December 2010
Where to start? I actually was on the ball this year and had my Christmas cards printed before Thanksgiving. I’ve just been trying to get this letter written and almost bagged it several times. But what a year it has been for us. I have to stop and catch my breath just thinking about it.
I’ll start with Mike. It's hard to believe we started the law school journey just over 4 years ago; it feels good to be on the back end of it. Michael graduated in May (cum laude) from UNLV, receiving a Deans Award. It was a proud moment for all of us to see him walk across the stage. After that, he spent the first 8 weeks of the summer studying to take the Nevada Bar and was one of the 66% who passed it. Right now, many firms are rescinding their employment offers or forbearing the offer for a year; we are blessed because he found a job quickly. He is working in a commercial litigation firm. He has also already taken a couple of pro bono (free) cases for those who can’t afford an attorney. Recently, he decided to continue his education and was accepted into an LLM program (advanced law degree in U.S. Taxation and Financial Instruments). Fortunately, no 3,000 mile moves for this one. He will continue to work full-time and attend two classes per semester for four semesters.
I am still working nights in the ICU but am hoping to move to a day position as soon as one becomes available. I'm simply tired of being tired all the time and our family is at a point where a day shift schedule will work. I don't have much free time, but I do manage to squeeze in a trip to St. George or sunny California whenever I need a break or time on the beach. For the last year, Michael and I have been teaching the 4-5 yr olds in primary. I just got released and accepted a call as the 1st councilor in the Relief Society. I am looking forward to getting to know the people in our ward better. We have also started the process of looking for a home since it looks like we will be here for awhile. The kids have adjusted well to the area and have great friends. It’s been a tough process but we finally found one we like in our ward boundaries. If everything works out, we’ll be moving into it February. I hope it’s our last move for awhile.
The big news of the year: Chelsea turned 16 in October. She has loved having her learners permit and has looked for every opportunity to get behind the wheel. She has put in her 50 hours of driving plus countless hours learning how to parallel park. She was finally able to get into the DMV this week and is the proud new owner of a Nevada driver’s license! Recently, she earned her Young Womanhood Recognition award as well. It was a lot of work, yet she completed it ahead of schedule. We are very proud of all her hard work. She is excelling with both the piano and guitar and loves all types of music. If you don’t believe me, you should see our I-tunes account!
Brianna turned 14 in November. Her world is filled with dance. She tried out for, and once again, made the school dance team. She also made it onto the performance team at Fern Adair, her dance studio. She dances 3 days a week and sometimes on Saturday mornings. When she wakes us up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday to dance, we know she’s committed. She loves it and wishes she could do even more. Even with her busy schedule she still was able to serve in the beehive presidency, have an active social life, and keeps straight A's; her favorite class is French. Parlez-vous français?
Mason turns 12 at the end of this month and is excited to receive the priesthood. He is not only surviving middle school, but is actually doing quite well. He is working hard and keeping up his fabulous grades in his honors classes. He loves his computer class and has joined a computer club after school. If you’re ever curious about how to read the number 90 in binary code, just ask him. However, you better have had good night’s sleep – he knows way too much about that stuff for the ordinary person to comprehend. He also plays the saxophone and is enjoying it more than he thought he would. Mason has also excelled in scouts this year, earning 3 rank advancements. But with all that, he would much rather be spending time on the computer or his x-box.
Cord finally turned 4 this month (he's been saying that he's 4 for at least 6 months now). I tell him he is such a big boy and he responds, "NO, I a short boy" (which is better than,"Look mom, I a princess!") He loves his preschool and has improved a great deal with his speech. He learns so fast and always amazes us with his new skills. He loves to color, read books, and put puzzles together. He also loves to ride his bike and generally be outside; he is growing up way too fast. Luckily, he'll still cuddle with me (occasionally) but then later he’ll wipe off my hugs and kisses.
We added a new member to our family this year. Chelsea bonded to my grandmother’s dog, so after her passing, we brought him home to live with us. Chester has been a great fit for our family. Cord loves having someone to boss around and hug, Mason feels safer with Chester around, Brianna likes to teach him tricks, and Chelsea likes it when he sleeps in her room. I like that I didn't have to potty train him and he forces me out of the house for the occasional walk. We like having a little piece of grandma with us. I'm sure they were great friends.
It has been a whirlwind year: graduations, sweet 16 birthdays (allowed to date), a fun summer vacation in Park City, passing the bar, getting a job, and buying a house. It has been a good year and we are grateful for our blessings. We hope you are also doing well – we are thinking of you during this holiday season and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Love, the McKellebs
