Just a quick update from our little clan:
We had so much fun getting Christmas cards from our long lost family and friends. We decided not to send Christmas Cards out this year, due to cost- stamps alone to mail to just Matt's siblings would cost close to $9.00, then there are nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends just on his side of the family and then there would be my side as well. It just seemed an economic impossibility. So anyone who bothers reading this blog should consider it our Christmas Card.
As 2010 ended Aurora is top in her class! She also ranks #1 in Reading Fluency in the entire 1st grade in her school. She is a definite smarty pants- we are so proud of her- Miss A Honor Roll. Her only wish is that she would get to be on the toothless poster- she has yet to get a loose tooth or lose one- Every time one of her friends looses one she cries. She asked Santa several times to loose her two front teeth. We're afraid she'll be doomed with her mothers teeth, (the dentist had to pull mine). Santa did grant another wish for her though and left her a Princess Jilly Bean Pink Zhu Zhu pet, a new set of scriptures, and an art set to die for. She also was surprised with a Pixie Hollow membership which is truly addicting.
Gracie is doing super in her speech pre-k class. Her vocabulary and intelligibility are increasing daily. She's a word whiz. She's also started some reading and writing her own name. Smart as a whip this one. Although her trait she inherited from her mother, like Aurora's tooth issue, may also be a stumbling block. Gracie is a steadfast solider, once she decides on something she is immovable, which can include refusal to do her school work. Although we think we have discovered the secret to a more happy and compliant girl- a good nights sleep! Since eliminating naps and setting an earlier bedtime, she has had good behavior reports everyday!!!! What a great girl! Santa also visited Gracie, which she was very enthusiastic for (she really got into Santa this year), She received the coveted Strawberry Shortcake Cafe, a Tinkerbell Tea set and Beloved Tinkerbell figurines.
Ehlana has arrived at the terrible twos! She is a very busy girl and always wants to follow in her big sister's footsteps. She is talking so well and can count to 5 sometimes even to 10. She even recognizes some letters of the alphabet. She is my super potty trainer and I believe she will win the contest of fastest to be trained in our family- she's taken on the initiative by herself, a true independent. She is the family comic and keeps us in stitches. Her only lamentation is when she misses her sister Gracie while she is at school, Mom is so boring you know. Santa also brought special things for her too including a Weebles Tree house, a sweet baby doll, and a baby stroller. She's a very sweet little mother.
Matt and I have had a busy year too.
Matt is still the Stake 11 year old Boy Scout Leader, as well as the ward leader, he also keeps busy teaching Elders Quorum twice a month. He still works for CalPortland and will work what ever hours they will give him driving cement mixer. He's been there 12 years now. What a trooper! He has gone into complete hunting withdrawal, including the shakes-LOL- He was not drawn out for a tag again this year- Poor Matt- the great white hunter mourns for the thrill of the hunt! His father passed away this year after a two year battle with cancer and that has been a truly mournful thing. On a happier note Santa did visit Matt this year although the children were sure that Santa doesn't come to grown-ups. He received a cool new flashlight that shows blood in the dark. (It's supposed to be for tracking your kill, but we all know he'll probably use it to clean up the mess after I drive him to a murderous rage LOL)
Finally, Emilie- I was emancipated from my calling as a Relief Society President at the end of September and was just called last week as a Beehive Advisor. I've enjoyed the past three months break but was ready to sink my teeth into a new adventure. School has been going well and Spring Semester is only a week and half away. I was able to end Fall semester with two A's and an A-. I plan on viewing each semester individually so I don't get shell shocked over the immense amount to time school will take me to finish, also I must keep my eye on the prize! Santa visited me this year too, I was blessed with the long awaited tackle box for my jewelry, and great vinyl cutting guides for my domestic adventures with sewing. Someday my creations will end up in the Ripleys Believe It or Not museum as the strangest sewing creations ever.
We hope all of you are well and wish you mauch happiness in the year 2011.
Love The Spencers
