The Christmas Letter that I Didn't Send

This year has been a busy one for our family. (Haven't they all been, though?) I sent out the Christmas cards, but failed to send out the traditional family Christmas letter/update. So, here it is. Feel free to comment - I do this for ya'll... :)

2009 has been an active year for the See Family. We've had some great trials, and have been witness to some beautiful miracles. It is wonderful to see the hand of the Lord in our lives.

This year began with the illness and passing of Aaron's sister, Bobbie Jo. It was hard to know how much she was suffering, and be so far away. We are grateful for our family and friends who were supportive of us as we were able to visit with her, and then be there for her funeral. We are so blessed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice that provides us peace.

We managed a few trips this summer. We spent a few weeks in Phoenix and got to visit with my parents, help out with our cousins while my sister was in Iraq, and see my sister get sealed to her husband. This was in addition to lots of swimming and seeing some old friends. Later, we got to visit Houston and see our nephew get baptized. Despite our busy schedules, it was great to be able to spend so much time with family.

Our little Audrey Elizabeth has grown from a baby into a little girl! She is chattering in full sentences, running everywhere, and getting into everything she isn't supposed to. Thanks to Dora, her Spanish is coming along well too! She had her 2nd birthday a week and a half ago, and has given up the high chair. Audrey makes sure that we know when it is her turn to say mealtime prayers. She loves to sing and give hugs and kisses.

Alexandra is in the second year of preschool and has discovered writing. She signs her name quite proficiently, and is starting to write MOM, DAD, BEN, and AUDREY. It's fun to see her little notes under the Christmas tree as her presents. Alex loves to take care of her little sister, and enjoys playing with/pestering her big brother. She cooks with Aaron every chance that she gets, and is getting pretty good at cracking eggs. I am constantly impressed with her new vocabulary.

Benjamin is in second grade and growing like a weed. His pants from the spring that were long enough now show his socks! Ben has become an accomplished Nintendo DS player, and learned to swim this summer at Grandma's house. He is still into Star Wars, but Ben 10 Alien Force has become the new language of our house. Ben's doing well in school, and is getting ready to get baptized over Valentine's weekend. We're excited to see him take this step.

This spring, I taught a fantastic group of 3 and 4 year olds in preschool. As we moved into fall, I decided to teach two classes - splitting up the age groups. This has kept me busy! Aaron and I have been Sunbeam teachers until last week - when I was called to be the Laurel Advisor. It's a new world, still requiring snacks during lessons. :) Being a full-time mom has taken on new meaning as Aaron has been working more. Fortunately, we have a great group of military doctor friends that well sympathize and support us in our current situation.

Aaron finished his intern year and is now full-time as a Orthopedic Surgery resident. He spent 3 months working at the Army hospital before spending 3 months at the hospital downtown. The speed increased and the case load has tripled. He's seen some interesting things - leading to the following recommendations: first, control your diabetes or you may lose your feet; second, avoid motorcycles, rock climbing, and jumping over the border fence; lastly, please follow your post-op regimen. He's at the hospital a lot, and his spare time is spent playing with the kids.

As we head into 2010, we are grateful for our blessings. We have fantastic kids, supportive parents, entertaining siblings, and awesome friends. In our ten years together, we have come so far, and are truly thankful for all we have.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year!

Aaron, Sarah,
and the kids