Christmas Letter 2009

This was certainly a year full of up and downs, much loss and renewed happiness. Without the gospel I wouldn't know where to find the joy. It wasn't just the Christmas season that reminded us of the atonement of our Savior. As a family this year we were reminded through the loss of loved ones that we are a family forever. We found support through friends and family and joy in remembering what is really important.

The girls just keep getting older, big surprise right? But my baby turned 5 this summer, that seemed to make reality hit home, and then it felt like early retirement.

The girls stared charter school this year and are loving it. Reagan is still in gymnastics but added art and drama to her things she likes to do. She also graduated primary this year. Nicole decided piano was not her calling in life and is happy in the astronomy and drama clubs. Maddie is taking a year off from competition dance and switched dance companies. Like the older two girls, she also added drama to her school activities. Ava wants to know why kindergarten isn't longer and started tumbling class with her twin cousins.

Reagan and Nicole are both getting braces soon. Fun.

I am still busy teaching Pilates and Yoga during the week, the rest of my time is spent in the car dropping off and picking up kids from school. Then driving kids to various activities, friends houses and one more thing from Wal Mart.

This past September, Eric and I celebrated our 15th anniversary by taking a trip to Hawaii. We love snorkeling and just swimming in the ocean. Ava didn't talk to me for nearly two hours after we got home, don't think she was very happy I left.

In addition to practicing law, Eric was appointed as a small claims court judge. He serves in Tooele and West Jordan courts.

We sold our house! After all that work we decided we need more space, and Eric needs a garage to get away from all this girly drama! In the meantime we are renting a home in Stansbury Park while we work on getting something more permanent. Fun Times!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope to hear updates from all our friends and family.

Love,

The Stephenson's

Stephenson -- Family Christmas 2008

As usual it's been another busy year full of new things to do, house improvements, and non-stop dropping kids off to different functions. With that in mind here is our update.

Reagan loves tumbling, hanging out with her friends in her own room, and can't believe she turned 11! When asked her favorite subject in school, she will answer "walking home" -- her same answer as last year. Reagan likes making movies with her cousin, Rachel so for her birthday we gave her a "Flip" video camera. Now she no longer has to use Dad's cell phone.

Nicole has really taken to piano and we love to have her music playing through the house. Nicole is a big Star Wars fan so she started a Star Wars Club with her friends. She likes science and finding answers to unique questions. The last one was "why does your stomach flutter when you get nervous?" (Answer: all your blood rushes to your other extremities.)

Madison finished her first year of competition dance. While I was not prepared for being the competition mom, she had a lot of fun and even competed solo. After months of her telling me how tired she was all the time I finally took her to a doctor and wouldn't you know she needed her tonsils out to fix the problem. There is nothing like a good guilt trip. Maddie's favorite subject is math and hates being sick because she'll miss math. Seriously. She didn't get it from me:)

Ava is loving preschool and hanging out with mom. She has two personalities -- happy and angry. She loves to help me shop and quite often can pick out an outfit before I can. She has good fashion sense for a four year old. Ava loves to read, play with her dog, and hang out with her best friend, Josh.

Looking back it looks like I had somewhat of a mid-life crisis. I had neck surgery, started piano lessons, certified to be a fitness instructor, and even once rode Eric's motorcycle by myself. I'm healthier than I've ever been and love my new energy. I've learned so much teaching my 10 year primary class. I don't know if they've figured out yet that they know more than me.

For Eric it was business as usual except he was appointed as a small claim court judge. It is a part time appointment for only one day a week so he gets to keep his day job too.

Our family highlights included a surprise trip to Disney Land, Universal Studios, and our rainy day at Sea World. We enjoyed a family reunion at Lava Hot Springs, our family summer trip to Boise, and our yearly girls only trip to St. George thanks to Aunt Trena's time share.

I love this time of year, the memories of Christmas as a kid and a time to share friends and family. I am so thankful for Christ in my life and the blessings we have because of Him. Merry Christmas.

The Stephenson Family