Our Three Sons and Us: December 2008

What was I saying before? Oh yeah, it was something about me having all my shopping done early, how I was going to get to relax through the Christmas season and that it was all down hill from here? Yeah Right!! I totally should have known better. To say the least I have had a ton more to do than I thought and so here we are less than a week away and I am not fully ready for Christmas. I still have to do my baking for the neighbors and I wanted to send out Christmas cards. I have finally coincided the cards and have opted for doing a letter on my blog. I hope that everyone is not too disappointed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Greeting to all from the North Pole. No, not really of course it just fells like it considering it is like 3 degrees outside. We don't have very much snow right now, in fact I think that Las Vegas has more than we do, but it is sure COLD! However it does feel very Christmassy so that is good I guess. I just am hoping and hoping that it will snow on Christmas day. That would be soo cool.

(Since starting this we have recieved 10 inches and they say it will definatly snow on Christmas!)

Here is how we are all doing right now:

Ryan is still working for Mountain Shadows Cabinet and Mill in Wellsville, Utah. He really loves woodworking and has learned so much since he started working there. Ryan has always been handy but his skills as a carpenter are now professional and I have defiantly been able to benefit from that. I just have a list a mile long of furniture that I want him to build. He tells me that the day that he can woodwork as a hobby that is when I will get my stuff. Either way, he is still a hard working, devoted husband always looking for ways too better our lives.

Hayden is now 8 years old and is in the 2nd grade at Millville Elementary. Our oldest son is growing up so fast. This year in school has been his best yet. He is so smart and is really learning how to apply himself. His reading has come leaps and bounds from last year and I couldn't be more proud of his effort. He played his 3rd season of baseball this summer and he really enjoys it. Hayden is also our science kid, every book he checks out at the library are about things like the weather, robots, space or the earth. He is constantly asking questions about the world around us and has me stumped on a regular basis. He is a really great kid.

Porter is 5 years old and started Kindergarten this year. Porter loves school and is having so much fun. His best friend, Mairyn, is in his class and they love going to school together. They are so cute together being the tallest and the shortest ones in the class. He is still very short but it adds to his charm. When he walks down the hall everyone knows him. They all shout out "Hey Porter" and he'll walk by giving them all high fives and head nods. He is pretty cool stuff. He also played t-ball this year and he also tried out soccer. He draws so much attention and he loves every minute of it. Porter is one cool dude.

Owen is 3 years old already and is no longer a baby. As much as I try to keep him that way he just keeps on growing. He is in pre-school this year and gets to take the bus which he loves. He has the same teacher that Porter had last year and we just love her, he is learning a ton. He is our most mischievous child by far and away. He has a little friend that comes over and when they are together watch out. You know you are in trouble when they are the quietest. Usually their mischief involves writing utensils. For example, yesterday my friend walked in on them drawing all over the carpet with a marker, after they had shut and locked the door. They knew what they were up too. For all his trouble he knows how to melt my heart in a second and works his charm any chance he gets. Owen keeps me on my toes and lovin' every minute.

As for myself. I keep pretty busy. I just went back to work a month ago at the USU barber shop on the Utah State University campus and I am really enjoying it. Being on campus has made me realize that yes, I am every bit of 30 (they all look so young). But I'm hoping that the youthfulness will rub off and before long I will just blend in with the students. I am also a den mother for Hayden's scout group and am really loving that. I tried to be a den mother when Hayden was a baby but had to quit because I couldn't handle all those boys. Not a problem now. I've gotten some experience I guess. I love to spend time with friends and family and had a great visit to Arizona this summer. It was wonderful to see everyone.

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

I also want to take a second to say thank you to my secret Santa. You know who you are even if I don't and I want you to know that your gift brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart and it couldn't have come at a better time. Thank You!!

I guess that I am into Christmas this year. Last year not so much but this year I am really excited. I can't wait for the kids to open their presents. They are going to freak out!! The boys are really looking forward to it too. I guess that would be a understatement for Hayden. He just can't wait. He can't stop asking me what will happen if he can't sleep or if he wakes up too soon on Christmas morning. He is really worried of catching Santa in the act. Last night he asked me if he would hear the reindeer's bells. Such a sweet boy. It breaks my heart that this might be the last year for the magic. How do I keep his innocence?

We are staying home this year which is really sad but I am kinda excited for that too. We have only had one Christmas at home since we moved up here and I am ready to start some of our own traditions. It will be so nice not to have to pack up all the presents and lug them down to Arizona. Don't get me wrong I love spending Christmas with family. That's the whole point isn't it but it will be relaxing to be on our own this year. I will miss everyone though.

I'm glad that I am done with my shopping and that I can concentrate on stress free Christmas Cards and making holiday treats for my neighbors. The past few years it has been such a stress but this year I'm totally at ease and really am enjoying the season. I get to go to a cookie party next Friday...maybe I will just recycle the cookies I get and then I won't even have to bake. This will be the best Christmas ever!