We have all learned over the past year, drawing from our experiences, and becoming closer to our Father in Heaven. Christmas always makes me think of what I have to offer him, he who has given me so much. I am amazed all the time by the love he offers me and my family, his tender mercies, and the life lessons he gives, always at the times we need them most. I am so very thankful.
I am starting with Calvin, 9, he has made such changes, and great strides in school and in his day to day challenges. He is a great kid, determined and unafraid to meet each challenge head on, mastering each thing one at a time, and moving on to the next. He has a great sense of humor, works hard in school, and I am pretty sure he is better at surfing the web than I am. We rejoice in all that he has accomplished in school, scouting, and swimming. A gentler soul I haven't met, Calvin is a real joy in our home.
Jonah, 12, receiving the priesthood, and beginning the teen years with bright eyes and excitement. He played football this year, loved it, he is his fathers son, loving hunting, sports, and everything, knife, gun, or arrow. He played center on his team, was nick named 'The Butcher' for his ability to tackle kids twice his size. I worried for him at first, but it was for nothing, he is one tough kid. Jonah is helpful, active, smart, and we are thankful to have him!
Sicily, 14, is dancing her way through each day, going to seminary, choir, mutual, and just finishing the cultural celebration for the Boise Temple, she has been on the go for months. She has terrific friends, loves to read, sing, and plays the piano. We are always amazed by her, she is great to laugh and cry with, a good cook, a help to her sister, and attracting boys.... Tender of heart, her smile sparkles from her eyes, she is always ready to hug, she's a keeper.
Jaden,17, and her power chair have been into everything. She is making up for lost time, keeping us on our toes. She has had a few health scares this year, but over all is doing well. She loves to swim, work on her school (through and online charter). She still has a healthy love for babies, helping anyone with a bay every chance she can get. She loves to paint, sing songs, and dance. She plays her own songs on the piano, and loves church. She is eager to see the antics of the chickens or cuddle a baby bunny, and not above stealing choice food items off your lunch plate. We simply cannot a imagine a life without her in it.
Rannon, 18, has been busy, working, helping out the family and his grandparents. He has traveled a bit, and reading long books about C++ and just about anything to do with math and science. He is prepping for classes and his mission. He is quiet until you get to know him, reserved, and ever thoughtful. His place in our family is full of purpose and compassion, he is funny, wonderful, and an asset to our family.
James, 22, is home at long last. It felt like forever he was gone, and now that he is home it is as if he never left. He is already gearing up for school, and we enjoy having him home. Quick to laugh, to help, to pray, James has always a welcome source of laughter, confidence, encouragement, and Jaden has finally stopped asking when he will come home, so that is terrific too. He is Calvin's helper/buddy, my to his younger brothers delight. It is good for both of them, I am thankful everyday for James in my life.
Quint Has been a sweetheart, building shelves, rabbit hutches, chicken coupes, garden boxes, and compost bins. He is a proud worm farmer, and looking forward to free fishing all summer. For now he is content planning his hunting a fishing trips with the boys.
I have been crazy busy, crocheting, sewing, drawing, writing, and driving all over the place, and possibly, getting shorter. I can't put into words the peace that has entered my heart, having my children close this Christmas. I have secretly watched each of them, knowing how soon they will begin to leave home. The idea is so real to me now, as it never was before, when I was elbow deep in laundry and dirty diapers.
I am pleased with each of them, and while I am happy for them to go out into the world, part of me longs for the days when they were all small; when their hurts were healed with a kiss, and their greatest dreams were no bigger than our back yard.
I am thankful to all the help my Father in Heaven has given me, thankful my children have the courage to dream, and hope that we all will continue to reach for our dreams; for hope to swell in our hearts, and an eye single the future that our Father in Heaven has in store for us.
