Merry Christmas!!!

Sorry no Christmas cards from us this year, a blog card will have to suffice. This year has been filled with ups, downs and many twists. We have lost in many ways this year, and still gained.

Justin turned 5 this year and started Kindergarten. He has loved every minute of school and is doing a great job. He still loves to tell everyone how to do everything. He is also a very good helper, especially if someone is hurt or sick. He loves Primary and did an awesome job during the Primary program, minus the fact that he had a sticker that randomly found new locations to be for each song (mouth, forehead, check, etc.).

Kaylynn turned 3 this year and acts like she is 13. She never stops singing or talking. She loves to do everything Justin does and follows him around constantly. Her favorite parts of the day are walking Justin to school and walking with him home from school. She can't wait to go to preschool and Kindergarten. Kaylynn is a typical little girl. She loves to play Mommy and take care of her baby dolls.

JL is doing great and growing in so many ways this year. He is currently our Ward's Executive Secretary. The men he works with in the Bishopric are such great influences on JL. We love and appreciate each of them for all they have done for our family and continue to do each day. JL was laid off in October. He has been searching for a job diligently and hopes to find one back in the automotive industry where he can use his talents and abilities more fully. So for now he is a stay at home Dad with a little girl who is thoroughly enjoying every minute he is home.

I am still Relief Society Secretary in our ward and am trying to do the best I can. I am currently pregnant and due in February. It has been a long and not so easy pregnancy, but I am surviving and learning to lean on others for strength. I have gone back to substituting at all the schools in town to help provide for our family. It has been fun to go back and teach, but I am looking forward to JL getting a job. It is hard to be a teacher all day with crazy and loud kids and then try to come home to children who want to play with a Mom who is completely out of energy.

We are so thankful and grateful to all of those who are supporting us with prayers, kindness and charity. We love and appreciate all of you. We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas filled with thoughts of our Savior and a loving Heavenly Father.

Merry Christmas!

Love JL, Carrie, Justin, Kaylynn and baby