Christmas 2011

Christmas was very simple but grand. We really had a nice time with family and friends. This year was quite different from last year. Last year we did not have a tree and this year we were able to have a tree because of some very thoughtful people. One of my coworkers and friend had an extra tree and so we borrowed a tree from her family. Another friend from church brought over some ornaments. My son and I had a really great time decorating the tree; we made a whole evening out of it. We made a chain that went all around our tree. It was really a lot of fun setting it up and decorating.

My son got everything that he wanted and more. I tried to keep the real meaning of Christmas in my home. I really want my son to remember the the true meaning of Christmas so we did not make a big deal about Santa Claus and we talked a lot about Christ and why we celibate Christmas. I hope that he will carry it with him throughout the year and that we will be able to talk more and more about Christ and that he can have a greater understanding of the atonement, sacrifice and of course the birth of our Savior. It is not something that should only be remembered once a year.

For Christmas Eve we went to Galveston for Stroganoff for dinner. It tasted wonderful; it happens to be my favorite meal. Christmas we opened presents at our house then went to church. Church was really great, we had a wonderful message about the savior filled with beautiful music and so sacrament was filled with the Spirit of Christmas. After I went and took some gifts to some young women that were not at church and headed to Galveston and we opened our presents there. Then we spent the day relaxing, we stayed the night and my son was sleeping by 7:30pm, and I got to stay up and visit with my aunt and uncle. It was a lovely day. Then next day cousins came down and the kids played all day and I read most of the day and did some thinking about life and how blessed I have been.

This year we sent out Christmas Cards and we got a ton back which was really exciting. It was great to see how everyone was doing. It really seems that everyone is doing well, we all are having our struggles but we are all managing. It really made me grateful for what I have and that I am not alone. We are all dealing with things they may not be the same but no one is free of trials. It was really nice to hear from so many people and to see how they are doing?

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that they were able to feel the true meaning of Christmas. I surely know that I really felt the true meaning of Christmas this year.

Top 10 moments of 2011

The Ferrin Family

Our TOP 10

moments of 2 0 1 1

10

I was called into the Young Women. I love the sisters I serve with. We have a lot of work to do but anything is possible if you believe. I have come to love the young women and am excited to see what the year will bring; hopefully great things.

9

I endured my first year as a mom and I am still alive and so is my son with only a few bumps and bruises. The first few months were an adjustment. Being a mom has helped me look at life in a completely new and exciting way. I love being a mom.

8

This summer when we were not traveling we had the opportunity to visit most of the museums and sites in Houston. My son had his friend came along so he would have someone to enjoy the sites with. Their favorite was the Space Museum.

7

I am teaching Fifth Grade Math again this year. I have four classes, each very different from the other. I was asked to be the Fifth Grade Head Chairman this year. It has brought on a whole new stress level; however we are managing quite well.

6

My son started guitar lessons in October and is doing rather well. He was given a guitar from Grandpa and Grandma and he is always playing it and showing me all the fun things he is learning.

5

We bought a new car in April. After researching and considering the different options we finally settled on a Mazda CX-7. It was within our budget and we love everything about it. It has been a great relief to know that we have a dependable car.

4

My son got on A/B Honor Role the last nine-weeks. He loves his classes however he has a tendency to talk a little too much. His teachers have been wonderful with him and are very patient and a great help.

3

We drove to St. George for a few days to celebrate my son's birthday; than drove to Salt Lake City for three weeks, we visited family and enjoyed sites. Stopped in New Mexico to visited family, stayed longer then expected. We had such a great time

2

My son's adoption was finalized on July 12, 2011, it was one of the greatest experiences I have had. Everyone should adopt. My son changed his name and he is rather proud of his new name.

1

We have enjoyed being with family and friends throughout the year. We are grateful for all the kindness and prayers that each of you have shared in our behalf. We hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas. We love you.