Hello Friends, Considering the alternatives in this world, we have been truly blessed this year. Greg has a good job, I am still able to stay home with the kids, and we have an ample roof over our heads. For the most part, we have enjoyed good health and have had many opportunities which have strengthened us. You might describe this year as character building for us. We have tried to simplify our lives and with all the work that has needed to be done around here, our boys have had many occasions to work hard and they have enjoyed it so much! I have no doubt my boys would have made excellent pioneers or farmers. They love the dirt, working with tools, and mostly, working with their dad. They all want to be as strong and as smart as he is one day.
We were all proud of Greg this year as he trained for and ran his first marathon in May. As the weather improved, his training schedule fell victim to the yard work schedule. He did run the Ragnar Relay again this year and I am happy to report that we got the concrete poured, the sprinkling system in, and the sod was laid a few weeks ago just before the snow came. Now, on to the next project!
Seth (10) is enjoying Cub Scouts, soccer, and is currently enrolled in a Spanish class that he loves. He went on his first deer hunt this year, hiked to Emerald Lake (14 miles roundtrip), and carried a 22-pound pack on our backpacking trip. Isaac (6) also loves soccer, playing with his neighborhood friends, and began kindergarten in a French immersion program. I find him slipping into French occasionally without even knowing it. I’m just trying to keep my Spanish and French straight. I know just enough of both to make it very confusing for me. Joseph (4) is in preschool with his cousin and loves playing with his best friends – his brothers. So as not to be left out, he makes up his own language which none of us understands. Michael (2) is our independent little man who knows how to get whatever he needs or wants. He is the sweetest thing most of the time and thinks he is one of the big boys. Who knew raising a boy could be so easy?
I took a trip to NYC with my sisters this year, started a Cub Scout pack, grew a small garden, and pretty much tried to do as much outside with my boys as possible: hiking, biking, backpacking, swimming, river running, basically anything to make sure they are good and tired every night. Keeping ahead of these boys (or at least even) continues to be my goal and my motivation for staying in shape.
This year has certainly had its challenges, but as we focus on the good, we are reminded of how fortunate we are. We are grateful for the things we are learning and the strength they have provided our little family. We know next year will have additional challenges in store for us and we look forward to facing them with the support of our family and friends. Thank you for being an important part of our lives. We look forward to celebrating the Christmas season as we remember our Savior. He is the reason we rejoice!
Merry Christmas!
Love, Katie and The Boys
