Christmas Letter 2011

We’re grateful to have survived the challenges over the past few years and have adopted the family motto of “Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” The trials have tested our patience as well as our sanity but we are really grateful for the blessings we have received. Our testimonies of the gospel and in particular of provident living have been seared into our psyches. In July of this year Casey accepted a job with Amundsen Construction in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He is working as a project manager & is currently managing the construction of 22 homes. We are so happy to announce that we are expecting again. Through the experiences of the last year it truly feels like it is a miracle. Jennifer is dealing with gestational diabetes again so we are back to eating healthy & exercising as much as is possible in below freezing temperatures.

Paris turns 7 in December & is a loving beautiful girl. She loves school and recently got highest marks in all 40 of the measured criteria. Her teacher says she is a caring sweet girl that all the kids like & want to be around. She participated in soccer this fall & enjoyed learning the game as well as getting to know the other girls.

Marshall is 5 & makes us laugh all the time. He loves angry birds, dinosaurs, transformers, beyblades, and anything boy. He is enjoying his preschool & loved playing soccer this fall (though they like to pretend to be dinosaurs during the game).

Faith will be 3 in December & is a gorgeous vivacious little girl. She has the opinion that it is better to ask for forgiveness then to get permission. She loves her friends & princess playgroup. Faith is also convinced that she has babies in her tummy like mommy that we have to remember and include in our dinner prayers at all times.

We are so grateful for all the wonderful friends & family we have. We have seen the Lord’s blessings in our life & have faith that everything works out for the best (even though it can be difficult to see when the hard times come.)