Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As you've likely concluded from my lack of postings, it has been a busy year, full of excitement and change for all of us. If not for pressure from G-pa Stout, I probably wouldn't have taken the time to do this. But don't be fooled by our busyness, you are often in our thoughts and prayers. Here's what we've been up to:

David: I had the opportunity to watch him give his first closing argument in a trial case in August. It was very clear to me that he is well suited for the work he is doing. He had a presence and a confidence that commanded the attention of all in the room. Truly, you could have heard a pin drop. I fell in love all over again. He worked on two cases that he helped win in trial summary judgement. He was asked to be in charge of another case going to trial at the beginning of next year. He also ran the Starlight Run this year and took third. He is gunning to go for 1st next year. He has been serving as the Ward Mission Leader in our church, and it has been a uniting experience for our family. It has to be the best calling in the church. We are able to do so much together, and we have been continually blessed to work with some sweet brothers and sisters in the gospel. Inspite of David's many obligations outside the home, he remains a loving and doting daddy, and a supportive and constant joy in my life.

Elizabeth: Has grown so tall this year. She turned 7 in June. She is reading and writing and enjoying second grade very much. She is athletic! She started rollerblading last summer. She also taught herself to ride a bicycle. I'm thinking of starting her in soccer this Spring. She has a sweet and sunny personality and has a gift for nurturing everyone around her. She is keenly aware of my moods and is constantly asking how she can aid me here at home. She has a great understanding of the gospel for a girl her age, and enjoys the scriptures. She loves reading "Harry Potter," with me, which I don't mind a bit. She has also shown and interest in history. She and David have been reading "1776," together in the evenings. That is an interest he oingto be very sure to nurture.

Lilian: She turned six in October. She started kindergarden this year and she is thriving and showing a lot of promise. She is already starting to sound out words and tries to spell things all the time. She has a talent for being a great friend, and she is such a social butterfly. She is a big helper around here. She's incredibly obedient. She has a way with all of her siblings, especially Nina. She really wanted to learn to ride a two wheel bicycle this year; you know sibling rivalry, she doesn't want to be left behind. After many weeks of practice and praying about it, she got it. I was impressed with her perseverence. She is a joy in our lives.

Lincoln: He is four and will turn 5 in February. Lincoln is very energetic and full of smiles. He has the most contageous laugh in the world. He is a fireball, but he has mellowed out the past several months. He is a helper, and he is a doting, and at times over-protective big brother. His current interests are: Star Wars, Star Wars, and did I mention Star Wars? He really doesn't talk about much else. He has a desire to be good and he makes us laugh every day.

Nina: Nina turned three in November. She is the boss around here. If you don't believe me ask her, she'll tell you herself. She is sweet and cuddly and very into dress-up. You can rarely find her in anything but a princess dress. When she says please and thank you it is with so much warmth and sincerity that perhaps she gets away with too much. She is enjoying coloring, reading and playing with polly pocket dolls. She also loves to sing, and makes up songs all the time.

Charlotte: She just turned 15 months old. She is a my little angel. She has such a sweet nature. She is gentle and cuddly. She loves good music. I have caught her rocking out, shaking her diaper to a good beat many times. She has grown very attached to her "butterfly blanket." Unfortunately it is a very large blanket and she often looks like she's hauling around her "kill," after a hunt. She's just so small compared to it. It has almost pulled her backwards down the stairs many times. She loves books, and will often sit and just thumb gently through books on the couch or the bottom step.

I am so grateful to the Lord for my blessings. I am so grateful for a happy home. I know it wouldn't be happy were it not for the blessings that the Lord has given me. I am so grateful for the Savior and his continual influence on this earth. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.