Christmas Greetings 2012

As I type, Alyssa is singing sweetly on the floor at my feet “Heavenly Father, are you really there?” in her sweet innocent voice that touches my heart and I feel peace despite the troubling times we live in.  Fortunately this really has been a peaceful happy year for our family.

Jared really enjoys his profession as a counselor at LDS Family Services.  He especially loves running a group for those struggling with addiction & seeing the hope and peace that repentance brings to those he works with.  Our Sundays became a lot more “restful” when he was released from the Bishopric last year.  He enjoyed serving as the Stake Sunday School President for a short time but was recently called as a High Councilor.  He enjoys having the opportunity to speak in different church services often.  In November he enjoyed going on an “adventure” for Mitt Romney’s campaign (expenses paid trip) to Las Vegas with his dad to help encourage registered Republicans to vote, but the bus ride home was a bit deflating when they heard the campaign results.  He loved helping coach both Jacob and Daniel’s football teams & helped them train for wresting season early in the mornings.

Heidi was called to be a counselor in the Relief Society Presidency this fall.  Her first HUGE assignment was to get the ward cookbook completed in time for Christmas. It took a lot of time, but what she really loves is teaching Relief Society and going on visits to the sisters in their homes.  She feels fortunate to be able to be a Stay at home mom.  She enjoys teaching piano and learning from fellow bloggers (heidispianonotes.blogspot.com).  She has been very inspired as she has compiled stories and pictures about our ancestors for our new family history blog (nealfamilyhistory.blogspot.com).

Rebecca (12) got her most expensive (early) Christmas present this year…..BRACES just a few days ago!  That scratched about half of her Christmas wish list off because she was hoping for taffy, twizzlers and a long list of other sticky treats L.  At least she still gets to enjoy her mashed potatoes J.  She has straight A’s and is super conscientious about her homework.  She loved going to Girls camp for the first time this summer and is getting a reputation for being an awesome babysitter around the neighborhood.  She really enjoys kids and is a great help around the home.  She also reads cooking and craft blogs and has become a pinterest fan along with Heidi.

Jacob  (10) excelled on the defense in flag football this summer and enjoyed attending football summer camp with his best friend Tanner.  He caught an interception and ran it in for a touchdown and helped his team have an undefeated season.  He’s excited to start playing in pads next year.  His favorite books are Geronimo Stilton, although watching football highlights on youtube is much more exciting.  He was excited to get a job mowing lawns over the summer for the neighbors.

Daniel (8) was baptized this fall and started Scouts.   He loves football as much as his brother Jacob and its fun to see them improving their skills playing together in the backyard.  He was excited to “train” for the school’s fun run this year with Jared in the wee hours of the morning.  He placed 3rd in his grade.  He inspires us with his journal entries about gospel principles and is a great teacher and leader in family night.

Emily (6) started first grade in the fall and I  (and Alyssa) miss having her around during the day.  She played soccer this fall, but decided that she’d rather have more free time to play with friends than have to rush to soccer practices after school.  She is such a peacemaker in our home and loves looking pretty as a princess.

Alyssa Kathryn (2) keeps us all hopping with her curiosity and imagination.  She loves to sing around the house and can entertain herself well… she just chooses “forbidden” toys like glue and makeup and food from the pantry a little too often when your not looking.  She loves to run around in her birthday suit although she teaches her baby dolls that’s not appropriate.  She loves nursery and singing primary songs.

Joshua (9 months) is our “little bear.”  He makes the cutest low growling sounds and has lately had fun discovering his voice. He was army crawling for quite a while but finally can do the real crawl very quickly.  Jacob nicknamed him Bobby and that’s what his siblings now call him half the time.  He doesn’t care for baby food much but is eager to pop any tidbits of trash he finds on the floor into his mouth. He is such delightful little boy!

We feel so fortunate to have good friends and family both near and far. We hope you enjoy a peaceful Christmas as you reflect on the life and teachings of the “Prince of Peace.”  I love this thought by Elder Wirthlin. “The value of peace within our hearts cannot be measured. When we are at peace, we can be free of worry and fear, knowing that with the Lord’s help, we can do all that is expected or required of us. We can approach every day, every task, and every challenge with assurance and confidence in the outcome. We have freedom of thought and action, freedom to be happy.” -Joseph B Wirthlin.  Wishing a merry peaceful Christmas!

Love,
The Neal Family