Family Chrismas Card 2008

Happy Holiday’s 2008

To all our Family and Friends,

It has been a fun filled year this year. We can’t believe it is time to ponder on it all and reflect on all our blessings already. We’ve really had a great year.
Christopher has had a great year growing his tax business in Sandy, Utah. He is learning and growing as he not only is handling more clients but he is also managing an office with employees. Christopher is also finding success in other business ventures. The Lord has truly helped us to find the abundance in a seemly scarce world. He doesn’t work all the time, however. He has spent much time increasing his talent on Guitar Hero that Ann got him for Christmas last year. His favorite time of the day is when he walks in the door and Alyson comes running up to him yelling, “Daddy!
Ann has been busy this year raising Alyson and growing our new baby whom we are anxiously awaiting his/her arrival this coming May. Ann has been very involved in Church with the Young Woman’s program and has loved every minute of it. From 25miles of hiking this summer then to Girls Camp it has really been an adventure to cherish. Though Ann hasn’t heavily pursued her own public speaking this year she is always continuing her education with home study and personal mentors. Her vibrant spirit and abundant mind set has helped our family to continue to grow emotionally and spiritually.
Alyson is getting bigger and smarter every day. She is 3 and ½ years old now. The saying is true, “Kids do say the darnedest things.” She loves to sing and play guitar with Dad. She started pre-school this year and is excited to be a “Big Girl.” She is also excited to be a big sister and is sure she will have a little sister. A few more weeks and we shall see.
We hope this letter finds you all in good health and happy thoughts. Know that you and your family are in our hearts at Christmas and all year through. We love celebrating the birth of our dear Savior and wish you all love and peace during this holiday.

Many Christmas Wishes,
The Anderson's
Christopher, Ann & Alyson

My new favorite thought...

My husband brought this amazing thought into one of our discussions last months when we were reflecting on the amazing General Conference we participated in. Address was given by Presdient Thomas S. Monson.

Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings.

Said one well-known author: “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

Putting up the tree...

Chris' Mom has had an amazing tradition for her kids, and we have incorporated it into our family now too. Each year they would make or be given an ornament throughout their life. So when they moved out and wanted their ornaments they had a start to their tree. My family has kept some of our ornaments over the years, though I am not sure where those are now. So it is nice and sweet to reminisce through our decorations each year as we adorn our family tree with our fondest memories of the past. Alyson would get so excited to see what ornaments had her name on it this year. It is fun to see her grow and enjoy the holiday.