Families Are Forever: December 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!

Yes, another Davis birthday is here! Our firstborn son celebrates his 28th birthday on December 23rd, 2008. We hope you have a wonderful birthday Ryan!

I am writing this letter from Ryan's home in Jerome, Idaho. It's been an amazing vacation so far (our Christmas and wedding trip combined). It is twice as sweet having Sarah here and spending our time together with this awesome couple. They really are perfect for each other and we are so excited for their wedding in a week!

Well, here goes Ryan!

HOW MY SON RYAN HAS IMPACTED MY LIFE:

I remember the feelings I had when I became a mother. There are no words to describe it. I felt the greatest joy and happiness I had ever known. I felt humble and excited, grateful and overwhelmed, determined and clueless. I have always maintained that I didn't understand what true joy was until I had a baby. Everything in life changed for the better and my life immediately had intense meaning and purpose. As I have pondered about it, I feel it's probably because as I embraced motherhood I began fulfilling my God given and most important role EVER! It felt so good, so right and so true! Being a mother has taught me more about life, about me (and my weaknesses), about God, about families, and about love than any other role (being a wife also compares).

A firstborn child does not have it easy. Parents need to "experiment" on them. Ryan - thank you for letting us figure things out on you. We are much wiser now, we really didn't know what we were doing. We did our best and I guess that has to be enough. We love you beyond measure and feel so much JOY as you have found your sweetheart and the love of your life! Like we keep telling you "SHE was worth the wait!!"

THINGS I AM GRATEFUL FOR ABOUT RYAN

I am grateful for the FOCUS and DETERMINATION Ryan has! When he had his mind set on something, he goes after it with all his heart. He has an undistracted focus! He sticks with his idea and goals and has a drive and direction to reach them that is admirable. He is VERY SUCCESSFUL in what he seeks to do because of this. I love this about him. Ryan sets goals about his financial, his physical, his spiritual, his social life and works hard to achieve them. There is no stopping Ryan when he is FOCUSED!

I am grateful for Ryan's HARD WORK ETHIC! Ryan is a hard worker. He started at McDonalds at age 14 and really has been working ever since. Ryan is not afraid of hard work. He wakes up very early right now to go to work. When his father recently asked him why he was at work at 4:30 AM he replied (and I am paraphrasing) "My job is not guaranteed. I need to do the job they are paying me to do. I want to be valuable and an asset to the company I work for".

Ryan GOES THE EXTRA MILE! The other night, he spent hours preparing his gospel essential lesson. He and Sarah spent days decorating their Christmas tree. It is 9 feet tall and the lights are incredibly beautiful! They spent the extra time on it, and it shows! In his Arizona home, Ryan spent so much time on home improvements. He painted most of the rooms, ran rope lights around the kitchen floor - (so it was outlined in the dark - a very cool effect) put theater lights in his family room, (that dimmed as a movie started or vice versa), etc., Ryan prepares, does his job and then some more, and reaps the benefits. This has brought him much credit and success thus far in life.

Ryan is AN ORGANIZER! His home (even when he was single) was (is) neat, orderly, tidy, and everything is in it's place! It's such a great feeling to walk into your child's home and see such beauty and order. Being organized is such a GREAT trait to have!

Ryan SEEKS FOR BEAUTY! From the artwork and decor in his home, to building beautiful architectural buildings (mostly hospitals -but they are AMAZING) he has beauty surrounding him (this is especially true with Sarah in his life now!) Ryan has a TRULY ARTISTIC SIDE and it's fun to watch it develop!

Ryan LOVES AND SEEKS FOR TRUTH and is VERY FAITHFUL in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ryan is just one of those young men who understands and lives by truth. He recognizes truth and then lives by it. He then seeks for more truth and abides by it. He reminds me of the sons of Helaman in the Book of Mormon who strove with all their hearts to live all the truths they were taught (by their mothers). Ryan STAYS ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW PATH! Ryan has been such a blessing as he has been obedient to his parents and to his God. He naturally wants to stay on the straight path and follows it intently!

Ryan LOVES HIS FAMILY! Ryan often calls us to keep in touch with us. His phone calls mean so much. He has a deep love for his family and he keeps in touch with all of his siblings on a weekly basis. Ryan gives of himself to his family.

Ryan has great LEADERSHIP SKILLS! During college he served in many leadership positions where he earned full tuition scholarships, including being Student body president. We, his parents, were very impressed with his "get up and go", his sincere desire to serve, and his humility in those positions. On Ryan's mission, Ryan was very humble about where ever he served. He does not serve for recognition or power. He truly desires to serve others with a quietness and a consistency that true leaders have.

Ryan UNDERSTANDS PRIORITIES! Ryan has always recognized what's important in life. He worked hard to get a good job, to serve in his Church, to buy a home and car, etc., He was successful in many areas. However, he was not satisfied because he knew the most important thing he needed to do was to find a wife. He continued to be patient (although it was very hard) and to date and to be more patient and date, and to be more patient, and to date some more until finally that goal will be met a week from his birthday! It makes the wedding all the sweeter and more special now!

Ryan KNOWS HOW TO MAKE SACRIFICES! He has worked hard to get out of debt, to not over consume or over buy, to say no even when he wants to say yes to getting something he wants, etc., That self control and self -denial will pay off in the long run. I am proud of his ability to do this.

Ryan DREAMS BIG! In High School the home he "designed" was 17,000 square feet. His High School teacher was impressed with his lack of intimidation for big ideas and dreams.

If I were to describe Ryan in several words, one word would have to be that he is INTERNALLY GOOD and is naturally a kind and caring man. When someone is good inside they bless others by doing good for them and by setting an example of goodness. Ryan is that kind of man.

Other words to describe Ryan would be STEADY, FAITHFUL AND TRUE. He stays on course, he faithfully keeps moving towards his goal, and he is not distracted by others and the directions they are headed. What wonderful qualities to have in life!

Another word I would use to describe Ryan is SUCCESSFUL. He pays the price to be successful, he works hard and he stays determined to reach his goals.

Ryan is also CARING and AWARE OF OTHERS FEELINGS! Because of some of the trials he has had in his life, he is sensitive to others situations and desires to lessen their burdens and make them feel comfortable in their environment.

Oh, how our family loves Ryan! We are deeply grateful God sent him to our home to be part of our family. We love you immensely and are eternally grateful for a loving and merciful God who brought you to us and now has brought you and Sarah together!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Davis Family Christmas Blog site

Hi everyone,

Every year, our family posts a new Christmas letter (which has mostly taken the place of a mailed letter). We also post new family photo's and happenings of the year.

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. We love you!

Go visit our Christmas blog site at:

web.mac.com/newbremen/Site/Welcome.html

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

My son Jeffrey

Today is Jeffrey's 26th Birthday. I wish to pay tribute to him. The most important people I write my blogs for are my children (and their families). I also feel it's very important to stay in touch with our family and friends (and I love to interact with them), and this is a wonderful way to do that! Since I do not live close by my children, I feel this avenue is an excellent way for me to express my thoughts and feelings to them, and to let them know what's going on in our lives. It's also a great way to share my life with them and help them learn and understand who their mother is (now seeing me from an adult's perspective).

I love the easy access to blogs and the fact that other family members and close friends can also share our lives and we can share theirs. I have learned SO MUCH about others by reading their blogs. If this tribute seems too personal for some of you, I understand. It's actually meant as a birthday gift - to publicly let Jeffrey know how special he is to me and what a wonderful son he is to me.

I hope this doesn't come across as bragging - this isn't my intent whatsoever. I just wish to

highlight Jeffrey's amazing and wonderful qualities and pay tribute to him publicly. I believe one of a mother's responsibilities is to help her child see the good in themselves, to help encourage, lift and build their sense of who they are, and their potential. So Jeffrey - this is a tribute to you!

Most of you reading this know that we almost lost Jeffrey this past summer. He was in a kayaking accident and nearly drowned in the Snake River, even wearing a life jacket. When I was made aware of this incident, my whole being quaked, and my mind didn't really settle down until a week later. I was up at nights, I was on my knees, I was SO GRATEFUL that the Lord spared his life and that there were no repercussions from this. I tell you this because I have seriously pondered about my son Jeffrey's life and how much I love him and how PRECIOUS he is to me. The thought of losing him stared me straight in the face. I also pondered about how others have lost sons and daughters (including my own mother) and how a loss like that affects you forever. And so my thoughts and feelings about Jeffrey are keen and sensitive and raw.

Why I'm so Grateful for my Son Jeffrey

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR OTHERS. Jeffrey treats everyone he meets as a friend. He is non-judgmental of others and respects others for who they are. When Jeffrey is around there is a spirit of goodwill, of friendship, of kindness and of charity. Thank you Jeffrey for your example of this. It's an amazing quality.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSITIVITY for others feelings. Jeffrey always knew when I was down. He could recognize it by just looking at me. His words "What's wrong mom?" would often accompany him coming over to give me an unsolicited back rub. His hands are so large and he has such strength that he really gives the best back rubs period! He always knew when I needed a lift and a boost and he was there to give it to me. This happened even when Jeffrey was in High School. It always was and still is very touching to me.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF ADVENTURE. He loves the outdoors and loves excitement. He has a love for nature and for the mountains. I don't think we will ever see him living in Ohio. He loves the Rockies too much. I love that he is in touch with the beautiful creations around him and thrives on being among them.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's CREATIVITY. I had school teachers tell me how creative he is. This is one of his talents and he is very gifted in this area. Whatever area Jeffrey works in, his creativity shows. I am usually in awe of his gifts in this area.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF WHO HE IS. He is one to set goals and accomplish them. He is one to make plans for his life. He is one to financially plan, to physically plan, to spiritually plan, to academically plan. If he sets a goal to get straight A's, he does. If he sets a goal to lose so much weight, he does.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's LEADERSHIP skills. Jeffrey has incredible and amazing leadership skills. We as parents recognized this at a very young age. We would try to encourage him in his leadership skills. He would tell us "But Mom, I don't want to be a leader!". He has since lead in many areas including being an assistant to the president and branch president on his mission. He decided that one of the most important things to do for the youth of that branch was to have them experience going to the Manila, Philippines Temple so they could have the Spirit with them in abundance and to desire to return. He arranged that to happen, which took much planning, much sacrifice and much leadership.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's HEART. He really cares about others. He has empathy and compassion and goodness within. He helps others readily.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF HUMOR. He is a lot of fun to be around. He gets that from his dad! He has an enthusiasm for life which is contagious.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's LOYALTY. The loyalty he had for his friends in High School was unbelievable. His trait of loyalty will serve him well his whole life.

I am SO GRATEFUL that Jeffrey can recognize when he is not on the best path and decides to change towards a better way. This reminds me of President Oak's talk about good, better and then best. He can change directions and go towards more light and goodness which I have seen him do many times. This seems to be the key to self-discipline, improvement and progression.

I am SO GRATEFUl for Jeffrey's DESIRE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT. I know at times other avenues look tempting, but he strives to stick to the straight and narrow path.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF PRIORITIES. After his mission, most Friday and Saturday nights were spent with his family. He said he just would rather spend time with his family than with anyone else. That warms a mother's heart!

If I were to describe Jeffrey in one word, I would use the word SUCCESSFUL. He keeps trying. When given hard blows, he gets back up and keeps running. He accomplishes what he makes up his mind to do. He works hard to make things happen, and he pays the price to accomplish what he sets out to accomplish. He has a drive and an energy that brings success.

I would also describe Jeffrey as COMPASSIONATE. He has kindness and love and sensitivity in his heart, and he is just so aware of those who need their hands to be lifted up and their hearts to be cheered and strengthened.

Jeffrey is also AUTHENTIC. He is who he is. He speaks his mind, he expresses his trials and his blessings, and he recognizes God's hand in his life. He is always SINCERE and his comments are heartfelt.

William and I and our family are extremely blessed to have this valiant son in our midst. Happy Birthday Jeffrey! We love you PAST THE NUMBERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(See slide show below of Jeffrey)

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Happy Birthday Jeffrey

Laura Lee's 24th Birthday

Monday, December 8, 2008

Singing Handel's "Messiah"

It was a GREAT day yesterday! I have the privilege every year to sing Handel's Messiah. I am a member of the Gateway Choral Society and have sung The Messiah at Christmastime for 12 years now. It's such a blessing in my life. Yesterday was our performance and it was very moving to me. I love music of all kinds. My favorite music is sacred, spiritual music. Handel's music moves me like no other music! It is really the main thing I do to bring Christmas (the Spirit of Christ) to my soul. It's actually so special, because the words and music become part of who you are and you sing whole hearted praise and testimony to "God and The Lamb".

Now I am not a gifted singer. I would love to have that talent, but it's not mine. However, I can blend and harmonize and my alto voice adds to the choir as a whole.

Yesterday my soul was grateful beyond measure for our Savior who will be "King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and who will reign forever and ever"!

The day ended with the First Presidency Devotional which also filled my heart! Yesterday was definitely a highlight of my year!

Below is a little about the history of "The Messiah" for those who are interested! I always find it FASCINATING that Handel wrote the Messiah in only 24 days. That goes to show you how truly inspired it really is!

The Messiah

"The Gateway Choral Society, under the direction of Phil Chilcote, will once again perform the beloved Christmas oratorio, The Messiah, written by the German-born composer George Frederic Handel (1685-1759). The work based completely upon Scripture, was first presented in Dublin, Ireland, in December 1741. He wrote it in just 24 days. The first audience was so impressed by the music that they gave a standing ovation during the "Hallelujah Chorus". Since then, audiences have observed the custom of standing for the memorable number.