For Your Birthday

Kennedy,


I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon our year together.  I am so proud of all you have accomplished over the past few months.  You are doing so well in school and have adjusted to all day learning.  I know you always  say your favorite part of school is hot lunch, but it is exciting to watch you read, write, and work with numbers.  You are excelling as a student and you can accomplish great things!


At home I can't tell you how much you mean to your mom and me.  You are really starting to become a big helper.  It is so important to us that you continue to take on more and more responsibility and I love that you are willing to pitch in.  You have a great chance to set an example for your younger brothers, as they want to follow your lead.  I hope you'll continue to show them that we can do hard things in our family.


Dede - you have so many talents and I hope you'll explore new opportunities to grow and learn.  I know you were a bit reluctant to start piano, but it is so fun to listen to you practice new songs.  It has shown me again that you can do anything you set your mind to.  Trust in yourself and keep working hard.  You are incredible!


I love you little girl.  You bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday.


Daddy

Not Forgotten

Last night Kennedy, Tara, and I went on a date.  Call it an early birthday present for Dede or just a good excuse to go out, but we joined with Tara's family to see the play The Forgotten Carols.  The play wasn't new to us.  Tara and I saw it 15 years ago when we were dating.  Like so many young couples it was a good chance to go out around Christmas time.  Both of us loved the play.

I don't know why it took us so long to see it again.  It was even better the second time around.  Maybe it was the chance to share the music with Kennedy.  Perhaps it was because the music has a greater impact on my life today.  Could be a magical date with the same girl over a decade later.  I don't know.

The story is simple and powerful. It reminds us that the Savior didn't just impact the world in the past.  He still impacts our lives and His message is the same today as ever.  If you haven't heard the music I hope you'll add it to your Christmas traditions.  It will certainly help you feel the Spirit of Christmas - the Spirit of Christ.

Photo of the Day: Squatter

We were putting everyone to bed tonight and when I went to close the blinds we noticed a little squatter who had set up house on our window ledge.

Anyone missing a hen?

A Night with Who?

Our annual Christmas party for the ward had a fun twist this year; it was a party for all the Whos down in Whoville. For our family it gave us the chance to dress up in fun costumes and do crazy things with our hair. I know how stupid I look in this getup. Trust me - I wasn't sure if I should show up dressed this way, but then I figured - who cares?! The party was a blast and we had a great time.

One of my favorite parts of the night was a live rendition of "The Grinch who Stole Christmas." It was replete with a narrator, live acting by the Grinch, a quartet of minstrels, and a multimedia version of the story. It truly stole the show. Everyone loved the party and Tara and I could only marvel at the amazing people we are privileged to live amongst. It was a fun way to celebrate the holiday season and to enjoy our friends and neighbors.

 

Holiday Traditions: Old and New

One thing about our family and Christmas - it is a time of traditions.  Some of them are old, like the advent calendars the kids get at the start of December.  They absolutely love getting a new chocolate each day and seeing what shape it will be.  Alex is certainly the most excited about this one.  He woke up extra early today to open the first little door.  The hard part for Alex will be only opening one door each day - he'd grab them all if Tara would let him....

A new tradition at our house this year is the Elf on the Shelf.  A friend suggested we buy the book and doll to get our kids excited about the holidays.  We opened it up tonight and the kids were hooked.  Our little elf is named Starry and everyone loves the idea of finding him each day.  Kennedy made Starry a little stocking for the fireplace and Dylan keeps talking to our new little elf.  The tradition was complete when we watched the Elf on the Shelf holiday special we DVR'd last week.  What a fun new way to have some Christmas joy!