Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas from the Meeks 2009

Kris and I celebrated our tenth anniversary this year. It was fun looking back and realizing how much we’ve done in the last ten years, how much we’ve grown ( +3 kids), and how many blessings we have received. To commemorate this banner year I have compiled a TOP TEN LIST of things that have happened in the Meek family this year.

10. Abi (8) and Tal (6) again played Spring Soccer with AYSO. Kris coached Tal’s team – the Fireballs. Dad especially learned a lot and the kids had a great time. Abi and Tal each scored several goals and we are proud of their hard work.

9. Abi turned eight years old and was baptized this June by her dad. We were so grateful to have many family and friends join us in celebrating this milestone. Abi gave a talk in sacrament meeting about her baptism in which she confessed she was a little scared at first, but afterwards thought “That was the easiest thing ever.”

8. Kris was called into the bishopric of our ward as the Second Counselor in July. I’ll admit, I bawled at first; but the Lord has truly blessed us. Two lovely angels sit with the kids and me on Sunday. Kris and I are learning even more how to schedule and balance our lives to keep the more important things and let go of the rest. Kris’s law practice is growing. And with the right attitude, we are growing closer as a couple and as a family by serving the Lord.

7. We took our first non-camping Family Vacation since law school this summer. We went down to Utah where we spent 2 days traipsing around Ogden Dinosaur Park, Hill Air Force Base, Hogle Zoo, Temple Square, the Clark Planetarium, and then a whole fun-filled day at Lagoon. Kris, Abi and Tal rode Wicked and claim it was “AWESOME!!!” but I was a big chicken.

6. Tal started Tae Kwon Do this Fall and is loving it. He is “this close” to earning his orange belt. His favorite part is breaking the boards.

5. Donalee and Kris are ever busy with their projects. I should say that Donalee keeps Kris busy with projects. We spruced up our deck and yard, refinished a dining room set, and redecorated Tal’s room. Kris is President of the local Civitan Club this year as well as being active in the Inn of Court (I don’t know either). I juggle PTO, church callings, my home and family, and my new interests, Food Storage and Couponing, in my spare time.

4. Leah is growing and growing. She just turned 18 months and started Nursery which she adores. Her vocabulary is exploding and she is starting to string words together - “No want to!” Leah loves to sing songs like “Popcorn Popping”. She also loves books, drawing pictures, playing with Little People, and going outside. She is the center of attention in our house and knows it; good thing she is soooo cute.

3. Abi and Talmage are excelling in school, their activities and piano. I continue to teach them piano and hope to start teaching a few other beginning students in January. Abi continues to dance ballet and is so graceful and talented. Both Abi and Tal are in the Discovery class in their school.

2. I was called to be the Activity Day Leader for Girls in our ward. It is THE BEST calling in the church. I adore the girls I teach and even more love spending extra time with Abi.

1. Our family spends a lot of time together. Game nights on our Wii whether bowling, tennis or carnival games are a new favorite. We’ve also started reading the Harry Potter series together before bed. We enjoy grilling outside in the summer, taking walks around the Greenbelt, playing board games and watching movies accompanied by popcorn. Our family is our greatest blessing and we love doing things together. I try to capture the highlights in our blog www.meekfamilycircus.blogspot.com.

We hope that this Christmas season finds you all well, peaceful, and happy. Delight in this season of remembering our Savior and the “good news” of the gospel – He lives, He has atoned for us, and we can live with Him again. Merry Christmas.