Christmas morning.

Today is Christmas. I am wide awake, and the kids are all asleep, how ironic is that? As I sit here reflecting of Christmas seasons from past years, I am both happy, but kind of a little melancholy as I think about how fast the years have flown by. Long gone are the years that we would buy presents that required staying up all night to assemble, only to go back to sleep just in time for the kids to knock on the door to inform us that Santa has come. I am also coming to the realization that this may be the last year that we are all together as a family. Jeff is in college, but next year he plans on being on a mission. After that, who knows where everyone will be? I miss the look of excitement that they would have when they would come down the hallway when we were on Targhee Circle, or coming down the stairs for the past eight years in this home. The presents were always wrapped and set aside in their own areas. When they were younger, the living room would be filled with bikes, little tyke cars, game tables, and other presents that were large and would take up all available space. Now the presents have become smaller, but more expensive. I look in the same room that once was stacked full of things and it is weird to see just a few small packages are waiting to be opened. This Christmas I am so grateful for the blessings that we have had through this past year. My family has made it through a year with their health in tact. We have managed to weather the financial storms that have been so common with this recession. Tonight I looked at all of the Christmas cards that family and friends have sent. Some are in the same boat as us, with their children being grown, others are just starting out with their families, and are going to have their experiences with Santa and his elves looking to see who is naughty or nice. The kids will be waking up soon, and I expect to hear a knock at the door any minute asking if we can go downstairs to open the gifts.

This year, my greatest gifts have already been received. They have come in the form of talking to my now adult son over the phone and having adult conversations. It is knowing that he is on his way to living a productive life and has so many opportunities that lie ahead of him.

It has been watching Tim excel in football, and grow into a respectful, hard working young man.It is watching him get his drivers license and working so hard in school to maintain good grades.

I can't even hardly describe how Manda inspires us, and blesses our home with her music, friends, and her infectious laugh. I have watched her determination to do things over and over again until she can master and conquer her obstacles. She is my only daughter and even though she is growing up, she will always be my little girl.

Jake has been a reminder to me of the innocence of youth. I have enjoyed helping coach his soccer team, and watching him practice moves until he has become an amazing player and leader on his team. I have had some of my best moments with him this year as I drive him to and from school as well as well as hearing him wake up every morning and listening to him sing in the shower. He never leaves the car in the morning without telling me he loves me and saying have a good day at work.

This year has not been the most fun for Kathy. She has started to work, and go to school to finish her teaching degree. We don't see each other as much as we would both like, but we know that this is temporary, and it makes the time that we do have together that much better. I couldn't ask for a better soulmate, and mother for my kids.

This year we made it through another year of business, when so many others have not. I am starting a new job next week that makes it possible to support the family, and gives me the security of having benefits that covers us in the event of illness or injury. I have come through this year being more aware of others, and their struggles and strife. In the midst of uncertainty and fear that surrounds our country, our home has become our safe haven where we can come in, close the doors, and be with the people that mean the most to us.

This Christmas we have fewer presents, but are blessed with greater gifts than I can ever remember having.

Merry Christmas everyone, and may God keep you safe and happy in the upcoming year.

The Mecham Family