2007 Christmas Letter (Never Sent)

As another year comes to an end we pause to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and reflect on all of the blessings and events of 2007 and look forward to another exciting year.
Like many years before, 2007 involved yet another move for the Reeds – this time back to Gig Harbor, WA not too far from Kresta’s parents and where James and Kresta started this happy clan. Also like many years gone by, James changed jobs again too! This time he’s returned to "big business" taking a finance role at WaMu in Seattle. He often advises business students, "if you like corporate finance, work where finance is the product" . . . and now, for the first time, he finally has.
Kresta keeps very busy teaching school at home, teaching piano lessons, shuttling kids to their various acting lessons, sports, piano, church activities, YMCA, and any number of other things. She recently took on a new church responsibility that has her accountable for all children 2-11 in our congregation – it’s a big task but she is more than capable (James writing this) and will do a great job. Our move to Gig Harbor has allowed us to deepen our relationship with Kresta’s family as we see her parents and Sister weekly. It has been great for the kids to be with their cousins and see Grandma and Grandpa Rowley on a more regular basis. It has also given Kresta an opportunity to be involved in her Dad’s care – her parents have been so instrumental in the treatment of Kresta’s cancer; it is truly a blessing to help him in his time of need. We’re very grateful for this time in our lives.
Re: Kresta’s cancer – her levels of disease are the lowest they’ve ever been and we are thankful every day for that. Granted, it’s not gone but we’re much closer to the desired outcome than we were even last year.
Taylor (14) is in high school! If that makes any of you feel old … we’re right there with you. He is an amazing kid who will accomplish great things in his life. Taylor is in early morning seminary where he is a class vice president, is his Teacher’s quorum President at church, and a fantastic son, brother, and friend. He attended BYU baseball camp this summer, batted close to .600 in summer league baseball, went to scout camp (he’s now working on his Eagle), went on a 3 day San Juan Islands ocean kayaking trip for high adventure, and is a budding artist/designer. Some may have heard about his recent surgery – in playing our annual "Turkey Bowl" football game he took a shot to the nose that ultimately required surgery and 2 weeks out of his evolving public life. He’s got work to do to catch up in school but thankfully, he’s ok.
Tanner (12) has been a treat to have as a pre-teen. He is a rock star in scouts where he is already just his time requirement away from his Star rank. His summer camp was epic – he earned 6 total merit badges with 4 of those being required for Eagle. Tanner also received the priesthood and is a Deacon at church. We have rarely seen a young man so serious about his church responsibilities, Tanner is a great example for the other boys to follow as the 2nd counselor in his Deacons’ quorum. He has also really found his calling . . . in the theater! We’re not sure where he got it: Kresta has theater experience in mostly supporting roles and James is dramatic all the time but Tanner really is comfortable on stage and in front of audiences. Watch out on the big screen.
Dallin (10) continues to be such a happy boy. He enjoys scouts where he is a Webelos scout and is working to complete all the requirements for his Arrow of Light. Dallin is a delightful kid who loves to swim, play the piano, and follow Tanner everywhere – they are best buddies. Dallin also has taken his dramatics to the big stage and recently made his debut along-side Tanner and Haley in his role as a peasant turned king. Dallin is a "natural" on the piano – it’s still early to project his full potential, but he loves spending time on the piano, picks up his assigned works (and then some) very quickly, and has shown an uncanny ability to advance quickly. His piano teacher and other authorities on the subject assure us he has an unusual gift; we’ll keep you posted as this develops.

Haley (8) was baptized this year and became a member of our church. We are so proud of her. She is a great swimmer and a good friend to everyone. We are convinced she was sent to us by Heavenly Father when she was to help us with the younger kids – she is an amazing "mommy" with McKay and Olivia. She had an otherwise eventful year too: she sang solos in church on several occasions (her raspy voice is maturing into a very eloquent performer’s voice), sang in the church choir with Kresta, went with James to a Hannah Montana concert, attended the BYU cheerleading camp with her best friend Brooke, flew to Utah with Kresta to attend a wedding in December, and otherwise has just had a lot of fun. She also takes acting classes and piano with Tanner and Dallin.
McKay (5) is a super fun boy – he loves gymnastics, being near Grandma (and often spends the night at her house), enjoys his Joy School class, and especially has enjoyed his cousin and best friend Noah. Those kids are connected at the hip. All of our kids do some sort of snow sport – the oldest 3 snowboard, Haley skis – but McKay LOVES skiing . . . and James is very happy about that. McKay is also very excited to start T-Ball this year and has already started practicing. Watch out, he’s going to be a good one.
Olivia (2) continue to be our "Princess" – just ask her. Call her anything; dear, sweetie, baby, big girl, and she will correct you, "I’m a Princess!" She loves being in nursery with her friends, enjoys singing, thinks she’s in McKay’s joy school (she’s not), and generally rules the family. A big highlight for her was our family trip to Disney World for her 2nd birthday in February. James’ whole family met us there and it was by all accounts a hit. All of our kids got to spend quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Reed and deepen our ties with the entire Reed side of our family. We spent a whole week in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, and Animal Kingdom and had a great time. It was all capped by a character lunch with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Planning it felt like a potential train wreck but everything was fantastic. There are few things I enjoy more in life than walking on a plane with 6 kids – you should see people’s faces!
It is hard to believe that Kresta and James celebrated their 15th anniversary this year . . . not hard to believe we "made it" this far but that the time has gone so fast. We could not have imagined where life would take us and where we would be with our family at this point. One thing we know now more than ever is that with the Lord all things are possible. We continue to put our faith in him and direct our lives in a way we believe would please him. The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. He was indeed laid to rest and three days later rose from the grave a resurrected being. By virtue of his sacrifice we all will one day be resurrected and have the opportunity to live with him and his Father again. We celebrate his life, his mission, and his atoning sacrifice in this holiday season and wish all of you and your loved ones our very best in this Christmas Season.
The Reed Family