We may not have it all together, but together we have it all

Sunday, December 27

Merry Christmas from the Damron Family


Merry Merry Christmas!

Another year almost over, and my children don't believe that time DOES fly.
Well, where do I start?
January through April found us in North Carolina enjoying the last of winter and a beautiful spring. We had planned to purchase a home there but for some reason or other, nothing ever went through. Work had slowed down for Steven so we decided to sell Alarm system for the company APX in Southern Florida. So after a extremely crazy April we where able to pack all of our belongings and put them in storage, and on our way BACK to Florida. At least this time we where going to be right on the Atlantic Coast. The Summer was very busy with Steven working six days a week. For the first time in years we were living in an apartment and no real place for the kids to run around outside. Luckily our apartment complex had a community pool and we where only 10 min. from the beach. The kids and I were able to escape the heat by spending a lot of our time in the water. Steven on the other had a "interesting" summer enjoying all that southern Florida had to offer in the middle of summer besides the beach and theme parks. Extreme heat and humidity, not forgetting all the annoying bugs.
We were in Florida until the beginning of September, then began our road trip. Our first leg was from Florida back to North Carolina where Steven had some work lined up also with the summer over we needed to once again go through our storage unit. Back on the road again, we where on our second leg of the trip, this time to Indiana to drop off some business supplies at my parents home. After a few days there we where on our last leg of the journey, Arizona here we come. So for our last move of the year we are here in Arizona enjoying once again being close to family.

Aubrey-
Turned six this year, started 1st grade and can read basically everything put in front of her. We got her started in school a little late but she had no problem playing catch up and is excelling. She is actually learning cursive writing right now and is loving it. I am personally just blown away by what they can learn at such a young age. And just as a side note her hair has grown out beautifully and is once again past her shoulders, she has also promised us she will never cut her hair herself again.

Brigham-
Is four with such a fun personality. The days of the "strong silent type" are over and he is making up for lost time. Yes, he is a little chatter box. I have heard Steven tell him on more then one occasion " You are wearing me out son!" Brigham has a wonderful imagination and has come up with all sort of neat inventions involving cars and making them fly. The only problem is he needs Mom and Dad to help make his inventions work. I REALLY need to teach him how to tie a knot. He loves to explore and his best friend is still his sister Aubrey.

McKay-
Wow where do I start with this little guy... My little dark haired, dark skinned baby, lost all his hair, coming back in white blond, his skinned lighten up and tanned real nice in the summer, and he hasn't stopped growing so he is tall and skinny, even though he can out eat both Aubrey and Brigham put together. As with the dark hair and skin, my easy mellow baby was replaced by another very busy toddler who can run circles around his older brother and sister. Even though McKay is not even two yet he does pretty much everything by himself. He is not a talker even though he understands everything you are saying. But he knows how to nod his head for yes and no. It is just to cute to watch how he will come up with a pout on his face wanting something and then when you finally ask the right question like "Do you want a drink of water?" he will get a hug grin on his face and nod his head up and down.

Rachel-
Is busy busy busy being a mom and loves every minute of it, well some more then others. She can't believe where this year has taken us, but is very excited, for the future and what it might bring.

Steven-
Has had a crazy year this year in terms of expectations for our business. The slowed economy has effected so many and our business included. Despite all, Steven has remained positive and optimistic and continues to work hard to provide for our family. Because the future is so uncertain and the economy continues to be poor, he is looking at returning to school and further his education in a field that will provide stability and opportunity despite economic uncertainties.

More then anything, looking back over the year we have seen how the Lord has watched over and blessed us. He truly is mindful of each and everyone of us, I am so grateful to know that he will continue to watch over us and lead us down a path that will be the best for our family.

We hope that all of you are doing well and had a wonderful year (hopefully it has not been as crazy as ours).

We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,
The Damron Family
Steven, Rachel, Aubrey, Brigham, McKay, and little girl on the way (she is due April 6th)
Posted by Picasa

Aubrey's Christmas Concert

The Jack Daley Primary School, puts on a Christmas program every year for family and friends. When Steven went to school there years ago, they held the program in the school cafeteria. Now they hold it at the College auditorium. When we got there, we understood why. The place was PACKED!!! every single seat was taken and there was only standing room left and even that was getting to be a little crowded. But we had such a great time watching and listening to the children sing, and the highlight? Watching our beautiful daughter sing her heart out.
Grammy was able to come and be with us, what a treat!

We were really afraid that we would not be able to see Aubrey when she preformed because of where we were sitting and the amount of children in the choir. However to our delight and surprise when the curtain opened for the 1st grade she was right in front and just a little off center so we could watch her the whole time.

Aubrey is in the front row, sixth from the left wearing a dark red dress with white shoes on.
(Just as a side note she is still singing the songs that she learned)
Posted by Picasa

More Snow on Mt Graham

Mt Graham got hit with another round of snow, so up to the mountain we went. Since we wanted to go as a family, we wait for Aubrey to get home from school, then got off to a very late start. So... it was almost dark by the time we finally found a place to go tubing. The kids got cold and wet pretty fast, but we still have a fun time.
Posted by Picasa

Monday, December 14

Just FYI

Ok, so I really needed to update the blog and after I had already published several postings, I realize that I had completely skipped the month of November and went strait to December. So they are a little out of order, oh well at lest I am publishing right?

Snow on Mount Graham

First snow on Mt. Graham
and that means time to take a trip up the mountain


It may not be the biggest snowman, but boy were they proud of it

Brother and sister, and best friends
Posted by Picasa

Riding Horses

The Bryce Family brought horses down with them from Flagstaff, so we got to enjoy going horseback riding




McKay really didn't like the idea of being so high up, so he stuck with something a little bit more smaller and man powered.
Posted by Picasa

Horseshoes

A friendly game of horseshoes


With plenty of spectators to keep the game honest


Playing in the wash
Posted by Picasa

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving
I have so much to be thankful for, but this year it was wonderful getting to enjoy the holiday with family. Of course I didn't get the camera out enough, and half the pictures turned out blurry, but we had a great time, enjoying great food, each others company, and off course football was on in the background.

Two of my amazing sister-in laws

Weston and Dale.
Grandpa and Grandma Damron


One of the highlights of the day is that Grandma Layton got to come and spend a couple hours with us. We love you so much Grandma!!!
Posted by Picasa

Jazz Concert

We have loved living close to Eastern Arizona College and getting to enjoy all that it has to offer. The EAC Jazz ensemble held a free concert, featuring the music from popular cartoons. We had a great time listening to some very talented performers.


Posted by Picasa

Christmas lights at the Temple

When Steven and I went to the Temple in the beginning of November they were busy putting up the Christmas lights. They were so beautiful, we can't wait to go back and see them completed.



I love to see the Temple

Posted by Picasa

The finished masterpieces

Grammy out did all of us, her home came complete with a gumdrop roof, framed in windows, and landscaping. Not forgetting the pond in the back with fish



Our Finished projects after a night of FUN!
from left to right:
Grammy's, Aubrey's, Brigham's, Grandpa's, Steven and McKay's, and Rachel's
Posted by Picasa

Hard at work

It is so fun to watch people decorate their houses, each have their own approach

Grandpa was very careful and thoughtful about the whole process

Steven so kind as to share his house with McKay, so as soon as Steven but something on, McKay took it off and put it in his mouth, Steven never even got to decorate his house until later that night after McKay went to bed and all the candy was almost gone. Thank you Steven! I love you honey, you are such a GREAT Dad!!!

Brigham had the time of his life, building his creation, the decorating was done primarily on one side, and when he ran out of frosting (He was constantly eating it) it became a balancing act, only to be halted by a lack of candy. He still says he is not done.


Aubrey was in giggles and smiles all night long, she loved the whole creating process, and wanted her house to be covered in candy, she as well had a hard time stopping, wanting to use every last piece of candy.

Posted by Picasa

Gingerbread, ... graham cracker houses

We have started making "gingerbread houses" (aka Graham cracker Houses) a holiday tradition, Every year it just gets better and better. What made it extra special this year is that we had Grammy and Grandpa with us
As soon as the candy was placed on the table Aubrey was off creating her masterpiece

Everyone Hard at work, building and eating
Posted by Picasa

Snow = Tube Time

Mount Graham got some of its first snow of the season so Steven took Brigham and McKay up for a little sledding.
They had a blast. Well Steven and Brigham did. McKay fell asleep on the way up and wasn't to happy about taking a short nap, and then being stuffed into lots of clothes. It wasn't until they were on their way home that his frown turned upside down.

With a little help from his big brother
and some hot chocolate!
Posted by Picasa