Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas letter 2012


Dearest Family and Friends---                                                                                       Christmas 2012

We hope this letter finds you each happy, healthy and ready to make 2013 the best year it can possibly be.  This year has definitely been one of growth and change for our cute family.   They say, “things turn out best for those who make the best out of the way things turn out!” -----  My kids have positively kept us about making lemonade out of life’s lemons, this year!!! 

Ashlyn has had an incredible year.  She got married in August!  She is a full-time student at UVU majoring in Theatre Education.  She works as a nanny for 7 children ranging in age from 3 months- 11 years.  She is also helping to direct the musical at the local Junior High, and she teaches theatre classes at the Scera Theatre, here in Orem.  She is on the move, as always, and happily married to the man of her dreams.  Jordan teaches Tongan at the MTC, is the LaCrosse coach at Orem High School and attends BYU full-time.  He is dedicated not only to his studies but, to his family.  He is adored by us all.   Jordan has been the “sweetest” addition to our family this year!!

Adam is a senior in high school.  This year, he has enjoyed playing on both the golf and tennis teams.  He is currently experiencing an honors physics class and seems to have a great mind for science.   He loves getting Slurpees with Garrett, playing sports and hanging out with friends.   Adam loves to golf anytime, anywhere and really enjoys playing LaCrosse with Jordan.  And, he has loved becoming a brother-in-law!  Getting a driver’s license this year, has definitely made life more fun.  And, sharing a car with Mom, is even better! 

Amber is a sophomore and is playing on both the basketball and softball teams.  She is a great leader, full of energy and loves to help.  Amber enjoys school and manages to stay caught up on her homework while juggling games and practices at the same time.    This year, Amber has enjoyed learning how to drive.  And, on February 2nd, she will be ready to get her driver’s license.  Yes, you did the math right----that will be 3 drivers and 1 minivan!   (Funny---my Mother’s Day gift was a bike!!!  That was subtle, kids!)  Wish us luck!!

Garrett is 10 years old and in the 5th grade.  He always has a smile and a great attitude about life.  In October, his class learned about electricity and made haunted houses that had real lights.  He did a great job!  He has also enjoyed playing some city league sports like soccer, basketball and baseball.  He is a great team player and his attitude is a “plus” for any team.  Garrett loves to do anything with Adam, play with his friends, and he loves being outside.  Garrett has also embraced becoming a brother-in-law.  Thank goodness Garrett is NOT learning to drive this year!!!  He will have to stick with a bike for a few more years!!!

I just finished my 3rd semester at UVU in Health Education and started a blog!!  I am still cross guarding, tutoring, cleaning and working at the elementary school.  However, the nametag I wear with the most pride is that of “Mom”.  Somehow, even though I am doing a job that was divinely designed for two, I have managed to be home during the major cross-roads of each day in my kid’s life------- seeing them off for school, welcoming them home, cheering them on in their games and performances, getting them to and from scouts and other events, working on school projects, planning a wedding, and waiting up at night to find out how much fun they had or didn’t have---And that, is the real miracle of all!!!   I am thankful that the events of my life have been tailored just for me.  I am grateful to know that someone else is not only in charge, but in the details of every day.  It is finding the courage to realize that life is good, and anything that is not, He makes up the difference.  And it is “He” whose birth we celebrate this Christmas season.  It’s not about surviving….. It’s about living!!!  It’s choosing to make lemonade out of the lemons in life……..so that those around us will want to make lemonade too!!  Merry Christmas!!    

--- Much Love Debbie, Ashlyn, Jordan, Adam, Amber and Garrett  ( www.familieschange.blogspot.com)

No comments:

Post a Comment