Happy Holidays from the Skousen’s who should be in Saint Johns but have somehow ended the year in Gilbert, Arizona. This year has been full of twists. It seems almost strange, everything that we thought would happen one way didn’t and those we didn’t count on to work out did. For starters, who would have thought that I would end up pregnant and coaching tee-ball. Okay, the tee-ball coaching might come as a surprise, but I can hear all of you thinking it now, so to answer all of your enquiring minds, YES Scott and I do know what causes pregnancy. (We just weren’t planning on being pregnant so soon, really, I promise!) Another unexpected event presented itself when Scott applied for a new position within Salt River Project. Two weeks before school started we were packing our bags, looking for a house to rent, and school for Conner to go to for a few months while Scott had to do preliminary work for his new job in the valley. We also have sold our house in Saint Johns twice but never officially moved out. (Don’t ask) In fact all of our belongings are still in St. Johns except the very, very bare necessities. (We just recently were given a couch) I am happy to report that this interesting ride is almost over (or just beginning depending on how you look at it) as we prepare to return to our home in Saint Johns. One thing is for sure, we have learned that no matter what, Family is most important. Everything else is just an added bonus. We have truly enjoyed being closer to most of you this holiday season even if only for a short time.
Scott is still working for Salt River Project but has recently transferred within the company. He now is in the Major Projects Group. He is very excited about this change and is really enjoying his new job assignment which includes overseeing the planning, design, and construction of a new coal burning power plant in Springerville, Arizona. The job is complicated and stressful but Scott looks forward to the challenge. He loves that everyday is different, new problems to solve and challenges to overcome. Scott is currently teaching the Temple Preparation Class at church. He loves to get out on the green (go golfing) when he gets a chance. He also participated in church softball this year and has been permanently dubbed “Skousen the Slugger” at church. As for the rest of his precious time, we are at the end of football season you know and basketball season has begun which means that on any given day there is always a game to be watched.
Christy is busy being a housekeeper, meal preparer, tee-ball coach, financial advisor, booger wiper, laundry doer, clothing mender, answering service, taxi driver, diaper changer…(just to name a few) Mommy like always and loving it. (at least usually) In my “spare” time I work for AZ Firebird Contractors, Inc. doing pretty much everything that needs to be done as far as paperwork is concerned. If there is any time left after all my work is done, I try to fill my time with craft making. I love to scrapbook and this year I finally made curtains for our house! J I have also recently picked up a “thing” for online journaling- blogging. If you are interested you can check it out at http://www.scskousen.blogspot.com/ . Because of our current living situation, I am only a visiting teacher at church. Can you say Hallelujah! It really has been a nice and much needed break, but I’m looking forward with much anticipation to my next calling when we return to Saint Johns.
Conner is six (almost seven if you ask him) and in first grade. He is absolutely doing fabulous. He just recently earned a triple 100% - A perfect score on his Math, Phonogram, and Spelling tests. Conner participated in tee-ball, swimming lessons, and tae-kwon-do this year. Some of his proudest moments include, reciting a poem in front of his class and taking his Knex creations to school for show in tell. Conner is invaluable to his mother, he is such a good help. Conner is a great example to his younger siblings, he is just a great kid!
Tate just turned 5 and thinks he is the biggest boy ever! He is counting the days (literally) until he gets to go to Kindergarten. He has a great desire to learn and has enjoyed the Gilbert Parks & Recreation Preschool program that he has been in for the last several months. His teacher calls him “a math wizard.” (he must get it from his Dad) This year was his first at tee-ball, he did really well. He also took swimming lessons, he likes the water as long as the steps are nearby, very nearby. Tate is a well behaved little boy. (so far) His teachers in primary are always complementing him. If you were to ask Tate what his biggest accomplishment of 2006 was, he’d probably say, “Beating Mom at a thumb war.” (and everyone else he plays, the boy is good!) We love our little, I’m mean big guy. He does wear the same size clothes as Conner you know!
Jacob is our 3 ½ year old live wire. He loves everyone! He is the first to give hugs & loves and the first to offer a “knuckle sandwich.” If you’re lucky you might get by him without having to wrestle. He also enjoyed swimming lessons this year and needs maybe a little more fear of the water. Jacob loves Thomas the Tank Engine and treasure boxes. The kid will turn anything into a treasure if you’re not careful. I think he has a predisposition to be a pack rat. I have to be very cautious about getting rid of his special things. I have almost started World War III before when something has turned up missing. We are grateful for the extra measure of excitement that Jacob brings to our family.
Grace is now 18 months old and is as eager to go to nursery as can be. (Thank Heavens) She is officially Daddy’s little angel, she can do no wrong in his eyes and the boys call her their, “Pretty, Pretty Princess.” Needless to say she does not lack in the love and attention department. Even I find myself enjoying an occasional girls only trip to the store. Gracie is starting to really express herself with words, and says things like peeze (please) and tinch you (thank you) readily. If she finds that she doesn’t know a word she will just babble away until you figure out what she is talking about. There is no lack of Girlyness in this little one. I’m grateful that she loves her “pretties.” (dresses, necklaces, and hair bows) On the other hand though, she can play trucks and get dirty with the best of them. Grace is our little beauty and we’re glad to have her.
Ethan is our newest addition to the family. He made his debut on December 17th at 1:48 p.m., (thus the late Christmas card) weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz., and was 21 ¾ in. long. Like all newborns, he sleeps all day and is up most of the night. A habit I hope that he’ll break soon. Despite the long nights, he is absolutely precious and we are glad he’s here. He gets all the love he needs. In fact he gets more love than he needs and probably wants. His siblings are always waiting for their turn to hold the “baby boy.”
We are thankful for all of the blessings which we enjoy, especially the blessing of family and friends. We are grateful at this time of year to reflect on the birth of our Savior to whom we owe everything. We wish all of you a healthy and happy New Year.
Merry Christmas,
The Skousens
Scott is still working for Salt River Project but has recently transferred within the company. He now is in the Major Projects Group. He is very excited about this change and is really enjoying his new job assignment which includes overseeing the planning, design, and construction of a new coal burning power plant in Springerville, Arizona. The job is complicated and stressful but Scott looks forward to the challenge. He loves that everyday is different, new problems to solve and challenges to overcome. Scott is currently teaching the Temple Preparation Class at church. He loves to get out on the green (go golfing) when he gets a chance. He also participated in church softball this year and has been permanently dubbed “Skousen the Slugger” at church. As for the rest of his precious time, we are at the end of football season you know and basketball season has begun which means that on any given day there is always a game to be watched.
Christy is busy being a housekeeper, meal preparer, tee-ball coach, financial advisor, booger wiper, laundry doer, clothing mender, answering service, taxi driver, diaper changer…(just to name a few) Mommy like always and loving it. (at least usually) In my “spare” time I work for AZ Firebird Contractors, Inc. doing pretty much everything that needs to be done as far as paperwork is concerned. If there is any time left after all my work is done, I try to fill my time with craft making. I love to scrapbook and this year I finally made curtains for our house! J I have also recently picked up a “thing” for online journaling- blogging. If you are interested you can check it out at http://www.scskousen.blogspot.com/ . Because of our current living situation, I am only a visiting teacher at church. Can you say Hallelujah! It really has been a nice and much needed break, but I’m looking forward with much anticipation to my next calling when we return to Saint Johns.
Conner is six (almost seven if you ask him) and in first grade. He is absolutely doing fabulous. He just recently earned a triple 100% - A perfect score on his Math, Phonogram, and Spelling tests. Conner participated in tee-ball, swimming lessons, and tae-kwon-do this year. Some of his proudest moments include, reciting a poem in front of his class and taking his Knex creations to school for show in tell. Conner is invaluable to his mother, he is such a good help. Conner is a great example to his younger siblings, he is just a great kid!
Tate just turned 5 and thinks he is the biggest boy ever! He is counting the days (literally) until he gets to go to Kindergarten. He has a great desire to learn and has enjoyed the Gilbert Parks & Recreation Preschool program that he has been in for the last several months. His teacher calls him “a math wizard.” (he must get it from his Dad) This year was his first at tee-ball, he did really well. He also took swimming lessons, he likes the water as long as the steps are nearby, very nearby. Tate is a well behaved little boy. (so far) His teachers in primary are always complementing him. If you were to ask Tate what his biggest accomplishment of 2006 was, he’d probably say, “Beating Mom at a thumb war.” (and everyone else he plays, the boy is good!) We love our little, I’m mean big guy. He does wear the same size clothes as Conner you know!
Jacob is our 3 ½ year old live wire. He loves everyone! He is the first to give hugs & loves and the first to offer a “knuckle sandwich.” If you’re lucky you might get by him without having to wrestle. He also enjoyed swimming lessons this year and needs maybe a little more fear of the water. Jacob loves Thomas the Tank Engine and treasure boxes. The kid will turn anything into a treasure if you’re not careful. I think he has a predisposition to be a pack rat. I have to be very cautious about getting rid of his special things. I have almost started World War III before when something has turned up missing. We are grateful for the extra measure of excitement that Jacob brings to our family.
Grace is now 18 months old and is as eager to go to nursery as can be. (Thank Heavens) She is officially Daddy’s little angel, she can do no wrong in his eyes and the boys call her their, “Pretty, Pretty Princess.” Needless to say she does not lack in the love and attention department. Even I find myself enjoying an occasional girls only trip to the store. Gracie is starting to really express herself with words, and says things like peeze (please) and tinch you (thank you) readily. If she finds that she doesn’t know a word she will just babble away until you figure out what she is talking about. There is no lack of Girlyness in this little one. I’m grateful that she loves her “pretties.” (dresses, necklaces, and hair bows) On the other hand though, she can play trucks and get dirty with the best of them. Grace is our little beauty and we’re glad to have her.
Ethan is our newest addition to the family. He made his debut on December 17th at 1:48 p.m., (thus the late Christmas card) weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz., and was 21 ¾ in. long. Like all newborns, he sleeps all day and is up most of the night. A habit I hope that he’ll break soon. Despite the long nights, he is absolutely precious and we are glad he’s here. He gets all the love he needs. In fact he gets more love than he needs and probably wants. His siblings are always waiting for their turn to hold the “baby boy.”
We are thankful for all of the blessings which we enjoy, especially the blessing of family and friends. We are grateful at this time of year to reflect on the birth of our Savior to whom we owe everything. We wish all of you a healthy and happy New Year.
Merry Christmas,
The Skousens
