I didn't send everyone a hard copy of our Christmas letter and picture this year because really, after you read it once, do you really keep our picture up - if you do (and your not immediate family) then you are stalker like weird. Really, I am just one of those "mothers that know best do less" so I limit the whole card mailing thing so here is my attempt to still do our annual brag and gag. Actually, I passed off this task this year to Randy because my early December was so busy with church and school stuff and he did so well, I think the job is now his, phew!
Merry Christmas Everyone,
The writing of the Christmas letter is usually done by the more talented Mom who weaves a cute theme throughout the letter and is creative in her writing, but sometimes moms get busy and dads need to pick up the slack. So here is my sorry attempt to entertain you with the White family happenings 2008.
Makenzy (1 year on Dec. 18th) has fulfilled her baby blessing promises already as she has brought much joy and happiness to both family and friends. Watching our "caboose" crawl for the first time and take her first steps is always an exciting thing. Makenzy is very possessive of her little rocking chair and throws a fit if anyone messes with her mom.
Cayleb (4 years old) finished a great season of soccer as the MVP of his team. Dad was assistant coach and felt many proud father moments living the glory days through his son. Cayleb idolizes his older brother Cayden and loves to do whatever Cayden loves to do. (That's not always a good thing). He has the best laugh and is pretty good at "trickin' ya" into giving him his way.
Madalyn (turns 8 Dec. 29th_ continues to excel in school and has been recommended by her teacher to attend some smart kids school that her dad never knew about when he was young. Madalyn's speciality is writing cute little notes to the missionaries and family members with her wonderful artsy pictures to go along with the happy message. She has also chosen to get baptized and we are very excited to share in this decision with her.
Cayden (9 years old) is all about football and Star Wars, though he dabbled in some pottery in Spring. He made me a pretty cool mug and plate. He and Cayleb are always busy building ships. Cayden remains our best pancake maker, in fact, Yvette hasn't cooked pancakes in years. About the rain, he hates it because he loves being outdoors doing stuff like burning quarters and hammering wood together. He wants to build a trap to catch the raccoons and squirrels that live in our side yard. Cayden also excels in school which makes parent conferences enjoyable.
Makayla (11 years old) is our little perfectionist. It's all about 4.0's the right outfit, and a clean house for her. She is becoming our best babysitter yet. She is always picking up the house and reminding others to do the same. (Sometimes I feel like messing up the house so we can have some kind of variety). Makayla is loving middle school and Dad cherishes the Tuesdays and Thursdays when I drive her to school. However, we were the only parents at the bus stop the first day of school - way uncool, I snapped a picture of her anyway.
As for Mom (old enough to not ask), Yvette continues to rule the house. Mom is enjoying every last moment with an infant in our home, including the little one in our bed each night. Project after project. It's about getting things done. As most of you know, Yvette started a family blog http://www.thewhitehouseattherighttime.blogspot.com/ (the white house at the right time - political pun totally intended). If you want to keep up with the happenings with the White family, that is the place.
As for me, I'm still having a blast teaching smart kids at the University of Washington Institute. The key is to stay one day ahead of them and then I look like I know what I'm doing. I'm still running and have my eyes set on the Boston Marathon in April. We miss our family yet we know that the most growth in our lives comes when we stretch ourselves and get out of our comfort zones. The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful family and although we also have our ups and downs, remembering the bigger picture keeps it all in perspective.
May you have a wonderful Christmas this year and keep Christ with you all year!
Our family Christmas 2008.
Christmas clusters - I love the magic of the morning, the anticipation of the evening. Most of all I am grateful that we believe - we really believe in the true meaning of Christmas. I am thankful that we know of and believe in Christ.
Feeding the Lego Star Wars mania - this is only one of many. I am sure I will see this ship over and over and over and over again as I pick up the pieces.
Cayden, Randy and Cayleb - those are some seriously righteous shepherds!
Randy got his running watch so he can time his pace and stuff - it's a runner's thing. He says I can use it when I run too - yeah! isn't that great because I love running - hee, hee, hee. Anyhow, I got a new camera, Nikon D-60 so I am hoping to have better pictures for my blog and albums but it is going to take me a bit to figure it out.
Madalyn's Baptism. We debated whether or not to baptize Madalyn in our home ward or with our family around, but as the dates came together it worked for us to have her baptized so our family could be in attendance. Madalyn had an absolutely awesome spiritual experience early in December. Late one evening, after she was already tucked in, she called for me to come back into her room. I thought perhaps she needed another blanket or something of the like. I wasn't prepared to have my darling 7 year old share her testimony with me. I was deeply touched that she had a personal affirmation of the Spirit - what an amazing prelude to her decision to be baptized.
Christmas Eve writing letter to Santa and Reindeer
Marlie, Madalyn and Lauren - way to work it girls!
The Brusik Bunch
More of the Brusik Bunch. The kids met up with us at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for dinner following the sealing sessions.
Despite decade breaking snowfall, we made it through and to Utah to visit family and friends for the holidays. We drove through on snow and ice through most of Washington and Oregon. We were so thankful to make it and attend my sisters own endowments, Nikki and Angie, and Ang, Walt's and Ariel's temple sealing. To say the least it was amazing! Our family is so blessed.
Marlie, Madalyn and Lauren - way to work it girls!
The Brusik Bunch
More of the Brusik Bunch. The kids met up with us at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for dinner following the sealing sessions.Despite decade breaking snowfall, we made it through and to Utah to visit family and friends for the holidays. We drove through on snow and ice through most of Washington and Oregon. We were so thankful to make it and attend my sisters own endowments, Nikki and Angie, and Ang, Walt's and Ariel's temple sealing. To say the least it was amazing! Our family is so blessed.
