Finn, who is the spitting image of Jaxon at his age, turned two in October. He loves his brothers and imitates them all day. Every morning while still in his pajamas, Finn puts his shoes on, walks Jaxon out to the bus stop, waves as the bus leaves and walks back in the house. But Finn is still our baby and will spend hours rocking in the lap of Mama or Daddy (names he uses interchangeably to describe both parents).
Biggest accomplishment this year: Moving into a big boy bed, the middle bunk of the triple bunks.
Though he's not quite four, Asher looks like a five year old. He's shy around everyone except our little family where he acts more like a lion cub, wrestling with and chasing his brothers. Taking after Jaxon, Asher has inherited his brother's love of trains. We are getting more than our money's worth out of the train table we bought a few years ago. In preschool, Asher is proud of the crafts he brings home and so is Jaxon. As for his lifestlye, Asher is on his way to becoming a Naturist. He spends every moment he's at home in his underwear, even when it's 64 degrees in our house.
Biggest accomplishment this year: Potty training (Our potty training stories will scare your pants off).
Seven year old Jaxon is growing into a responsible big brother. He adores his brothers and talks about "taking care of my boys." Jaxon has a big heart and loves all creatures. This year he had two pet fish and 9 pet mice (which I accidentally killed). December 7th we had a beautiful kitty adopt us. Named Milo, courtesy of Jaxon, he just moved in and the kids are thrilled. As he improves in first grade, Jaxon impresses his teacher by casually using big words most kids don't know. He's great at making friends and has an incredible memory for quoting things he's heard. At the dinner table tonight Jaxon says, "Use what you have to make what you need." Such sage advice from a 7 year old. Recently, Jaxon started karate where he learns discipline.
Biggest accomplishment this year: Learning to read and doing jump kicks in karate.
As for me, I stay busy with my blogs, my friends, and my family. While I love to create things by decorating or photographing, I hate to clean so keeping a tidy house is always a chore (pun intended). I'm still on the board of the AZ Hemophilia Association and love promoting our mission to enhance the quality of life for the bleeding disorder community. At church I was just released from teaching the 14 year old Sunday School class and called as the nursery leader, which I am excited about. The reality of growing older set in this year when I discovered a few gray hairs, and a newlywed couple moved into our ward and I recognized the husband because I used to BABYSIT HIM! I participate in two book groups, am training for a half-marathon in January (donate here!), and have become addicted to yoga.
Biggest accomplishment this year: Hanging Christmas lights on our house for the first time in our marriage (We've never had lights, so this was a first for our house and a first for me).
Mark spends his days working as the Private Equity specialist for the AZ state pension fund. He loves what he does, although he does not love the occasional travel. I love his job too, because he has lots of vacation and no overtime. When Mark gets home he's the primary parent and the kids just adore him. Mark loves to play tennis on the Wii. And though he teases me about blogging, Mark started another blog this year which celebrates his favorite hobby: Cougar football (need I say more?).
Biggest accomplishment this year: Enjoying a trip to Michigan to visit his family (It helps that no one was sick and all the kids sleep through the night).
We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Jessica Steed and her boys: Mark, Jaxon, Asher, and Finn.
Our Blogs:
Marks: Adverse Selection
Mormon Women's Blog: The Exponent
PS, You can probably tell that Asher is very affectionate in our family, since he's hugging everyone in all the photos.
5 comments:
Great family picture! And even though I pretty much know what's going on with you, I LOVED your newsy Christmas letter. Thanks!
Hey, where did you get that black dress? Hmmm, I'm trying to think of a movie quote you would know to end this comment but I'm coming up blank. I loved your letter though. It sure saves on postage!
Kate,
Thanks. Coe took that photo before church on Sunday. I photoshopped out the cars in the parking lot!
Annie,
I still sent out some cards, but I didn't have to print out a letter, I just wrote our blog on the back.
I got the dress at Anne Taylor a few years ago. I don't wear it to church very often, but it's okay for special occasions, like Christmas Sunday, right?
I think the quote you were looking for is, "Finger-lickin' good."
:)
We hope you guys have an awesome Christmas! BTW, Mark's photo isn't coming up on my computer, FWIW.
Hope your 2010 is every bit as rewarding!
love the pictures!
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