Holiday Update

Well, I've never attempted my hand at the holiday letter tradition, but there's a first for everything right? So here goes, Merry Christmas everyone! I can not believe we've come to the end of yet another year, when did time speed up so much? I'll try to be brief as the pictures and stories below are a good record of what we've been up to the past few months.

Chris is coming up on his second full year of being an 'entrepreneur.' Centurion Homes is doing quite well and manages to keep him really busy, even this time of year. He works very hard and the manual labor is probably the least favorite thing about the job, but I think he's enjoyed expanding his horizons and being his own boss. He also enjoys playing with his boys who adore him. Once they hear the garage door go up at the end of the day, it's an all out race to see who can climb into daddy's arms the fastest. He finally has his wish of wrestle buddies and the three of them will spend time every day rolling around on the floor together.

I've taken the time to do a few things for me lately. I used to love reading (okay I never fell behind on my Curious George and Thomas the Train books) but hadn't had the chance much the past few years. I joined a neighborhood book club and really enjoy reading new material and learning from the other women in our discussions. I went back to work about a year ago for Extra Space (same company I worked for before kids) and have really enjoyed my 1-2 days a week of adult interaction. I'm feeling more comfortable now, but the first few weeks I was really worried I might say something really stupid like "GooGoo GaaGaa" after having been home with babies. It's been good for me to have a day away. I also have been teaching piano two afternoons a week and that is fun as well. I'm still in YW and love it, especially the associations and friendships I've made with the other women I work with, they are amazing! Of course my first love are my boys. There is nothing better than a big, sticky kiss and a big 'I love you mom!'

Kayden is the ripe old age of 31/2 and is counting the days until he 'grows up to be Peter Pan and fly away to Never Never Land.' He has recently potty trained himself really and is very, very proud of the fact he wears underwear and is never too shy to show people, anyone. In the store, the bank, the Dr's office, anyone who is around! He is also in preschool 2 days a week and really enjoys getting 'so smart as his daddy.' He continually amazes me with his wit and humor. He's memorized 6 of the Articles of Faith, and manages to get most of the words out. Occasionally 'ordinances' will turn into 'oranges' or something but he does really well. We've been going over the Nativity lately and his understanding of it is "Mom, can we invite the three wisemen to my birthday party? Do you think they'll bring me gifts too?"

Trace just turned 2 and is such the little angel, with a wild streak! He can keep up with Kayden in most things and the two of them are good little buddies. They have already figured out the art of working together to trick me into things so I'm sure there will be many interesting (and some painful) stories to come in the future. He can wrestle Kayden down and will sit on top of him and growl, it's so funny. He is a very good helper and when there is a big mess around he'll sigh and say 'Oh my dosh. What a mess.' If you've noticed his crazy hair, I have no explanation. I try to gel it down continually and it insists on sticking straight up!!!!

We've had a wonderful year as a family. We went to Virginia in May, my sister's wedding in June, my brother left on his mission in July, girls camp in August, Montana for Thanksgiving, and are headed to NM for Christmas. We're taking our first family trip to Disneyland in March and are looking forward to watching the boys experience all the excitment.

We hope you are all happy and healthy and enjoying life to its fullest. My favorite Christmas scripture is 'But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 'Luke 2:19 I hope we can all make time this season, and through out the year to be like Mary and ponder our many, many blessings. Merry Christmas!
Love,
The Jensens

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