Merry Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas 2010

Top 10 of 2010

1. 1^st trip to Disneyland, 1^st plane ride, 1^st dip in the ocean for the kids.

2. Davin’s Baptism

3. Sanpete Gives Back Softball tournament

4. Our youngest is potty trained, no more diapers!

5. Trying a square foot garden, and eating from it.

6. 3 boys in a brand new elementary school.

7. Trip to Vegas with my cousin and Grandparents

8. My brother Zac getting married. Nathan was the cutest ring bearer ever!

9. Our annual Moab trip

10. New Washer, Drier and Dishwasher. Clean clothes and dishes. Yay!

This year has been one of the most amazing years, as well as one of the toughest, all rolled into one. I understand why the nurse at the hospital said, “Are you ready to fight?” Cancer is such a rollercoaster and definitely a fight in so many ways. I have found a few doctors that are helping me on my journey. Keeping up faith and hope is almost a full-time job. I truly appreciate those of you that are with me in this fight. Hope and Faith are very much alive here and I push forward knowing that it’s only a matter of time before I am granted the desires of my heart.

We lost my Grandma Helen to breast cancer in April. I am so grateful for the wonderful relationship I had with her and that I was able to talk to her not too long before she passed. We will miss her so much but know that she is happy where she is and I can’t help but feel I have one more angel in my ranks.

One of my friends wanted to do something to make our lives easier during this difficult time. She was inspired to organize an all-night “Sanpete Gives Back” softball tournament in May to help cover medical costs. It was one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had! To see how many truly good, generous people there are in the world was inspiring. We played on a family team and although we didn’t win a single game, I’m sure we had more fun than anyone else. If you were there, you know what an inspiring night it was. We plan to do it annually for a different family each year.

Part of the tournament was to send our family to Disneyland. It was the kid’s first Disney trip, first ride on a plane and first dip in the ocean. It was truly a magical experience for everyone. We are still in awe at the amazing people that made it all possible. We will never be able to thank everyone enough, ever.

We went on lots of fun trips this year including Vegas, Moab, and a few camping outings. Each trip was fun in its own way and we loved all the “leisure” time hiking, rock climbing, playing in the pool and sand, and taking in the sights.

We tried a square foot garden this summer and grew tomatoes; carrots, green peppers, parsley and some really hot peppers. It was therapeutic for me to grow things. I even had my pink rose bloom again this year so I am making progress at growing, not killing things!

Jason raced a few motorcycle races this year. The whole family went to watch the Sage Riders race in October. It was fun to see. He took 1^st in his class at all 3 races. Way to go, Jas! He has fun racing our nephew James at the races. This hobby keeps him going and lets him have something fun to look forward to. I always just pray he will be safe!

In the fall, the boys started school in a brand new elementary school. It is so beautiful and will such a nice place for the kids to learn. They have amazing teachers this year and we feel so blessed to live in this community.

My little brother Zac was married to Taylor this September. It was such a beautiful ceremony and celebration. It was fun to spend time with some of my Aunts and Uncles from Canada that came to attend. Nathan was the ring bearer and was SO cute. Tux and all! We are excited to have Taylor in our family. They are such a cute couple and we wish them the very best.

The Pizza Gallery is going into its 13^th year. Business is going well and Jason does such a great job keeping it all running smooth. I don’t even know most of the employees very well because I mostly just do the taxes and write their paychecks.

Davin turned 8 this year and was baptized. It was fun to see him so excited to become a member of the Church and to receive the Holy Ghost. He is definitely a mature and tender child. He loves 2^nd grade and has lots of friends. He loves to read, do math, draw and has a new-found interest in football. He probably understands it more than me! (which isn’t too hard) He is full of life and energy and the boys really look up to him a lot.

Aaron is now 6 and loves 1^st grade. Collin is in his class, but he makes friends easily and loves to play with them as well. He loves math and is doing great reading. He likes to draw in his notebook and has fun building things with legos. He likes sports, especially soccer and basketball. He is interested in joke books lately. Some of the jokes are even pretty funny! He is giggly and has a great sense of humor and is so much fun to have around.

Collin is 6 and loves 1^st grade too. He loves playing with his friends and really loves reading and math. He loves to draw and is often heard going around the house singing. He loves reading chapter books and making Lego creations too. He won a medal for a visual arts Reflections entry this year! Way to go, Collin! He is sweet and caring and is often Nathan’s buddy. He is always the first one to give mom a hug when she needs one. We are so glad to have Collin in our family.

Nathan turned 3 this year and is growing up so fast. We don’t have any babies in the house anymore since he graduated from diapers early in the year. He is our little “rock star”. I don’t know if it just comes from being the youngest or if it’s the brown eyes and dimples, but he charms people everywhere he goes. He is funny and smart and full of energy. He loves the alphabet and letters and can’t wait to read like his big brothers. He is always making us laugh and things would not be the same without our little Nathan.

We hope your family has a wonderful Christmas and catches the true spirit of Christmas. As we turn to our Savior at this time of year, and all year long, we find the most peace and happiness even during the most difficult times. He is always there waiting for us. I truly feel so blessed with all of the experiences and blessings I’ve had this year. My Grandma says, “You are in the palm of His hand.” I feel this is really true for all of us. Have a Merry Christmas and take time to find the tender mercies that Christ has placed in your life.

Love, The Rhodes