Merry Christmas!!

Happiest of Holidays to all our family and friends!

We hope you are happily anticipating a few days of Christmas bliss with your family! We sure are! We are counting down the moments until our kiddos are out of school and free to play! Ya hoo!

Alrighty---here is our attempt to go green---and our little letter posted rather than printed.

Our youngest member of our team is Ms. Taliana coming in at a fabulous 3. This girley is ALL about pink! Anything that is pink catches her eye--and a truly happy day in her world is when we have somehow aligned all clothing and accessories in some shade of pink. Pink is an attitude people---and this chick has it!! She is full of joy, constantly says things to melt our hearts, gives lots of hugs and occasionally spends time in the corner pouting (which may also be related to that pink attitude!)

Kyden is in Kindergarten this year and is becoming a terrific reader! He is at that great age in which he sees a need and fills it--going out of his way to help his siblings. He is a super little soccer player, loves to rough house with his brother and constantly finds something to laugh about. He is devoted to routine, and will remind mommy if anything is askew. He often starts his thoughts with "I have a great idea..." which sentence often ends with some fabulous treat or activity for the family!

Kalissa our 9 year old girley is a delight! She is a great middle kiddo who knows how to play wildly with the little guys and blend with the older kids. She is an avid reader, talented student, great singer and quite the cook. If you ever want a report on the happenings at school, this is the girl to ask. We get several reports daily on the comings and goings of 4th grade---recess, lunch, commentary and etc. She is a tough soccer kiddo and medaled in each swimming event in which she competed this summer!

Dallin continues to amaze us with his intellectual prowess (this line will make him smile at least ;) He is definitely a smart kid and hears it on every side in all classes that he attends. We worried that maybe he would take the brunt of 'know it all' comments, but apparently everyone wants to be on his team---if there are educational points in store. Lucky break for him. He turned 12 and transitioned from Primary to the Young Mens program at a run! He is a terrific scout, soccer player and plays the piano with great expression.

McKendra is nearly 14 --and wears her teen age expertly. She has a great eye for design, mixing and matching clothes and accessories (and would you believe the school she attends has a uniform!) She has yet to get a B on a report card. In fact (I guess this is the forum for out and out bragging) she was named 7th grade student of the year, receiving accolades and honors in nearly every class. If that wasn't enough---she plays the piano like a dream, swims fast and is a great older sister. Now if she would just get to bed at a decent time...

Me???----Kim...runs like crazy trying to keep all the plates we have thrown into the air spinning! This year, I coached Kalissa's soccer team--which made me nervous, but was a blast. I read aloud in all my kiddos classrooms every week to relieve the teachers for a moment and entertain the kids. I work with the young women in the stake and had a great time at girl's camp, and still was able to help with the primary singing program (best of both worlds!) I try to maintain some assemblance of order and nutrition for my little troop. (key word: TRY) My favorite pastimes are running or walking with my hubby---which often turns out to be our few secure moments of conversation! Woo-hoo!

That cute Dan boy is still happily immersed in the news. He manages to balance being a terrific dad (even going on field trips!), directing the choir, and spontaneously planning a vacation for our family. He wants me to mention he has more gray hairs, but what I think I'll say--is he really makes fabulous cinnamon rolls and has gotten into the habit of making Sunday dinner in my absence! No wonder I like that guy!

We delight in hearing of your comings and goings and receiving updates of you and yours. Like you, we are taking life at a run, and when we occasionally slow down to drink in our surroundings we are overwhelmed at the good blessings and terrific people that we know and consequently love! As always we attribute all good things to our dear Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate! We have witnessed the miracles in so many ways and happily shout--He Lives! Merry Christmas to you and yours!