Merry Christmas from the Laws!
It has
fallen on me (David) to write a Christmas letter. I’m 29 years old and I have
never done this. What I know of Christmas letters is that each family member
gets a blurb, there are recaps of big events, and then maybe a little Christmas
thought. I believe if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, so here we go.
Evelyn –
Evy had a year of firsts. Her first (real) words, first steps (and many more
since then), and first birthday (now 14 months). Her favorite things right now
are talking about everything she sees, reading books in what she calls her
“spot” which is mom or dad’s lap, and talking on the phone, or TV remote, or
whatever she puts up to her ear. I have come to realize that a rewarding part
of being a parent is watching your children do things on their own that you
have tried to teach them. Just a few nights ago after visiting at my sister’s
house, I told Evelyn that we had to go home. She immediately went to my sister
and gave her a hug and a kiss and said bye-bye. It was completely un-coaxed and
made me proud. She is the greatest gift I have ever received. She makes
everyone smile and has such personality already.
Deidra – Deidra
keeps our family running on all cylinders. She loves being a mom and feels
blessed that she can stay home with Evelyn. When we decided that she would stay
home and leave teaching, I wasn’t sure how it would all work and how she would
transition. But what I have discovered is that Deidra, no matter what she is
doing, always excels and rarely complains. Watching her be a mom and run a
household has given me many moments of pause while I admire the things she
does. I am grateful to have her in my life. Besides me gushing about how
wonderful she is, Deidra continues to love craft making, sewing, reading, and
working in the church primary presidency.
Me – I am
still a lawyer at Davis, Arneil Law Firm in Wenatchee. I’m still the newest
attorney, which gives me coveted roles like buyer of office snacks, Apple
Blossom award presenter, and master of ceremonies at the office Christmas party.
Despite my new-lawyer duties, I truly ended up in a great position. I’m glad
the firm took a chance on me. When I’m not doing the lawyer gig, I spend time
with Deidra and Evy and we make trips to see the family that we have nearby. After
I entered the full-time work force, I learned that the greatest stress relief
for me was being with family. Fishing and golf are good too. Do I sound like a
lawyer yet?
Year Recap
– Speaking of family, some of the highlights of this year were going to Nevada
to see my mom’s family. We got to introduce Evelyn to her Great-grandma Harris
and the rest of the clan there. Over Thanksgiving we went to Utah, and every
member of Deidra’s immediate family was present. We can now say that Evelyn has
met all of her grandparents and living great-grandparents, as well as all her
aunts, uncles, and cousins. This year has flown, and honestly we have spent it
enjoying Evy and family.
Christmas
Thought – I’ve seen Christmas come and go a few times in my life. I’ve spent
most Christmases with family, but I’ve spent a couple of them far from home.
I’ve almost always been happy at Christmas, but I remember one lonely Christmas
on my mission in Slovakia that had me reaching for comfort. I won’t say that it
was the worst Christmas ever, because I know there are many who have much greater
challenges than me. But wherever a person is on Christmas, whatever they are
feeling, and whatever they are facing in their life, the reason we celebrate Christmas
is because of hope that comes from the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. He
came to this earth, and because He loved us, He descended below all things,
suffering for our pains, sicknesses, sins, and weakness. He overcame them all.
If we rely on His power, we can also overcome all our challenges. This gift is
given to all who seek Him. This is why I believe the wise men are part of the
Christmas story. They show us how we should endeavor to find a place in our
lives for the Savior. This is my hope for you this year.
With
love from David, Deidra, and Evelyn
