Time Flys When You're Having Fun!!!: Merry Christmas 2007!

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here is a little update about our family.

Carl ~ is still loving his job at GSA. He just finished his 7th year and is looking forward to the 8th. Our family is blessed to have Dan and Deon in our lives. Carl was so excited to get his Sportsman 800 this year & our family has already enjoyed several memory filled outings. It has provided Carl a way to get out, decompress, relax and build friendships. We hope 2008 brings more riding and new places to explore.

Tami ~ I am so grateful to have the privilege of being a wife and a mother. I am more privileged to have Carl as my husband and Curtis, Kasey, Alanna & Peyton as our children. I love them so much and look forward to the many more memories we will create. This year has been a busy one. Carl and I are still very dedicated to getting out of debt, with that comes trials, struggles and a lot of work; all worth it for the end goal though. I am still over our Stake Cultural Activities and am really excited that this year we will actually have a committee. I am over the fundraising at the girls’ school and that has definitely kept me on my toes; I couldn’t have done it without Karen by my side. If I stay on task with college, I will graduate with my Associates Degree in Secondary Education in the spring and my Associates Degree in Elementary Education in the summer. I couldn’t have come this close to reaching my goal without the support of my wonderful husband and family. I look forward to the growth, knowledge and experiences that the 2008 year will bring.

Curtis ~ Has earned his star and is working on the last two merit badges for his life. He turned 12 on July 14th and has definitely matured from a child to a young man. His Grandpa Slack attended boy scout camp with him at Mapledell, Utah this summer and they loved every minute of it. This summer he was ordained a deacon, received the aaronic priesthood, and called as the first counselor in the deacon's quorum. He started seventh grade and is excelling in every class with straight A's. He does a wonderful job at doing everything to the best of his ability. We enjoy every minute we have with him!

Kasey ~ Started third grade this year and absolutely loves her teacher and her classmates. She continues to work hard at school and loves learning new things. She is still playing the piano and loves to perform, but doesn’t always enjoy practicing as much as playing. She will be 9 on January 6th, and is excited about her upcoming birthday. Kasey is still our love bug, always thinking about how others are feeling and wiling to pitch in and do anything she is asked. She loves to do her own hair and wear my dress shoes around the house. Her and Alanna love to get the highest heals possible. We will embrace her as she continues to grow and mature. We love her and are absolutely grateful she is part of our family.

Alanna ~ Started second grade this year and turned 7 September 11th. She loves learning new things and is our “why” child. She is always asking why and absorbing everything she learns. Keeping up with her and keeping her challenged academically is fun, she is a sponge. She is still taking piano and loves Mrs. Sara. She is working hard so that when she turns 12, she can have a violin. We appreciate Mrs. Sara’s ability to keep her progressing and challenged. Alanna is a very hard worker and does her best at what she does. She is very active and loves to play with Bella, jump on the trampoline, go for a walk or jog and loves to snuggle up for a talk or movie. Tuck-in’s at night are an absolute must for her. I think I enjoy them as much as she does. She almost has all of the articles of faith memorized and is looking forward to getting baptized. I thank our Heavenly Father everyday for the blessing she is in our lives.

Peyton ~ Oh … where to start. He turned 3 on September 10th and absolutely adores his dad. When it is time to do his hair, he never forgets to remind me that he wants it done “like his dad’s”. He tells me often that when he grows up, “he wants to be just like his dad”. I will be so grateful if he grows up following in his dad’s footsteps. He will be the best father, friend, son, missionary and husband around. He loves to play catch, football, basketball, cars and watch Toy Story. Carl gave him an old cell phone and he has carried it around for days. He opens it up, pulls the antennae up and says “mission complete” then closes it and pushes the antennae down. You would think he had been given a million bucks. He will be a Sunbeam next year, wants to be the one that gets to say EVERY prayer, and has a priceless smile. He can’t be told that you’ll think about something, because to him that means no. It has to be worded that “you’ll see about it”. He continues to amaze up everyday with the new sayings he has. He is a light in our lives! He tells us that he wants a little sister; we’ll have to see if he gets what he wishes for. We’ll see what our Heavenly Father has in store for us.