I Love You Because...

Holidays 2013

This holiday season was the best one for our family... EVER. It was exactly what we needed and more then we could have ever hoped for. Quality time home with eachother.  Focusing on our family motto this year which has been that "if it doesnt support and strengthen our FAMILY, our EDUCATION, our FAITH or the INDIVIDUALS in our family,  then it doesn't matter." While that litte list might seem simple, we had a jam-packed December full of ward parties, dance events, and time with really wonderful friends. WONDERFUL! 

 

With homeschool we took a 'break' from the formal classroom from Thanksgiving to New Years and it was so fun. We played games everyday, we read A LOT of books and the kids each made a homemade gift for another member of the family (hopefully that turns into a yearly tradition because it was adorable.)  This year Doug and I wanted to thank all our friends and family... for the incredible support, love and encouragement that you've all given us this past year.... we've been blessed and we've grown and our family is stronger and safer and happier this year then last. Our new years resolution is to keep the momenum going! We want to all be learning and growing and strengthening eachother in 2014. Happy New Year! 

 

Love to all,
Joanna 

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Ethan's 9th Birthday

 

Dear Ethan

This past year has been one of huge growth for you. You've turned into such a strong, confident and loving boy. You are growing so much and you have learned a lot over the last 12 months. You've learned how to be a friend and how to have a best friend. You've learned how to make new friends and even how to say good-bye to so many people you love. You have worked hard in scouts and accomplished so much, it has been wonderful to teach you so many new things and see the wonder in your eyes as you discover them. I hope you NEVER outgrow that. You've learned how to adjust in new and different scenerios and you've handled all the changes we've thrown at you since the move better then anyone expected. You have become happier this past year and you have really become a wonderful big brother. You are always checking up on the little kids and always reminding them of the rules. You are so excited for the new baby and I can't wait to see how much you will love and protect him. Your brothers and sister are going to be in your life forever and they will always be there for you. I hope you are able to remember that and apprieciate them and devolope strong friendships with them that will be unmatched. Ethan, I am lucky to be your Mom. I'm lucky to have you stay younger longer, I'm honored to see so much progress and hardwork from you. You are constantly accomplishing things that others say you can't do yet. This year you have also become more aware of people and thier emotions around you. You come up to me when I'm having a bad day and love on me, you try to cheer up your brother when he's hurt and you are always trying to get your Dad to play with you and goof off with you. This year we decided to buy you a puppy for your birthday. You have been begging for one for months and months and I can honestly say you have proved to me in just one week how responsible you actually are. You remember the rules and you clean up after her. You love her constantly and you feed, bath, walk and take her out all the time. It's been a happy surprise how good you are with her and I hope you are able to make her into your best friend.

Please remember this year, Sunshine how much I love you. You mean the world to me and your giggle is one of the happiest sounds in the world. Happy Birthday, Big Boy! 

Love Always,
Mommy 

eight, seven, six, five, four, three