Hyvää Joulua! Merry Christmas!

"The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the ''spirit of Christmas,'' we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the ''Spirit of Christ'' " (Thomas S. Monson, "The Best Christmas Ever," Ensign, Dec. 2008, 5).

*I have decided at the last moment that I was going to write a Christmas letter, but then I realized the letters wouldn't get to all on time. So this is my "Christmas letter" to all of my friends and family across the world.*

I am in my own little apartment now in Clermont, FL. I moved the end of last year from my parents home in Lakeland, FL. I also have a fairly new job. I started working at the Family Center YMCA at the Walt Disney World Resorts the beginning of September last year. I am a Pre-Kindergarten teacher there. I love teaching children! Its an amazing and rewarding career. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

In March was the 5K in honor of my brother, Mark Lawrence. He passed away last October due to a long battle against Mesothelioma. His wife, Jennifer, put together this race to raise money for Gilda's Club of Albany, NY (a nationwide cancer support club for families of cancer patients). I, unfortunately, was not able to attend due to work.

Dad, Jennifer, Michael, Connor, Kelley, Dylan, and Krista.The crowd that came out to support Gilda's Club. Krista, Mom, Dad, and Mom's 2 friends, Paula & Claudette

My Dad, brothers, and nephews planted a Dogwood tree in the side yard at the family cabin in Upstate NY. My dad chose that kind of tree because it has flowers that bloom around Mark's birthday (April). Here is some of the family after it was planted.

(back row) Ryan, Michael, Connor, Krista, and Rick

(front row) Mom, Jennifer, Dee, Mac, Dad, and Shane
In June, I adopted a kitten. Her name is Roxz. She is very spunky with a slight hint of attitude. She is a cutie, though. She will be a year old in March. At that point I hope that the wall climbing will cease and she will become a bit calmer.

For those of you who know about my past surgeries, you are probably wondering if I am still doing ok. I have to say that I have been SO blessed in my life this past year. I am thankful for my health and the blessings my Heavenly Father has given me. After trials come the blessings. I go back this April for another CT scan. I am hoping and praying it will be more good news. :) I am the Relief Society Secretary in my ward. I have a 45 minute drive to church on Sundays. I have met some wonderful friends and I really enjoy my "ward family".

I want to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas (Hyvää Joulua)! I love all of the Christmas hymns but one of my favorites is "JOY to the World". I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. May this holiday season bring joy and happiness to your homes and families.