Christmas Greetings

 

Most years I am "Johnny on the spot" about getting our Christmas letter out. Well, this is not one of those years! We scrambled just to try and get a picture, and thought about bagging the whole tradition. However we tried to pull it together in the end. So don't feel bad if you didn't get this in the mail, not many did. That is why I am posting it and our little letter for all to enjoy.

Dear Family & Friends, December 2009
We hope you are enjoying the holiday season. We love hearing from you and wanted to let you know what we have been up to, 2009 has been a big year for us! We have expanded our family and received so many blessings this year for which we are so very grateful.

Tracen James Porter arrived on Sept 27, a whopping 9lbs. 1 oz., with tons of hair. We were so excited for his arrival which made all the tears, fertility drugs, & prayers worth it. He is a darling little guy who just warms our hearts. Many people have told us that we now have our own little basketball team, with all of our boys.

Tanner (14) has been busy this year with football, soccer & basketball. He continues to work hard in school, and is a great helper with Tracen. In fact sometimes Tracen will only settle down for Tanner.

Tate(10) has earned his Bear & many other patches in Cub Scouts this year. He also plays soccer, basketball, and football. He is the sole Ute fan in the house and wears red with pride.

Tucker(7) is our budding gymnast & artist. He is the first one to get homework and chores done, so that he more time to draw, color or organize his room. It is fun to see what projects he comes up with.

Tommy (5) started Kindergarten this year and is excited to be with the big kids on the bus. He loves playing on the computer and going down to visit Grandma & Grandpa Gus’ part of the house. He is full of energy and excitement in all that he does.

That brings us to our next addition. When we built our house we decided to put in a full walk out basement so that we would have room in later years for aging parents, just in case. Fast forward to today's blight economy, job losses, many people losing their retirement in the stock market has really effected many in the community and in our own family. So the decision was made that my parents should fast forward their retirement plans and come live with us, in our big basement. Jeff worked like a mad man to get the basement finished. I am so proud of him and all of his talents! He has made it so nice, like their own little apartment or condo. They have their own kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, office, family room, fireplace, and entrance. I need to thank many family & friends who pitched in to make it happen! Many have helped out in different ways! It has been a blessing on all sides to have them with us. My Dad is an avid gardener/ landscaper, so with us having five acres, we let him do his magic, especially in our front flower beds. My Mom is the family history guru, and has been a great help with Tracen. It was a blessing to have their help after my c-section delivery of Tracen with Jeff being out of town. There is no way we would of survived with out them!

To round out our “big” year Jeff and I both had “big” birthdays, boy are we getting old. Jeff continues to serve in the Elders Quorum Presidency, ward athletic director, and as a Stake referee but still finds time to go on the “hunts” when he is not at work. I have been busy as a Cub Scout Den leader and serve on the PTA board, when not being a taxi driver for the kids or delivering Avon orders. However, with a new baby I am finding it harder to get much done. In fact we almost did not send out our Christmas letter and picture this year as I am so behind on the tasks of life. One of my New Year’s goals is to find balance and enjoy the little thing each day as the kids are growing up so fast.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and feel the true spirit of Christmas this time of year. Merry Christmas ~Love The Porter’s