Merry Christmas! We hope this letter finds each of you happy and well. As usual, this has been a busy year for our family. We keep wondering if life will ever slow down just a bit, but so far, we see no sign of it. Once again, we spent much of the summer busy in the yard- who knew it could be so much work? We tell people, in all seriousness, that we are working on a ten-year landscape plan. The highlight of the year for our family was an extended family reunion in San Diego. It was wonderful to spend time with so many relatives, some that we haven’t seen for years. Our children are still talking about the memories they made and the stories they heard, and asking when we can do it again.
Not much has changed as far as Cameron and I are concerned. If you’re wondering what we’ve been up to, please refer to last year’s letter- same old stuff! The kids, however, are leading much more exciting lives, and are growing almost as fast as the weeds in our backyard.
Austin continues to be the bookworm in our family. He loves to read and has an amazing ability to retain a vast amount of obscure facts. For example, a few months ago, he informed us that radio waves travel faster than the speed of light. Cameron and I both questioned whether or not this was actually true. The next day, Austin presented us with a paragraph in a large reference book that proved he was indeed correct. Austin turned eight years old this year and was baptized in July. He has enjoyed Cub Scouts, especially building and racing his first pinewood derby car. He finished the summer with a bang by running into the neighbors’ fence with his arms extended and breaking both bones in his left forearm. Luckily he is right handed, so it didn’t seem to slow him down much. Austin has inherited his Dad’s blue blood, becoming an avid BYU fan, and therefore, wore his blue and white striped cast with pride.
Ashleigh’s big milestone this year has been kindergarten. Much to Hayden’s dismay, she now gets to ride the bus and go to school every day with Austin. Hayden watches anxiously from the porch each afternoon for her to come home, and when she turns the corner, he takes off running to greet her with a hug. It looks just like that scene in the movies when the boy and girl are running towards each other across a field of flowers and meet in the middle in a warm embrace. Our version, however, isn’t nearly as graceful, and often involves tripping, skinned knees, and tears. Ashleigh has made many friends and loves going to school. She started dance lessons this fall and is looking forward to her first recital. She loves art, and can entertain herself for hours with paper, tape and crayons. I call her my "sweetest heart," because her tender little feelings lie so close to the surface. Even one stern look from mom or dad can result in genuine tears. She is ever my best helper, a second little mommy in the house, always happy to do her part.
Hayden is truly giving us a run for our money. When people ask his age, I tell them that he is "very" two. He has spent most of this year discovering his independence and making his opinions known. It is not uncommon to go into his room in the morning and find that he has removed all of his clothing simply because he can. He has something to say about everything. I don’t think he enjoys anything more than non-stop conversation! Let’s just say that by bedtime each night, my ears are exhausted. Don’t get me wrong- we love him to pieces and are so grateful for his happy spirit in our home. Like our older children, he loves to snuggle and "rock-a-bye." To say that Hayden loves nursery is an understatement. He asks me every day, at least ten times, if he can go to church. One of his nursery leaders works at a store that we visit almost weekly. When Hayden sees her at work, he begs her to take him to church and cries when we say goodbye. Hayden loves his Daddy and looks forward each night to "making a block" (translation: building block towers) or wrestling in the living room with him.
We are excited and grateful to celebrate this season. Cameron and I went to see "Savior of the World" a few weeks ago and were so touched by the lives of Mary and Joseph. In almost every way, they were simple, ordinary people. But, through their extraordinary faith in God, a miracle was born in Bethlehem, and all the world rejoiced. Is it not the same for us? Miracles are born every day when ordinary people exhibit faith in Him, their Infant Son, our Savior and Redeemer. Through Him, hearts are softened and lives are changed. Comfort finds its way to the comfortless. Love and kindness replace hate and anger. Repentance is accepted and forgiveness given freely. The bands of death are broken, and lives and families made eternal. We feel so much gratitude for the miracles in our own lives. The ones we recognize, as well as the ones we don’t. We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and miracle or two of your own this season!
Much love,
Cameron, Amy, Austin, Ashleigh and Hayden Sabin
