Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas

When I think back on this year I think of all of the blessings we have enjoyed. We settled into our new home, and our new ward. We happily welcomed our third baby into the world, and have had so much fun watching him grow.

Olivia has grown so much, both in height and in skill.

She still works hard practicing her violin almost every day, and she knows that when its time to learn a new song that she can do hard things!  The other day during practice she said "Mom, want to hear a song that I think I can play?" I enthusiastically said yes, and then she played note by note "I am a child of God". She did it completely by ear, I have never taught her the song. How happy is the parent who sees their child's moments of creativity. Liv has a zest for life. She loves her friends, dress ups, reading, time with Dad, and playing with her little brothers.  

She is truly a joy to our life, and such a great helper around the house.

Warner is our little family clown. He keeps us all laughing with his new phrases, his funny scowly faces and his general energy. He is still so sweet, but has experimented a lot this year with being naughty. Luckily Santa Clause has mercy on two year olds. He loves throwing balls, usually into a hoop, but anything will do. He also loves trains, drawing snakes, playing games in the car, and singing. He is at such a cute age. I wish I could freeze him. 

Buster continues to brighten all of our lives with his smiles, giggles, and scoots. He is such a doll and keeps us all happy and entertained. My favorite part of the day is going to get him in the morning. He is usually awake quietly playing in his room. When I walk in he gives me a grin that melts my heart. He loves watching his older siblings run around, doing acrobatics with Dad, eating, grabbing his feet, and being squished by Mom. 

Jaron- Is feels lately like he's getting old. He says he has grey hairs and isn't quite who he used to be. But I don't believe it one bit, when I get the chance to watch him play basketball, ride his skateboard, or surf waves. He is every bit as on top of his game as ever I would say. I'm so grateful to him for his hard work this year, both at work as a civil engineer, at his calling as ward mission leader, and at home as father and husband. He is the best part of my life and I'm so grateful for all the love and help he gives me. 

Me- Well, most of you know what I'm up to because you check the blog. Some fun things that I did this year, was, well have a baby. but also I have been playing my violin a lot more. I had the special opportunity this year to play the violin at a performance of Handel's Messiah that our stake put on. It was such a neat experience, and I hope I can do it again next year. I'm enjoying working in primary. I love learning from the kids in primary. I feel so blessed to be a mother of three beautiful children (most of the time).

We are so grateful for all of our family and friends. We are who we are because of them. Merry Christmas to you all. 

Yes we are odd. Why the bananas? I have no idea, other than the fact that it was making the kids smile. Why is Liv cut off? Well, the gentle wind shifted our not so sturdy tri-pod ever so slightly. That is what we get for taking our own family photos.

Merry Christmas to all!

LOVE,

Jaron (32) Jess (28) Olivia (5) Warner (2) and Baby Buster (6 months)