Merry Christmas
2012
Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year! We can’t believe that 2012 is coming to a
close. This year has been one of change, growth, and gratitude. The hardest
change this year was the loss of our beloved father Richard Parkin. He was a man
of strength, integrity, and faith to name a few. His passing had all the
potential of being an overwhelming and desperate experience but instead was
immensely unifying. We all witnessed an incredible outpouring of love and an
increased capacity of hope. He was a man capable of making his last few moments
of life into a fantastic and cherished gift. We miss him terribly, but are
forever thankful for the many priceless memories that we share with our
children who miss their “Papa” so very much. We love you, Dad!
Ethan
(7 years old) is now in the 2nd grade with Mrs. Phillips. He loves
the computer and to play Cool Math for kids. His teacher tells us that Ethan
has a very bright mind and thinks out of the box; of course we knew that
already. She is encouraging him to discover new things and helps him push
himself beyond his comfort zone. This year Ethan has discovered the love of the
chapter book. He loves to read in his bed with a flashlight and he goes to a
whole new world of joy and magic. He still loves his superheroes. Each day a
new character finds his way into our home and the imagination goes wild. We
think he knows every statistic on every superhero there is (thanks to his new Marvel
superhero encyclopedia). Ethan has earned his right of passage from child to
“young man.” He has achieved three fundamentals of boyhood: he conquered the
two-wheeler, executed a perfect front flip on the trampoline, and met potential
conflict from a school bully with confidence and smarts. He has all the makings
of a great man and we’re incredibly proud of him. He is kind, never misses a
chance to say I love you, and cuddles at a moments notice. We love our boy!
Sarah
(4 years old) has started her first year of preschool. She loves Ms. Brenda!
She loves writing her name, her ABC’s, and numbers. She can’t wait to go to school
in the morning and loves singing time, playing with friends, and learning new
things each day. This year she has discovered the world of my little pony. She
loves Fluttershy and her beautiful pink hair (Sarah loves anything pink and
purple). She is very involved with what she wears each day and is our own
little fashionista. She really does have impeccable taste and loves to
accessorize; everything from jewelry to nails. Sarah has a new love for cooking
with mom. We put our aprons on each day and she becomes our little Julia Child.
She chops, stirs, and does the final tasting to make sure everything is just
right. Some of her favorite sayings these days include; “I’m so ‘busy’” (read
dizzy) as she twirls, “that so impressed me that I had to go for seconds”,
“you’re my very best friend”, “seriously”, and last of all “for reals?” Sarah had
several firsts this year; praying in primary, swimming with her head under the
water, learning to snap (after practicing everyday for weeks), painting her own
nails, and coloring in the lines. She is an absolute joy and brings such a
light wherever she goes. She is sensitive to others, kind, and her mommy’s best
shopping companion and friend. We couldn’t love her more!
Amy
continues to turn heads where ever she walks. There is not a construction sight
on the planet that doesn’t immediately erupt in whistling and cat-calls when
she is within eyeshot. She is an incredible mother who is so accustomed to
sacrificing her time and energy on behalf of her family that she must be
reminded to take pause for herself. We love her dearly and respect her as the
pillar by which our family stands or falls. She was called to serve with the
stake young women’s presidency and I think they are fortunate to have her. She
is a tireless advocate for her children—case in point is her participation in
“Fun Friday” at Ethan’s school and volunteering every Monday in the classroom.
I have heard more than one testimony from the other children in his class that
Amy’s Fun Fridays are the most coveted. “Please”, “thank-you”, loyalty, love,
tradition, faith, service, friendship are now all tenants of the Parkin
constitution born from the incredibly brilliant mind of our mother, wife and
cheerleader.
Matt
is now working at General Atomics. His new job is in the field of aeronautics
and he couldn’t be happier. The way he lights up every time he talks about his
new assignment is so gratifying for our whole family. The greatest thing about
Matt’s new job is having him come home everyday for lunch and when he says he’s
on his way home, we only have to wait two minutes before we can welcome him
with all our hugs and kisses. Another big change for Matt was being released
from his favorite calling of all time (working in YM’s) and now having the
great opportunity to serve the Lord as the executive secretary in the
Bishopric. This has been such a great new blessing in our life and Matt loves
the men he is able to serve with and learn from. What would we do without our
Daddy? He brings laughter to everyone he meets, he is kind, he is constantly
thinking about others, and makes everyday better just because of the man he is.
He is a wonderful husband, father, and patriarch we can trust and depend on. We
love our Daddy!
Our
family has enjoyed hiking at the Moki rocks in St. George, our many trips to
Pineview, camping in Nephi, and planting and maintaining our first truly
successful garden. We also made the purchase of a trampoline and have enjoyed
many family nights playing circus, crack the egg, and dead man. We feel truly
blessed for all that the Lord has given to us. We have a deep and abiding
testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we know that He loves us and
it is because of Him that we have true happiness. May you find a way to invite
Him into your lives this holiday season and always as you serve those around
you and your Savior.
Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Matt,
Amy, Ethan, and Sarah Parkin
