Also, if you got a Christmas card from us, but do read our blog regularly, let us know so we can put you on that list for next year. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Letter 2008
Merry Christmas to all our friends and family,
The year 2008 is almost behind us, but we wanted to say hi to those we love and share what we've been doing this year.
In January we were able to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary by taking a week long cruise just the two of us to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, then back to Cozumel, Mexico where we spent our honeymoon. We had a great time and it was very relaxing as there was no worrying about food, entertainment, travel, taxis, schedules, phone calls, work, not to mention kids. We definitely recommend cruising to others. In fact, next time we cruise, we'd like to go with some friends, so if you are interested, let us know!
In October we flew to Utah for a week. We were able to enjoy some gorgeous Autumn weather and see beautiful scenery as we hiked in several of the canyons. We also were able to attend the temple with other friends from Houston and attend one session of General Conference. We planned the trip to coincide with Paul's birthday and really enjoyed celebrating with his family and participating in the Thomas Family Invitational where we made a good showing!
We were pleased to have almost all of Paul's family come visit us at some point this year. We were also able to spend time with Jen's siblings and their families this spring, though under trying circumstances to be explained later. We treasure our time with our extended families and were excited to show them all our new house. Speaking of which, we both still love our house and can't believe we've been here a full year. We're all moved in now, but the projects will begin this winter.
During the middle of the summer, the air-conditioning in Jen's car died. We weren't quite ready for a new car, but necessity prevailed. We were able to find a good deal on a 2005 Honda Odyssey with low miles. It's fully loaded with lots of extras like a navigation system and a DVD player which the boys still don't know about. We never thought we would be mini-van people, but we really do love it!
An unwelcome visitor this summer was Hurricane Ike. At one point it was headed straight for us and we were all a little frightened. It landed east of us though in the middle of the night, and all we got were heavy rains and very heavy winds. The boys slept in our room (and tossed and turned) but missed most of the storm so they weren't too scared. We lost power for a day, and lost several dozen shingles from our roof, but had no real damage to speak of. We were glad we were prepared and spared more damage.
In October we flew to Utah for a week. We were able to enjoy some gorgeous Autumn weather and see beautiful scenery as we hiked in several of the canyons. We also were able to attend the temple with other friends from Houston and attend one session of General Conference. We planned the trip to coincide with Paul's birthday and really enjoyed celebrating with his family and participating in the Thomas Family Invitational where we made a good showing!
We were pleased to have almost all of Paul's family come visit us at some point this year. We were also able to spend time with Jen's siblings and their families this spring, though under trying circumstances to be explained later. We treasure our time with our extended families and were excited to show them all our new house. Speaking of which, we both still love our house and can't believe we've been here a full year. We're all moved in now, but the projects will begin this winter.
During the middle of the summer, the air-conditioning in Jen's car died. We weren't quite ready for a new car, but necessity prevailed. We were able to find a good deal on a 2005 Honda Odyssey with low miles. It's fully loaded with lots of extras like a navigation system and a DVD player which the boys still don't know about. We never thought we would be mini-van people, but we really do love it!
An unwelcome visitor this summer was Hurricane Ike. At one point it was headed straight for us and we were all a little frightened. It landed east of us though in the middle of the night, and all we got were heavy rains and very heavy winds. The boys slept in our room (and tossed and turned) but missed most of the storm so they weren't too scared. We lost power for a day, and lost several dozen shingles from our roof, but had no real damage to speak of. We were glad we were prepared and spared more damage.
Now some info on us individually. Aaron (4.5 yrs - don't forget that extra half!) is in his second year of preschool and loves it. He loves circle time where he recently read a story to his classmates, and always talks about stretch-n-grow time. Show-and-tell is also a weekly highlight. He still loves learning and reads lots of books and plays with his calculator constantly. This fall, Paul coached Aaron's first soccer team. Aaron and 7 other kids made up the Silver Streak soccer team. Aaron loved going to practice and participating in the drills and games. Game time was another story. While a 3-on-3 format ensures that every kid gets a lot of opportunities to play and score goals, Aaron was un-motiviated to score goals. But he loved being a part of the team, doing the team cheer, and most importantly, the refreshments. He wishes Paul can "be his coach always!"
Brian is 2 and continues to grow like a weed. He talks so well, still signs some, and has even started to read. Brian loves to play with, as well as antagonize his brother. For the most part they get along great, and they certainly love each other. He has picked up on Jen's pet names for them, and calls Aaron "Air-Bear" and often refers to himself as "Bri-Bri." Brian loves to sing. We often hear him singing his "talent" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes, and many of the Signing Time songs. As Brian explores his world he continually comes back to us and asks for 'a cuddle.' He amazes us so much.
Jen still works teaching baby sign language and her business is slowly growing. Her classes are in high demand and balancing teaching classes with spending time with family is a challenge. She loves teaching, and can truly attest to the benefits of teaching sign language to children. She also continues to work part-time for URS, her engineering company. They correctly think she is indispensable. At church she works with the Young Women age 12-13 and loves it. The girls have such energy and watching them grow and helping them develop into young leaders is just one of the many benefits.
Paul is still at ExxonMobil and is enjoying the challenges it presents to him. He has moved through several different assignments and projects this year and is happy with what he is working on now. As our ward mission leader he works with the missionaries in our church often and still find time to help out with the Boy Scouts in our area. He has done numerous home improvement projects this year and loved being able to use his chain-saw to help Huricaine Ike victims in our area.
Most of you know, but for those that don't, Jen's Dad, Richard Fuller, passed away this past March after battling cancer. Up until the end we were hopeful that he would pull through. His passing came suddenly and as quite a surprise to us. This event consumed our lives before and after his passing, and has caused us to stretch and grow with new emotions and responsibilities and has deepened our understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan. We miss him every day.
This time of year reminds us of the blessings we enjoy and how much we can learn and grow through giving, and thinking of others. As we drive around neighborhoods this season and look at the lights, we think of our Savior, the light of our lives. We pray you are all well and able to enjoy this Christmas Season. Know that we love you and hope to get visits from you all this next year.
Paul, Jen, Aaron and Brian Thomas
Another terrible smile from Jen
