Merry Christmas 2012

Another year has come to a close. 2012 was quite the adventure for us, but probably nothing like 2013 will be. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead of us. Christmas was quiet as this was the kids' mother's year to have them. Mike got me the mixer of all mixers so I baked bread. We caught a couple of movies at the theater. We ate... a lot. I've determined that we are too complacent and I imagine our anticipated little one will take care of that soon enough!

It was also the year of humble gifts, even though I imagine children all over the world would give anything to have a Christmas like ours. Each of the kids received a couple of things on their wish list, some practical and some not-so-much. As the kids get older, not only do their wishes become more expensive, but their spirit of Christmas tends to tone down a bit. Another thing I hope our sweet baby changes. We have gotten complacent in the way of tradition as well, so next year I aim for more magic.

We were able to gather Mike's family together the Saturday before Christmas and had a wonderful dinner out. Afterward, we headed back to the house for a gift exchange. Grandma and Grandpa Feidler's home is always inviting and I find myself always wishing we could extend the visit another day. The treats are delicious and the couches have some kind of magnetic draw that most of us are unable to avoid. It's quiet and calm inside and there is always something to do outside. The weather was magnificently cooperative this year.

Interestly, the gathering at my mother's house is quite the opposite. We were able to go Christmas afternoon and it was crazy and chaotic. I LOVE it! We have twice the number of people, many of whom are not relatives and many coming and going. The food is plentiful and there's just too much visiting going on to be drawn to the couches for long periods. Although, this year I did a bit more lounging than normal since carrying around a bowling ball in my midsection. Kids are running in and out of the house, not knowing which way is up and babies are being passed around like hot potatoes.

It's crazy that Mike and I get along so well. We've come from such different backgrounds and upbringings and yet we both get along with each other's family so well. And most of the time we can't stand to be away from each other for too long. True love or fear of being thrown into the single life again? Maybe a little of both. Either way, I think it's safe to say we count our lucky stars that we found each other.

What?! You were expecting a Christmas letter? Ok, here goes:
Mike is still up to his shenanigans, finding a great deal and a great parking space wherever he goes! He has taken up bicycling and has even found a crew to cycle with on Saturday mornings. We currently have two catamarans, although the weather has not been too conducive to sail. His newest hobby is photography and accumulating as many lenses as he possibly can. When he brings the camera, we practically have to drive separate cars. He recently pulled his back again moving furniture to prepare for little one's arrival. He won't let me lift a finger and is always willing to do what needs to be done. He's the best ward financial clerk ever! Oh, and he's still working here and there, providing for all of our needs and most of our wants.

Graham came back home to the Texas climate just in time for the holidays. It took a while for him to quit obsessing over the current Idaho weather and still totes his hoodie around in 80 degree weather. He had a great experience at BYU-Idaho and has good intentions to return after his mission. Old Navy welcomed him back with open arms and he will even work a bit for Grandpa while he awaits his mission papers to be submitted. They are in limbo somewhere between here and the good state of potatoes. He will finish up a couple of interviews and lose 4 more teeth before the application is complete and submitted.

Zack tolerated his first semester of his freshman year and was very much looking forward to the Christmas break. He is usually found behind the computer in the kitchen. He wanders into the world of Mind Craft frequently but is always willing to come back to earth to help out with things. He is usually my go-to guy because of the convenience of having the computer near the kitchen. He either has not figured this convenience out yet or he doesn't seem to mind that I use and abuse him. Zack is officially taller than me and prides himself in this sudden growth spurt. I suspect he is not nearly done. He attends the wonderfulness of church dances and seminary and is still putting up with our nagging to get his Eagle Scout project DONE. To be behind the wheel of a real car soon.... we hope.

Maddie has had her hands full with auditioning for talent shows and choir solos. She can almost always be found in her bedroom and on Instagram. Taking self portraits is THE thing to do these days and she is quite good at it. Her wish has finally come true and she will be a big sister soon. I have a feeling Maddie will be my life-saver in the baby department. She is truly a mother hen and I think she is secretively looking forward to having someone to boss around, other than the boys. She was just called into the young women Beehive presidency and loves the fact that she is surrounded by friends in our ward. This year for Christmas her only gift wish was gymnastics so that's where she will be on Thursdays until April.

Me? Well, I'm growing a baby. I still occasionally look in the mirror in wonder. I'm pregnant! Granted, this would have been most ideal a decade ago, but I will most definitely take it. My body is pacing itself while my mind is racing a mile a minute. The future holds an incredible amount of unknowns, anticipation, fear, excitement, anxiety. But I am mostly in love. In love with the idea of being a mom. In love with my husband for being so supportive. In love with my step-kids for so patiently and lovingly letting me "practice" on them. I'm still working as a school nurse and with the young women in the ward. I love watching movies and eating out with my main squeeze. I am perfectly content.