Christmas Letter of 2008

I know a lot of you did not receive Christmas Letters from us this year, and then some of you did. We cut back this year as the finaces just were not there. We only sent out 20 this year. John picked out 10 and I picked 10. In years past we have sent close to 50 and just could not do it this year. I was looking at blog pages tonight and one of my friends put her Christmas Letter on their blog. I thought it was nice so decided to do the same. The pictures we sent with our card are a few entries down.

Christmas 2008
Dear Family, Friends, & Loved Ones,
As 2008 comes to a close we send our Christmas Tidings to each of you who live near and far, and are dear to our heart. Just as with each of you, 2008 brought joys & sorrows in it’s path. On the 4th of July we were celebrating with Sarah’s Family her maternal grandparents 80th birthday with each of their children, most of their grandchildren, & all of their great grandchildren in attendance. It was a great weekend of events that was definitely a joy of the year. It was a sorrow when we learned that on the morning of the 4th of July our beloved, Father, Father-in-Law, and Grandfather passed away and returned to our Father in Heaven. We finished the weekend at the Family Reunion and then flew to Utah to say our Earthly Good-Bye’s to John‘s Father. Even though it is hard to believe he is gone we know that it is only for this short time that we will be separated and through our Heavenly Fathers Plan we have faith that Families are Together Forever, and we will shall see him again.
John is still teaching at Granite Hills High School and has United States History, Government, & Economics on his teaching schedule. He has now taught every history class from 7th-12th grade, and has enjoyed this year with the juniors and seniors. He is currently in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency so that keeps him busy at least one night a week, and he also sneaks out a couple nights a month to go play “Magic”.
Sarah keeps herself busy with 4 little ones, teaching piano 4 days a week, and also started selling “Scentsy” this last year. It is fun, and nice to get out once or twice a month for a party. She is currently in the Young Women’s Presidency as the Personal Progress Counselor and Loves It.
Vincent (7) is in the second grade and now attends Summit Academy. It was a great move to move him to this new school. It is on the other side of town and in a different district but worth the drive. He is more academically set there. Even though he still tests high, there are some that test right up there with him. This school also pushes the arts, so he gets Art, Music, & Spanish in his day. He really has enjoyed Art & Science. His first Science Unit was on Dinosaurs and if any of you know my son, it hit a major plus in his life. The only downfall was his class had a permanent substitute at the time and he corrected her in front of the class more then once and it upset her. He was correct, but we had to have a long talk about correcting teachers especially in front of the class.
Addison (5) is in Kindergarten at Summit Academy. He is still the ladies man and his teacher said at Parent Teacher Conferences that when putting together her seating chart for the month she has to take in consideration who his “girlfriend” at the time is. He even brought home a note one day for us to sign because he had his name written on the board that day in school. The note attached said, “Addison was talking during circle time and was asked twice to stop and when he didn’t he received his name on the board. When I talked to him about his behavior he informed me that he was telling each of the girls they were beautiful because that is something nice to do.” He is doing excellent academically which in some respects surprises us as the boy definitely has a social agenda and we did not think he would find time for school work. At parent teacher conferences his teacher also informed us that he is ready for 1st Grade now and he received almost all E’s (exceeding standards) on his report card.
Nicholas (3) is a whirl wind of energy. John calls him a “Crazy Man”, I agree but still call him my “Little Ray of Sunshine”. Nicholas is constantly moving. I guess that is why at 3 ½ he only weighs 28 lbs! He loves to do/or at least try to do anything and everything that Addison does. He loves to drive his hot wheel cars and build with legos. He is a funny little boy that loves to dance and usually has us in stitches when he does “The Booty Dance”. He loves to cuddle and has a fascination with hair. My mom has said several times that if I ever cut my hair the boy would be lost. He is not in preschool this year but we hope by the fall he will be ready to go to preschool.
Eliza (1) is a girl in every way. Growing up I liked “girl” things but would not consider me a “girly-girl” in any way. Eliza loves baby dolls and has over ten already! She plays with all of them and usually has one or two of them in tow with her whenever she goes somewhere. She also loves to have her hair done, shoes, and having her nails painted. She knows where we keep the nail polish and she will get it and bring it to John for him to put it on. He has got quite good at applying nail polish. She loves to get her hair done every day and is usually not happy until it is curled and has a bow or clip on her pony. One day while visiting my parents they took the kids to get new shoes. When they walked through the door of the shoe store Eliza beamed from ear to ear and announced, “SHOES!” She got a new pair, and they were light up shoes which was a first for her. We had to laugh watching her walk and try to watch her feet flash at the same time.
Once again we send our deepest Christmas Wishes to all of you. Have a safe and happy holiday season and may 2009 bring you great joys and happiness.

Love,
John, Sarah,
Vincent, Addison, Nicholas,
& Eliza Wild