Merry Christmas

from our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas:

Dear Family and Friends,

 

We hope life is treating you well and you are filled with much happiness at this time of year as well as all year long.  In case you are not a regular stalker of my Facebook page or blog, here is a snapshot of our family and how we are.

 

Travis is till in the Uranium business.  He loves it and will probably continue to do it for longer than we had originally planned.  It keeps him away from home traveling perhaps more than we would like, but it seems to work for our family.  He has avoided any major church responsibilities by being a dual resident of Pennsylvania and Wyoming.  Likewise his membership on the board of our local library was graciously extended to me so we could act as one voting board member for the times he is out of town.  He is still wonderful, doting, amazing and perfect in every way.

 

I, Mary, am still ridiculous, goofy, filled with tons of energy and assuming way more responsibility than any one person reasonably should.  But I don't like being bored and when all the kids started school two years ago, I reasoned I would have more free time.  Not so, I'm not sure how, but it just isn't.  But alas don't worry about me, I still find time for tons of reading, girls' nights out and assorted shenanigans.

 

Isabella, 11, is in middle school.  She is sweet and kind and helpful and so far really pretty amazing considering in less than three months she will be 12.  She is so different than Travis or I, but a wonderful mix of all the best of us.  She's not a fan of sports - despite my gentle persuasion - and instead prefers the Performing Arts.  She is pretty girly and tons of fun to have around.

 

Jonathin, 9, is our foster child.  Many didn't know but Travis and I became registered resource parents for the county a little over two years ago.  Jonathin has been with us for over a year, lots of you have wondered and even asked about the recurring little boy in our family photos.  We really can't say much about him, but he is pretty amazing too.  It's been so much fun having him with us and everyone will be filled with mixed emotions when it is time for him to go.

 

Wyatt, 9, is so easy, like since the day he was born never been a difficult child - easy.  He is quiet but happy, rarely causes trouble - but when he does look out.  He is great at school, church and home and makes life easier for me all the time.  When Travis is gone, he takes his "man of the house" responsibilities very seriously and will act as my protector.  It's pretty adorable.

 

Issac, 8, got baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We are so proud.  He continues to be happy, playful and very energetic.  These bouts of energy come even at night when he can be found randomly walking around the house while sleeping, even occasionally peeing where I'd rather he didn't.  Issac is very tender too and he makes for a super empathetic little boy despite his outward craziness.   

 

Dakota, 6, is my silly boy.  No longer a baby, but a little spoiled, he tries to milk his youngest status for all it is worth.  He is often found trying to sneak into my bed when Daddy is out of town.  Late at night when he gets the "winkies", he can be the funniest boy ever.  He is typical red head and so runs a little hot and cold.  Generally he likes to be happy though and each time he is, I am grateful because his not happy can really be a parent's nightmare.  See the picture above for proof.

 

We really have found much happiness this year, even during challenging times.  We can't thank you all enough for all your love, support and help that you have given us throughout the years.  We feel lucky to have such a wonderful network of friends and family.  We think each of you are amazing and feel blessed by the ways you have helped shape who our family has been and who we will become by your positive influence. 

 

Happy Holidays! 

Mary and family