Merry Christmas

For those of you who didn't get one of our Christmas cards this year...then here you go! I unfortunately don't have all of your addresses so this will have to do for now.

This year has had it's ups and downs, but in the end we are fortunate to have those things which we consider to be huge blessings in our lives: our home, family, friends, the knowledge of the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our jobs, our health, our kid's school and church teachers, this beautiful area that we live in and the many freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this country.

Kerry has been challenged immensely in his line of work this year. With the change in the economy, he has seen the booming construction industry go from a constant and steady buzz to almost nothing. He hopes that things will some how turn around for 2009 as he really enjoys what he does and would hate to leave his current job. Kerry also serves in two different positions in the Church; 1st Counselor in the Elders Quorum and his most favorite...Cubmaster. Which he's really good at, by the way. He's been really good to help Kason achieve his Bear cub requirements this year too. And yes, he still loves all sports. But unfortunately he doesn't get to do much of it. He's also taken the kids on several fishing outings and feels it's so much easier to do stuff with him now that they are getting older. He's a great Dad to them.

Julie...me...myself... is still holding down our fort as Mom, chauffeur, caregiver, peacemaker, custodian and chef. I became employed back in May for the first time in 12 years. I currently work part time on the custodial crew of the St. George LDS Temple. My hours are hard (10pm-2am) but I wouldn't change it for anything. I serve as the 2nd counselor in our Primary presidency and have learned so much with that calling. I took up jogging back in November of 2007 and completed (3) 10K races this year. I don't consider myself to be a runner, but there's something about completely a race. It feels great! I still love to cook and bake, but have really enjoyed playing around with my camera and blogging. They're good creative outlets for me.

Kaylee, is now in 7th grade and will be my first teenager coming this February. Oh, the emotions and attitude are baring down greatly. However, I must say that she is for the most part a good girl. She gets good grades, loves to socialize, listen to music, text, and enjoys going to Young Womens every week. She plays the trumpet in her school's band and started taking tennis lessons this past September and has really enjoyed it. She has a pretty smile that lights up her face. She is a detailed oriented person and loves to learn why things work and how to do something new. She loves to design things on the computer. She is always creating something; Powerpoint slideshows, digital scrapbook pages or editing pictures. She's a big help to me in many ways too: babysitting, doing Jaynee's hair, cooking, and those little details that become BIG in the end. We're very proud of her and hope she continues to make good choices in her life. And will always remember her worth as a young woman.

Kason, is in 4th grade and has his very first male teacher. Which he thinks is awesome! He is such a good boy and friend to those around him. He has a good attitude about most things and thinks his Mom "is the best cook in the world". There's just something about boys...they have a special way of tugging at your heart strings. Kason loves to play video games...he's a pro! He also loves to do stuff with his Dad and looks forward to any hunting or fishing outing he can go on. He's struggled with having to read for homework every evening. But is starting to realize that books have really good stories written on it's pages and has a new curiousity about them. I hope he continues to progress in that area. He just started playing on a basketball team 2 weeks ago and has really enjoyed it. It's been hard to get him to be active because he's such a gamer. But has found this sport to be to his liking. He's been fun to watch grow and change this year.

Last, but not least...our little Jaynee. Jaynee just started kindergarten this year. She really loves it and we have discovered that she has excellent penmanship. She's also extra social, which has got herself in trouble a few times at school. Jaynee has always been Mom's little sidekick from day one. She has been a huge blessing to our little family. And although Mom is glad to have her in school, she's a bit sad because this is the last she will be doing kindergarten with her kids. Jaynee represents a lot of "lasts" for us. But we're anxious for those "firsts" with our older kids too. Jaynee has been my first girl to really and I mean REALLY love dolls and babies. She's so motherly and sweet to them. They entertain her for hours. She loves to draw and color, do whatever Mom does and is always willing to try something new. She's been my first ever thumb sucker and the one to truly have a fear of water. Both of which she's managed to overcome this year. She has always been my "let's go get a salad for lunch" girl and such a good eater. Little accidents (some big) always come her way. We call her our accident proned child as there is always something happening to her. Life is never dull with her!

In closing, we hope this blog post finds you well, healthy and happy as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we remember those sacrifices He has done on our behalf. His gift of the atonement we have in our lives and may we always remember to go to Him in prayer. Merry Christmas from the Hinton family.