Merry Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas from the Florida Dicksons - 2010

Erik

I blew out all the candles on my cake so now I am 4! I got lots of new Lego games that I can play with my mom or by myself or with my family. I started going to preschool this year and my favorite part is riding the bikes everyday. I also got glasses this year and everyone says that I look very handsome, which is true. I like having devotional every morning with my family, especially this month because we are counting down the days until Christmas. I am so excited! Merry Christmas!

Brennan

I had so much fun sharing a birthday party with Erik. We had a Dinosaur party and invited all of our friends. My favorite part was playing Dino Attack (like hot potato with a stuffed T-Rex.) I turned 6 this year and started Kindergarten: I love Kindergarten! I love reading lots of books and recently started the Magic Tree house series. Some of my favorite memories include going to Zoo Miami (I love the Spider Monkeys!), having my cousins from Missouri come and visit me—and getting to go visit them, too (I love my cousins!), having friends come to my house to play, and playing games, especially with my dad. I love Christmas and I love decorating the house and putting up my stocking for Santa. I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Alanna

This year I turned eleven! I am now in Middle School in the 6^th grade. I have 7 different classes. One of my favorite classes is Band where I am learning to play the clarinet. I am also still learning to play the piano at home and have joined the ward choir with my mom. I am singing a solo for the Christmas program. This year I have played lots of games and done so much reading. I have read 24 books—and soon lots more. One of my favorite things this year was going to see Harry Potter with my dad. This year I got a new cousin on my dad’s side; her name is Charlotte and I cannot wait to meet her. I love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas.

Danielle

Sometimes, I feel like the Master of a 3 Ring Circus, trying to keep track of my three kids who seem to always be going in three different directions. Overall though, I think the show turns out pretty good, even with an occasional forgotten lunch or Show and Tell item. At least I haven’t forgotten to pick up any of the kids! I am really proud of all my children and how well they are doing this year. I love them all! This will be our 4^th Christmas in Florida and we really like it here, though we miss our family and friends that are far away. What would we do without Skype, Facebook, and free mobile-to-mobile minutes? Some of the highlights this year were taking a trip up to Missouri to visit family and having both of Vernon’s brothers and their families out here to visit as well. Also, Grandma and Grandpa Schaugaard visited a couple of times, which is always fun! This year Vernon and I have enjoyed a new found freedom in having free babysitting (thanks to Alanna) and have loved spending a little more time together. I love having a flexible job where I am able to work from home. What a blessing. We love our ward and our friends here. I am still serving in the Relief Society and enjoy the opportunity to serve. We look forward to a quiet Christmas at home, (well as quiet as a house with three kids at Christmas can be) and hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas Season and a Happy New Year.

Vernon

As this year comes to an end, I find myself thinking more and more about all I’m grateful for; my family and friends, near and far, top the list—all of you! I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have all of you in my life. There are just few things better than truly good people. I am still busily teaching at FIU, where I am grateful to work with excellent colleagues and many wonderful students. I am also very fortunate to work with the youth in my church. They are an uplift and blessing to be with; they make me better. The rest of my time is spent either with my family or working in or around our home. (This has been a year of many projects both inside and out—and filled with much (and much needed) help from friends. Thank you all!) The highlight of this year was spending time with my brothers. Living so far apart, it was an absolute joy to visit and be visited by both m y brothers this year. It was a special treat to join in Greg’s blessing of their first newborn, Charlotte Naida Dickson. (That weekend was also the first time that all three of us and our dad were able to go to the temple together—what a blessing!) Which takes me back where I started: This year I am most grateful for my family and for so many wonderful people around me. I’m grateful for you. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a wonderful New Year!

We hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best for a Happy New Year!