Merry Christmas! It’s that time of year to gather together as friends, neighbors, and family and share in the spirit of giving, reflecting, and rejoicing! Let’s begin with the spirit of giving. In 2011 we were fortunate enough to give gifts of time, talents, and blessings. Kellis was able to give time to be the “big brother” example to all of his siblings. Garrett was able to give his artistic talent to many people and it brought amazed smiles to all their faces! Isaac was able to make his baby sister laugh. Margaret shared her talent of drawing and designing in creating many dresses for her sisters.
Virginia gave her time to mommy in helping her to chop, cut, and prepare meals. Marianne gave her happy-go-lucky spirit to help us all laugh and remember that life is filled with joy, and Rhetten gave his strength and “cooing” smiles to everyone. Scott gave of his time, his energy, and his talents in providing for our large family of 9. I was able to grow and give birth to our 7th edition to our family. In 2011 we were given the blessing of reflecting: In this reflection I saw Kellis make a very difficult but wise decision to exercise great faith and move to a different school, accomplish the challenges that faced him, do outstanding in his honors classes, and become Deacon Quorum President, go to the Temple quarterly to help his ancestors, and mature into a fine young man.
In 2011 we were given the blessing of reflecting: In this reflection I saw Kellis make a very difficult but wise decision to exercise great faith and move to a different school, accomplish the challenges that faced him, do outstanding in his honors classes, and become Deacon Quorum President, go to the Temple quarterly to help his ancestors, and mature into a fine young man. Garrett was able to learn that 6th grade isn’t “that bad” and that his little sister loves to hug him, and that he and Grandma Sue have a very special relationship. He lives in the present and helps us to remember that the now is what is important.
Isaac was able to make great gains with his reading and is now challenging many in his class by the example that he has set. He was also blessed with energy to walk, bike, or roller-blade to school daily. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to the Gospel and his teachers praise him for his answers. I saw Margaret make huge strides in success in second grade. She is able to complete the homework challenges and she is the best biggest sister to Marianne. She helps her get out of bed in the morning, holds her, dresses her up, and teaches her how to dance. She is becoming more and more sure of herself. 
Virginia gained more confidence in her relationships and was able to share more of her talents—especially her humor—with her family. She has the prettiest smile and captures the hearts of many of us with her helpful attitude. Marianne made great gains in her sign language, her ability to wait patiently with a large family, and she was able to entertain, dazzle, and make us break out into full belly laughs with her clowning around. Rhetten was able to remind us all how precious life is and to enjoy the present moment.
Scott and April were able to grow closer as a couple and as a friend in sharing the ups and downs of raising a large family. Scott played his guitar more and rekindled an electronic hobby that helps to relax and restore him. April was able to write and publish three articles and found satisfaction in helping many how to better understand Autism and Deafness.
And Finally in 2011 we all rejoiced in the many things we did together: camping in Yellowstone, lighting off fireworks, BBQ’s with families, hiking* Martin’s Cove, staying in the cabins, driving, talking, laughing, sharing stories, growing in the gospel, learning from our mistakes, and our challenges, and rejoicing in being a family. When Rhetten joined our family, I rejoiced in knowing that he was brought safely into this world by a wonderful doctor. We rejoice in the Gospel, in our friendships, and in helping others to feel good.
Finally, we—the Giauque’s—rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ loves all of us. We rejoice that His Birth, Life, Death, Atonement, and Resurrection are for all of us. In and through him we find our true happiness. Merry Christmas everyone! We love you all and look forward to 2012!
