I wrote a Christmas letter this year but I never got a family picture taken and I never got it sent out. So here it is on the blog for all to see! Happy Holidays!
Dear Family and Friends,
Happy December! It’s unbelievable how quickly time flies (even when you’re NOT having fun!). This year has been one full of challenges and obstacles for our little family. Despite all that, we find ourselves realizing that we have so many blessings in our lives. Next to the love of our savior, one of the biggest blessings is having you- our family and dearest friends- in our lives. We want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your prayers, love and friendship that we have received throughout the year.
So to continue with our tradition, we will write a short update about our family. The year started out with a bang. In January, Jonesy was laid off of work from the Utah Opera. Unemployment sucks! (Pardon my French). In June, we moved in with the Capel family (we were still unemployed and had finally run out of savings). Finally, in August Jonesy got a job. It’s a bottom-of-the-ladder position in an Audio/Visual company that Jonesy would LOVE to make a career with. The pay isn’t much and the hours are less than full time and are unpredictable but the potential is there for this to be a great career. We’re still at the Capel home, trying to save up enough money to get back out on our own.
Ruth is now 6 years old. She’s in First Grade and LOVING it. Ruth is still our social butterfly. She loves making new friends. She still talks up a storm to anyone who is willing to listen (yes, she does get into trouble with that at school sometimes). Her best subject is math and she loves Art and Science as well. Ruth has a big heart and is so kind and loving. She wants to be on a swim team someday. She also wants to be an actress/singer/mom when she grows up.
Gareth is already 3 years old. While most of the time he is the sweetest boy on the planet, his redhead temper is finally making its debut. Trust me--you never want to face the wrath of Gareth. Gareth is having a great time these days. He’s a great companion for his mom while Ruth is at school. Gareth seems to be taking after his sister in the talking department. When he wants to, he can talk up a storm. Hopefully we will be starting him in preschool next school year. When Gareth grows up, he wants to be a helicopter pilot.
Ronan is growing up fast too! He’s already 18 months old. He’s in a really fun stage. Ronan is learning so many new words and ways of communicating. He’s really picking up the language fast…you better watch what you say around him because he’ll repeat it! (Just the other day he learned how to say “Die!” by listening to the older children). He loves to play with his older siblings. Ronan just started going to nursery at church a few weeks ago. He really loves it. He likes to imitate the other people around him. The other day we caught him trying to go potty the way his big brother does. Maybe that’s a good sign for potty training?
We’re proud to say that we made it through 2010 in one piece--together. While sometimes it’s hard to stay positive, we really have learned a lot and have grown closer as a family. Because of that, we are thankful for our trials. We are ready to start 2011 and are looking forward to all the great things that are in store! Bring it on, 2011!
Love,
The Jones Clan
(Michael, Havilah, Ruth, Gareth, and Ronan
