Happy Christmas!

^^ Cape Neddick, Maine-July 2013 ^^

"See the nearness and the clearness of the blessed Christmas star, leading, guiding, wise men riding through the desert dark and far. Lovely showing, shining growing, onward going, gleaming slowly, leading still, our Christmas star."

The year 2013 brought us many memories, and we want to remember only the ones that brought us LIGHT and joy. Memories such as seeing our firstborn Sierra graduate high school with honors, and entering a college of the arts. A new job for Jon. My calling as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, and my newest calling as secretary in the Young Women Stake Presidency, and seeing my first article published in the Deseret News. 

It's times like this where we want to hear from our loved ones near and far to hear about their accomplishments, and adventures. Some share their trials, and heartaches, and my prayers go out for those that do. Although 2013 brought us a few blips in our life we are grateful for them because those blips are what keeps us going. Our children bring us great joy, and I'll share just a little bit about them. The only major change that occurs with them each year is that they get older, and smarter! 

And we have been blessed by four awesome kids! 

Sierra (18) graduated with honors from high school, and after much praying, and pondering decided to attend the University of The Arts in Philadelphia. She completed her first semester, but is looking to transfer to another university next year. Without getting into major detail the curriculum at UARTS was not quite what she expected, but did learn a lot from her piano teacher, and from a few of her professors by advising her on goals for her future. She will miss living in the city, but is looking forward to attending another institution. Looks like she has more praying and pondering to do before winter break is over. She did receive a letter in the mail from Brigham University in Provo to apply for a scholarship. Apparently this scholarship is specifically for those students who were admitted to BYU but attended another institution. This scholarship will cover full-time tuition, books, on-campus housing, and a modest allowance for summer term at BYU. Who can pass that up! She has decided to apply for it, and is hoping to attend in the summer time. Who knows...maybe that will be her chosen school. All I know is that I pray she chooses the right school so I can stop stressing! It'll all work out I'm sure. 

Alexandra (13) is in the eighth grade & continues to excel academically in school, and is the most laser focused child I have ever had. She never brings anything home under a 98, and can read thick chapter books (sometimes three series at a time) within two days!! I kid you not. She is a voracious reader through and through, and books are literally her best friend. She continues to play the violin, and loves it. She is currently the Beehive President in the Young women for our church.  

Chelsea (8) is in the third grade, and is doing great in school, & like her sisters brings home A's, and loves to play the piano. We still plan on getting her into cello lessons, but just informed us that she would like to learn how to play the ukulele. She loves books, and watching Disney movies with her little brother. 

Noah (4) is my ray of sunshine. My only boy, and I love him so much! He is spoiled by us all, and when he isn't torturing Chelsea he loves anything star wars, loves to play with his legos, train track, and from time to time will give him technology time on PBS.kids. 

We have learned that no matter what trials come our way that hope is never lost. To know that there is a LIGHT that will lead and guide us in the right direction, so that we can always find our way home, and never lose sight of what's important. 

We are so grateful for the restored gospel and for the LIGHT of Christ which gives us hope to never give up...knowing that He will always be there to lead and guide us through every footstep. We love you and wish you a Happy Christmas that's merry and bright...and a blessed New Year too! 

With love, 

US