Dear Family and Friends:
I must be getting old, because time seems to fly these days. It feels like I just put away the decorations and vacuumed the pine needles up off the floor, and already, the holidays are here again. I spent most of the year being pregnant – one of my least favorite things to be. Somehow, instead of the pregnancy glow that people talk about, I end up with swollen feet, achy hips and monumental weight gain that haunts me long after the baby is born. However, I have also spent a lot of time counting blessings this year, and having four happy, healthy children is right at the top of my list.
Cameron is still running on the treadmill of life – doing his best to keep up with family, work and church responsibilities. The kids love it when he comes home at night. They all come running and yelling his name. They want to know if he will wrestle with them or tell them an "animal story." These are bedtime stories that he makes up using their stuffed animals as the characters. I don’t usually join in because this is their special time with Dad, but it always makes me smile to walk by the bedroom door and hear bits and pieces of his very creative storylines. If only his clients and co-workers could see him in his true element!
We welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our home and hearts this year. Ellie Kate was born on August 30th and has been a joy in every way (minus the 2 a.m. feedings). We have a large picture of her on our wall in which she is wearing a big bow on her head. Every time I look at that picture, I think she looks just like a gift, wrapped up with a bow on top. I love this because she truly is a gift to our family, and we are so happy to have received her. Our favorite things about Ellie are her bright blue eyes, her chubby little thighs, and her happy radiant smile.
Hayden is as energetic as ever – still giving us a run for our money. "Curious George" is one of his favorite movies. We find this fitting since he reminds us in every way of the cute mischievous monkey. He likes to talk more than the rest of us combined, which is a problem when it is two hours past bedtime, Mom is exhausted, and he is still thinking of topics that he can get out of bed to discuss. This can also be his most endearing quality. He just cracks us up with the funny things he says and the facial expressions that accompany his thoughts. Often, when he can tell I am reaching my limit with his non-stop chatter, the conversation will go something like this: "Mommy!" "What?" "Mommy!" "What?" "Mommy!" "What!?!" "Mommy!" "WHAT!?!?!?" At this point he can sense that I am just about to lose it and, in his sweetest voice, will say, "I just love you." When he finds himself in trouble and knows that a good dose of discipline is on its way, he will usually cry out, "I just want you to be happy!" He is potty trained (happy day!), but still sucking his ring and middle fingers (what to do? – I haven’t a clue). Nursery and preschool at Miss Suzee’s are the highlights of his week. His favorite things include his blankets (a particular kind that Grandma makes for him), treats, cars and trucks, wrestling with Dad and "best friend time" (his words) with big sister, Ashleigh.
Ashleigh started first grade this year and is turning out to be a great little reader. She is very social and has more best friends than I can keep track of. She loves to sing and dance. She started piano lessons this year. This has been a challenge for her because she is a new reader, but she rarely complains about the daily practice required. However, when she broke her finger last month, she was quick to look on the bright side of things – no lessons for four weeks! Ashleigh loves all things art and craft: drawing, painting, gluing, cutting, etc., etc. She has such a gentle spirit, always wanting to do what is right and eager to help whenever she can. She is also developing a feisty, competitive side. We see it most often during the wrestling matches that take place with Dad in our living room on a regular basis. Let’s just say that she is always a valuable asset to her team.
Austin informed us the other day at dinner that he is "almost a pre-teen." We laughed and then decided that yes, he was indeed right. Where has the time gone? At almost ten-years old, he is too big for most toys and more interested in books, movies, music, video games and friends. He surprises us all the time with the things he knows and understands. He has a great imagination and can draw an impressive dragon. He is still devouring books faster than I can buy them. He has read Eragon (a 497 page book) seven or eight times and is counting the days until the movie comes out (four more to go!). He keeps busy with piano lessons and cub scouts. He is a good big brother to the rest. They follow him, chase him, and sometimes pester and bother him (we won’t name names, but he shares a room with a certain three-year old that has perfected these skills). But, mostly they adore him, look up to him and love him like crazy.
Cameron and I can’t begin to express the gratitude we feel for the abundance of blessings in our lives. Healthy kids, a good, steady job, a place we love to call home, and neighbors, friends and family that fill our lives with love and happiness. The list goes on and on. We have so many reasons to give thanks, especially at this time of year when our thoughts turn more often to our Savior. We celebrate His humble birth. We give thanks for His perfect life. We rejoice in His victory over death. We recognize that He is the source of all that is good in this life. Because of Him, we have reason to sing "Joy to the World" when much of the world feels otherwise. We testify that He is our Joy. We pray that He is yours. Merry Christmas!
much love,
Cameron, Amy, Austin, Ashleigh, Hayden and Ellie Sabin
