amazing ability to recall information. Her memory surprises us all. (It tends to get me in to trouble some times!) Lately she has become very interested in “our family.” It has been so wonderful for Jared and I to see her love being with just “our family.” She reminds us to read the Book of Mormon, have family home evening, and say family prayers. It’s amazing how much they understand about the Lords plan for our family. She truly brightens our days.

As for me, I am simply grateful to be home with my children. It is amazing that day after day I look forward to the next day. I am thankful that I have two bright, happy smiling faces that continue to teach me so very much. My free time is spent usually with my sisters and family having our famous, every other day parties. We truly are blessed to love each other so very much. These parties usually consist of yummy food and talking! I enjoy cooking, preparing my relief society lessons, scrapbooking, reading different book club books, exercising with ladies from our ward and especially not doing laundry. The biggest highlight of recent is my return from Hawaii! It was simply the best.

Jared is eagerly awaiting graduation from the University of Utah. He will be earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. As of this December he has completed and passed his “book work.” Now he has two months of an outpatient internship in California, and then another two months back here in Salt Lake City. He has worked so hard juggling family life, church life, school life and play so well. He truly does a fantastic job. I am especially excited for him to begin working and using all of his talents and abilities. He will do very well and we are very proud of him and all of his hard work. His latest free time talent and passion is mountain biking. He can’t seem to keep his mind off of it! I think it is currently ranking higher than snowboarding.

Our little family is continuing to grow in so many ways. It’s amazing to recap one entire year of blessings. We are truly thankful for all the miracles and blessing that have come to our immediate family and especially our extended family. My mother is doing well and is anxiously awaiting the return of her eyelashes and hair! We are reminded daily of her strength and courage. Thank you to all for your love, interest and support.

We are excited to see what the future holds for us in the upcoming year. We will have many major changes, location, jobs, kids, 7 years of marriage, dates, wards, callings, friends, etc. I’m sure the list goes on and on. We will be entering this new year with much prayer and faith.

We love you all and wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Idaho...

Jared and I have been discussing the idea of moving away. For the obvious reasons a job and money! We have simply been talking about it between ourselves at different times such as at dinner, in the car or just in conversations. Not realizing how much our daughter truly understands, we have only mentioned briefly to her that we are looking for a place to move where daddy will have a job. She has heard us mention “Idaho” and that it is far away from her cousins Olivia, Conner and Kierra.
The other night Jared and I were in her bedroom doing the night time routine with her. But we were talking amongst ourselves and not including her in our conversations. We were saying things such as “Tomorrow we will go and see what Idaho is all about.” “Do you really think we could move there?” “Who should Alayna stay with?” “She will stay here with her cousin Olivia…” It went on and on. Then before we realized that our daughter was standing there with the saddest slouching posture sobbing. She was sniffling and looking straight at us saying, “I want to live with my family…I want to go with you…I want to move with my family.” As I looked in her direction, I realized that she thought we were moving away and leaving her here. My heart broke inside. I felt so sad for those minutes that she thought we would simply leave her. Oh. We hugged and explained to her, that Mommy and Daddy were leaving on a “date” and we would come back to her. She then replied, “Oh, Grandma Lou will baby-sit me and you will come back when I’m already sleeping?” “Yes.” It was that simple. But it was such a great reminder to me that she might understand more than we give her credit and that we need to be more careful about the adult conversations we are having in front of her. Idaho was plain, barren and no mountains. Besides the beautiful new LDS temple being built the city is very small, old and quaint. It sure will be interesting to see what the future holds for our next place in life.

Santa vs. Mommy

Here is another cute moment from Alayna. I was kneeling beside her bed one night asking her what made her happy during the day. She said, “Well, what did we make together?” I laughed, saying, “What did we cook together?” “Yes” she replied. I thought was darling to think that her happiest moment was when she and I cooked dinner together. I had to chuckle to myself, because I thought for certain the highlight of her day would have been sitting on Santa’s lap and asking for her, “Princess Book and Princess Dress up!” I was pleased to know that making a jell-o with my daughter was the highlight of her day. Santa has nothing on me!

We Love Our Daddy!

Nice job Daddy!

Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 was Jared’s very last day to attend the University of Utah! Can you believe it! He has taken his finals (and passed!) and he is ALL done with school work. Alayna wished him luck multiple times saying, “Good luck on your tests Daddy! I’m proud of you!” He has mixed emotions about being done most of which are because he really can’t believe he won’t have to go back to campus and study, attend class, hang with his buddies, and especially drive all the way up there again!

He has two internships back to back for the next four months. He will be heading to California for the first and then back to Salt Lake for the second. It is amazing that come May 2008 he will be a professional and hopefully employed!!! We are so very proud of him. He has been enjoying his time out of school by helping with the kids (giving baths! Hence the picture!), snowboarding, attending a celebration “were finished” party with all of his student buddies, grocery shopping, and going on a date! Some he has enjoyed more than others, but most of all he is feeling great that he is getting closer to his goals! We are grateful for his dedication and continued hard work. The kids love their Daddy and I love my husband! We are so very proud of him! We are counting down the days until graduation and a real pay check! We are almost there.

A Precious Moment...

As a family we were out enjoying the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. We decided to attend a free FM100 concert at the Mall. The concert was great despite it being a very busy place. It made me grateful my shopping was all done. We had a $10 off coupon that we just had to spend at a store, so off we went. Braving the crowds and sales we went to pick out some dress slacks for Jared. We were in the dressing room all four of us and the stroller waiting for Jared to pick the perfect pair, when Alayna said with a big happy grin, “I love my family!” She sat down right next to me and put her arms up on my legs and said with another great sigh and bright smile, “I love my family!” Jared and I were looking at each other thinking, “How cute is that!” I had to pick her up and just hug and kiss her. I told her we love being together as a family too. I think there really couldn’t be a better gift than to know your children feel safe, love and happy when we spend time together as a family. I am grateful for that precious moment this Christmas season.

The new life...

Alayna has received her "hot pink" cast! We had a day full of doctor appointments. The first was for Alayna to get her pink cast. She was brave. She endured another round of x-rays. The nurse just wanted her to go with her, so I stayed back with Jake. I thought Alayna would appear hesitant but it didn't even phase her. She walked bravely holding the hand of the nurse and didn't even look my direction! I was shocked. But then again I know her personality. She was glad to do it on her own. After parading her "hot pink" arm proudly around the hospital, we headed for the next appointment. Jacob has been sadly suffering with two ear infections in both ears! But just two days later he is doing much better! Thank heavens for medicine.

A few cute things Alayna has said, "Why do I have to where a grocery bag in the bath tub?" I explained that the cast can not get wet, but she continued to wonder why a grocery bag, because it is only for groceries! I just let her know that for the next two weeks this will be our daily routine! Bathing with bags on our heads. She then asked, "Oh, that's why you wear a grocery bag on your hair sometimes to not get it wet!" I laughed. She refers to my grandma looking shower cap as a grocery bag. Oh the confusing things we do.

The next cute thing was I asked her what she was thinking about while we were driving in the car. She responded,

"I'm thinking about Santa!"

"Oh, about what?" I said.

"I'm thinking about the special presents he's going to bring me and Jakey" she said.

I continued to ask her a few little questions and she replied,

"I just can't even stand it, I can't wait any longer for Christmas morning to come!"

I realized at that moment, the count down till Christmas must feel like forever! So to help eradicate that a little bit, we taped together a countdown chain and she has also started her advent calendar! But we still have several days left! I remind her though that we have lots of days to bake cookies, sing songs, make fun craft projects and spend time as a family. She was content with that! Until tomorrow I'm sure!

All the faces of Jacob...

Jacob is the best little guy ever! It has been so fun to watch him give us multiple different faces when you pull out the camera and ask him to "smile!" He learned what it meant to smile when we were in Hawaii. I was constantly taking pictures, and he eventually learned to muster up a few silly grins! I just wanted to share a few of his darling faces with you. Each of these pictures happened one after another!

Just One Stair...

"I fell from the bottom stair!" That is the story Alayna is telling. Yes, that is a broken arm! This unfortunate accident happened because we were in the middle of putting up decorations around the house and a few were left on the steps! When the lights were out and she ventured down the stairwell she tripped and the rest is history. She was a trouper and very brave. It took me a little while to believe her “drama” as we like to call it! But eventually I decided it was abnormal for our two year old to sit still and only use one hand. Jared and I took her to the doctor and the rest is history!
So for the next week we get a broken arm in a cute Charlie Brown sling. Then for the following 4 – 6 weeks she will have a hard cast. She has already decided it will be “hot pink!” It is amazing to watch her go on living her life as normal. She has had to adapt to going potty, eating and many other things. The funny moment was this morning where she attempted to put on her slippers. She placed one Winnie the Pooh slipper on and then I saw the other slipper flying across the room. I asked her what the problem was and she said, “I have only one arm I am Frustrated!” I managed to hold in my complete approval of word choice and expression of feelings. I knelt down to help her when she said, “I want to do it!” I have a feeling the next few weeks are going to be filled with extra independence and a little patience! Wish us luck.

Aloha!

When can I come back? That is the first question I asked myself as I looked out our condo window! I think the last ten days have truly been a dream. It was absolutely delightful. From the sights, smells, water, plants, etc. It was amazing. Hawaii is a fun stop for any type of group. We had my grandparents, (ages 80 and 86 years old), my parents, (50's) my sister and I, and our two babies, (3 months and 6 months old). We were a odd mix matched group, but that didn't stop us there. We did the high adventure and neigther age group stopped us from any activity. We did so much, and we have so much to do when we go back. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. It was wonderful. Thanks Dad for such a fantastic trip!

...just enjoy my pictures until you get a turn to go....Mahalo!

Happy Halloween!

Here are a few pictures of our past few activities. Enjoy!

Jacob...

Jacob is growing in more ways than one. He has successfully become a very chubby baby! We weighed him the other day and he was around 18 pounds at 5 months old!! I can't believe this! What a chubby boy! (Side note: Alayna only weighed 19 lbs at 1 year old!!!) We have truly enjoyed each little roll and chub. We think he looks like marshmallows stacked on top of each other. He has successfully accomplished rolling over! He only did it one or two times, and then one day he just kept rolling and rolling. He gets where he wants now! Except that he has quickly learned that the tummy is not the place he wants to be! So he just has to fix it by rolling again. He has also accomplished the "eating his toes" development step. I learned that if I leave his pants off, the toes go straight to his mouth! Alayna has enjoyed relearning all of these developmental skills again, just like Jacob. (See Picture below!) Jacob is celebrating, because he loves to eat! We first started him out with rice cereal, but that does not satisfy this hungry little guy. He celebrates when he gets pears, peas, squash or sweet potatoes…but green beans he can do with out! What a delight it is to see him be so happy and satisfied! He truly is a sweet little guy! We are sure glad he came to our family.

Potty Training...

Alayna is on to her second week of potty training! Meaning no more diapers! Celebration…accomplishment…indeed!! As all mothers know the worry and wonder that fills your mind each time you leave the house! I feel like bathrooms are just not close enough when you desperately need one. So far she has done very well. (I'm still crossing my fingers thought!) I have exhausted my creativity resources over the past few months, but it seems to be "sticking" now. Thanks to $1.37 smiley face stickers from Wal-Mart and a Potty Present bag (It holds surprise items, treats, toys, stickers, etc.)! It's amazing what a little color will do to excite a child. I have heard recently from several different sources, that there truly is no reason to even worry about potty training because there has yet to be a ten year old that is not potty trained. Well, I was thinking if people didn't ask in such a way… "Is she potty trained yet? Oh…she's not…she's so bright, I'm surprised!" Then I really wouldn't have to feel pressure to have my daughter potty trained. But all joking aside it truly has been blissful to have her feel so proud of herself and say, "Mommy, I am giving all my diapers to Jake today… I don't need them I'm a big girl now…I just wear my underwear!" I believe she is feeling very accomplished.

Celebration...

Now, here is the big CELEBRATION!!! Jared has accomplished his Doctoral Project for Physical Therapy school. He has passed with flying colors and a round of applause from his classmates and professors. GOOD JOB! WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!! He has worked on this doctoral project for longer than 200 + hours over the passed month or so. He completed this portion of his 3 year doctoral degree just yesterday. We celebrated last night this amazing accomplishment by going out to dinner with his family and we will be hosting another party next Monday for others to share in his joy! Now, I must explain…He will be finished with his course work school classes come this December. Then he has to complete two internships, one in California from January –March then another in Salt Lake City from March to the end of April. Then he will be graduating with a diploma in his hands on April 30, 2008! With high hopes to be employed and ready to go! Basically he's now earned the doctor (D) part of his degree (DPT), now he just needs to finish the rest of the physical therapy (PT) part. He just needs the rest of this semester and internships in the spring, and then he graduates with his DPT in May.

Alayna said to him, "Thank you Daddy, I'm proud of you!" I also told her to call him "Doctor Daddy!" She said it and just laughed saying… "You're not my 'Doctor' daddy!" We are so very proud of all his time and effort spent on succeeding so well in school. He has magnified his talents and has been blessed for doing so. I new it was official when Jared said, "They can't take it away from me…I'm done…I never have to do anything with this again! Yeah!"

I can't believe that our three years of school is winding down to the end. It feels just like a few months ago we just started this three year journey in life. It's amazing how we can grow and learn so much no matter where we are living. What a joy. Thank you for enduring such a long email of accomplishments and celebrations. I felt we had all individually accomplished so very much and I wanted to share it with you!