Christmastime 2011
Our Family and Friends,
Another year comes around with joy and humor, trials and experiences. Much has changed through growth and life’s processes. At the same time we experience sameness through our everyday routines: work, school, soccer games, orchestra performances, beach trips and family bike rides. And now another year draws to a close and we love to wrap it with a bow as we focus on the birth of our Savior and His gift of life to each of us. We love life with its ups and downs.
Albert continues to work for Nova Management in Monterey doing human resources, recruiting, staffing and government contracting. I am ever grateful that he has a good job and works hard to provide for our family. As Micah stands at the balcony deck waving goodbye every morning with tears in his little two year old eyes, I futilely remind him that we are blessed that Daddy has a job and can take care of us. Albert continues to work on his Ph. D. I love that he has a love for continuous learning. When he’s not working or doing school work, he finds time to play soccer, basketball and weight training. I am so very grateful for Albert and his love and support and leadership in our home.
I am finally finished with my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English. I have completed all the classes, that is, and my student teaching will complete both my B.S. and my credential program. With mixed feelings I have put that student teaching off for a later time so that I can continue to stay home full time with my two year old. He, and all my family, is my first priority, much higher than anything else. My days start with running and Insanity workouts, getting kids ready for school and their various activities, outings with Micah, running our household, music (flute and piano), my ward callings, blogging here and there and enjoying the limited quiet moments with Albert. It’s just a good thing that children come one at a time and not all at once! I feel I am continuously being stretched but grateful that I can stretch. (: Being a parent is no easy task and this past year has proven that to its fullest on many levels. I am grateful to be a wife and mother.
The children are growing way too fast. I’m sure they must be aging more quickly then me when I see the astonished looks of people when I tell them I have four children and my oldest is fifteen. Jacen is a sophomore in high school and earned a 4.0 GPA his first report card with a weighty class schedule. He is preparing for his Eagle project and a combined humanitarian aid trip to Fiji in the summer. He is collecting children’s books to take and set up a library for the children there to use and will also be building bathrooms in homes where there is currently no indoor bathroom. He is an outstanding student and great reader. He wakes up each morning at 5:15 to get ready for seminary (an early morning scripture class). As much as he loves his sleep, he wakes up on his own each morning and appreciates starting his day in that manner. It is an exemplary behavior for a teenager. Linnea is eleven and in middle school. She is such a great sister and daughter. She is a peacemaker and always looking for ways to help. She loves her family and friends, having her own room!, playing her violin and loves crocheting. She is currently crocheting small soft blankets to donate to the local Animal Shelter for the kitties. She is a great student achieving the honor roll. Gavin is seven and in second grade. He loves anything active including sports. He plays every sport that he possibly can and excels at each of them. He is happy and a good student and excited to turn eight and be baptized in March. He loves to read his scriptures and talk to people about Jesus Christ. Micah is two and loves life! It’s so fun to see the world and life through the eyes of a two year old wherein everything is new and exciting and every outing is an adventure. I want to be more like him and find joy in every little thing.
We hope your year has been full of joy and peace and we cherish our friendship with you. We think of you often.
Merry Christmas!
With Love,
Albert, Jaime, Jacen, Linnea, Gavin and Micah
