Christmas Through Jared's Eyes

Christmas is Jared's favorite time of year. At 11 years old, most kids are well past the Christmas magic phase, but Jared still "believes." Every day he enthusiastically asks me if "Christmas tomorrow?" This morning when I woke up he had taken out every present under the tree and had put them in piles on the couch. He wears a Santa hat to school every day. Plugging in the Christmas lights outside and on the tree seems to have evolved into his responsibility. If someone is arguing or unhappy, Jared is the first to say, "We a happy family." He reminds us continually that Christmas is about peace. He does constant little acts of service daily; making his sister's bed, setting the table without being asked, helping his sister clean the kitchen, and of course his ever constant hugs and kisses. He makes us remember that the best gift is giving of ourselves. Jared brings the light of Christ and peace of the season into our home. Some people only see that Jared is handicapped, but all we see is love. We are so grateful for his presence in our family!
Pictures by BAP photography www.brittanyandersonphotography.com

Counting Blessings

I am counting my blessings today. Melissa, Scott, Jared and I went to Zion's National Park Saturday and as we were paying the admission fee, somehow, Melissa's wallet was left on the bench there outside the station. In it were all her credit cards and money. We didn't know it was missing for about 3 hours. I was just sure that it would be gone or at least missing the cards and money, but lo and behold some honest and kind person had turned it in with everything still in it! I am so grateful to that person and it is reassuring that there are still many good and honest people in the world!

Graduation

My darling son is 18. Matt graduated from seminary last night and graduates from high school next week! He has always been such a delight to his father and me. How did we ever get so old? I will now have 3 children in college! Thanks Aly for the cute pictures!

Things I Love about My Children

Whitney-provides comic relief in our family with her sometimes "wicked humor." I so appreciate her constant support and her "mafia type" loyalty. It is nice to know that she will drop everything and go with me, even on boring errands and that always makes them more fun!
She is a "foodie" like me so we can explore culinary delights together!

Melissa-makes me so proud of her solid decisions and righteous desires; marrying a worthy young man in the Salt Lake Temple being the most recent! Her "can do" attitude makes any job or project seem doable! Her willingness to help with her siblings and her parents has been a joy! Melissa makes cooking fun instead of a chore!

Matt-has always had the nickname "Angel Boy". He has earned that with his cheerful disposition and helpful attitude at all times. He also makes good, solid decisions that are only slightly influenced by excesses of testosterone. I admire his steadiness and thoughtfulness in the gospel. His taste in music is very eclectic; from T-Pain, Louie Armstrong, the Doobie Brothers, to Pavorati! I love to watch him C-walk and any other dancing! He is trying out for Mr. Timpview.

Garrett-is my great big teddybear, literally! He is always ready with a hug when you need one. He generally has a cheerful disposition and really enjoys being around people. Diplomacy is very difficult for Garrett, but he tries so hard. He is an avid reader; he isn't easily stumped on spelling or definitions. If he doesn't know it he can probably make one up.

Amanda-my little estrogenic diva! I love all her energy and that she dances everywhere she goes. She loves to read almost as much as I do and still reads her scriptures every night before bed. She loves being social and is a very loyal friend! This girl is always on the lookout for the "next big thing." Being a good example to her friends has always been important to her.

Jared-is a constant source of delight to me and the whole family! He has the funniest facial expressions and does a great booty shake! He always says "We a happy family" even when the rest of us are not feeling it.

Melissa's shower is on Thurs., Nov. 29th!!! Yea!! She also had a wonderful shower given for her by her great Aunt Rachel, Cousins Aly, Brittany and Grandma Eddington.

Jared baptized!

New Fam Pictures

My Cute Kids
The Family
Garrett, Jared, Melissa, Whitney, Amanda, and Matthew

These are my girls: Left to right, Melissa, Leslie, Whitney, and Amanda!