Christmas time '08

This year, I had two very good reasons to be so thankful: My sweet wife, Brynn, and our new little man, Jericho. Christmas is one of my favorite times of year, mostly because I usually notice a little more charity, more empathy, and more acts of kindness than at other times of the year. I have to say that, this year, I didn't notice it as much. That may be because people weren't feeling that way as much, or it may have been because I was too wrapped up in my own little world to notice. Truly, NOTHING in the world is more important to me than my little family. Brynn is so great. She's so thoughtful, so full of love. She knows how much I admire my Grandma Haskell; how I think there's no person closer to God than that lady. But I've also told Brynn that she and my little sister Chelsey are in the same category as Grandma. Amazing people.
Jericho has changed our lives, just as everyone said he would. It's not just that we have another little life to look after; it's that Jericho is so special. He is so beautiful. I'm amazed every time I see his handsome little smile. I think, "You really came from me?" He's lucky to have his momma's good looks. I know they say that having a baby is not the answer to making a bad marriage a good one. But I will say that our baby has made our good marriage even better. When I look at my son, his cute little smile, I not only think of how amazing he is, but of how much I love his mom.
Although Jericho is too young to have cared what day it was on the 25th, he is changing and growing so much. He'll be 8 weeks old on Tuesday. Already he will smile back, nearly every time I smile at him. And he's trying so hard to talk. Now, it's no where close to actual words. Can't even get a "da-da" from him. But he makes these beautiful little mutterings and noises. I know he's saying stuff---even if he doesn't know what he means; I think he realizes that he's trying to have a conversation with me. And it's the best stuff I've ever heard anywhere.
We had our Christmas in Vernal this year. Brynn's family is from there and nearly all of them still live there. On Christmas Eve we went to a family dinner. After the meal, Brynn's mom and some other lady did this little performance where Brynn's mom was Joseph's mom, and the other lady was Mary's mom. Sort of gave a new perspective about the historic events that led to the birth of Christ. It was spiritual and I really enjoyed it. I needed it.
On Christmas morning we got up and waited for Brynn's sister and her husband and kids to come over and then we opened some presents. It was simple and sweet; just my style. After that we headed over to her grandparents' home for a delicious pancake, eggs and ham breakfast. It was great.
I noticed this year, more than the previous ones, that Brynn has a very special family. They are all kind, generous, and just plain good-hearted souls. They were all so kind to me and really made me feel welcomed and like I fit in as one of them. And I know how lucky I am to have this type of relationship with in-laws.
Anyway, it was a good Christmas. Wish this time of year would find everyone so lucky.

P.S. Just had Sunday lunch with some close friends of ours. And as promised, I'd like to give a shout out to Jarin and Jami and their 2 cute kids. What's up guys? Hope you made it back to Santaquin OK.