The Christmas Letter that Didn't Get Written

Christmas Break has started and I am beyond excited to have my family home and snuggled with me for the next two weeks. This December has been crazier than most, but I bet everyone could say that. It seems to be the pace of our lives these days. As I kept slipping behind on my to do list, I finally gave up on 'doing it all' and skipped a Christmas letter to our family and friends. All our attempts at a family picture failed miserably and time just ran out to try again. Christmas picture fail #1: Lila manages to pull down her headband without anyone noticing. Brady's face is also worth noting.Fail #17: Lainey's crazy smile.
Fail #923: Lainey's crazy eyes. Brady's smile...

It was the one thing that just didn't get done in time. Tyler and I talked and we both felt that nothing much happened in 2010 so we wouldn't have much to say in a letter anyway.


Some time passed after this conversation, and Tyler said, "Well, Lila was born."


"Yeah, that is big news!" And oh, how we love that little angel!! She's 7 months old now and chows down on baby food and crawls (YIKES!) all over the house. I want to say she's a serious little thing, but that's not exactly true. She is chatty and playful, but reserves her smiles for those she loves most (Mommy, Daddy, Lainey and Brady!). She is a joy and a wonderful baby despite her reluctant smiles. My heart could burst from love for this little cutie!
And I had to include this one, because it was the best smile we got out of her at our little photo op:

So after Tyler's comment, my brain kept clicking along. And I said, "Tyler, your new job is big news."


Yep, Tyler got a promotion. There were a few months there where we didn't know what was happening and a move seemed likely for us. We've been in the 'burg for 2 and a half years and that seems to be our average length of stay in one place. An opportunity for Tyler to become publisher/president of the local paper he's been working at came up and he got the job! We're excited to stay and plan to buy/build a home here in 2011. Between his new job and his calling in the Young Men's group at church, we don't get to see him at home as much as we'd like, but we're learning to cope...


And Tyler reminded me that along with a new baby this year, I got a new calling as Primary President that has kept me extremely busy. To say that I am humbled by this responsibility is a gargantuan understatement. I tried to find a cute picture from the Santa Breakfast we (the Primary) put on, but every shot I'm in, I'm a blur because I was in constant motion. I've served in the Primary in this ward before Lila was born, so I know these kids and LOVE them dearly.


And since we're gushing about my family, I better mention my other 2 little darlings.


Lainey is in 1st grade. She is a fantastic reader and a great student. At her parent teacher conference her teacher said she could go a whole day without hearing Lainey say a single word. I don't know that that's true anymore because I've spent some time in the classroom which has helped her warm up some and her amazing teacher has really helped Lainey come out of her shell more. She LOVES to draw and write. My goodness, the girl has written on so much paper that she's probably single handedly used up a whole forest of trees! Her stories are always creative, cute, and hilarious! And recently her artwork was selected to hang in a local art gallery. She felt so special! She is growing up so fast and I love spending time with her older self, but miss dearly her days as my little girl!


Brady has only 9 or 10 more months until kindergarten. We're very excited to have him off to school. We've been doing a preschool co-op this year and I have had such fun watching him when he interacts positively with his friends. Of course, watching him interact negatively takes its toll as well. Unlike Lainey at this age, he wants to do everything himself. It can sometimes take him a long time to get it done, but he doesn't want help. He is very meticulous about his artwork and always spends time on the smallest details. Since this isn't a letter, but a blog post, I'm going to be more honest than I would a letter. Brady has been challenging this year and he continues to be. If you know any ways to motivate a four year old besides normal methods (bribes, loss of privileges, fear, positive encouragement, etc.) PLEASE let me know. I'm hoping to understand him better in 2011. I love him dearly and his spontaneous hugs and kisses when he's happy are a delight!


So 2010 wasn't as uneventful as we initially thought, I suppose. We are, as always, mindful of how we've been blessed this year. Wow. It's overwhelming just thinking about the numerous blessings we've received. We are thankful for this wonderful life we've been given. Can't wait to spend this holiday break reveling in it!!!!

Merry Christmas!