Farr Family Christmas Letter

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I know I am. I am proud to announce that I have my Christmas shopping done. Woo hoo. This is the earliest I have ever done this. Now I just have to start wrapping. I decided to do the Christmas letter online this year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE FARR FAMILY!

Doug has had a busy year as usual. He is constantly attending and directing music concerts/gigs/parades. Music runs through his veins. He was able to take his students to New York over spring break (I was SUPER jealous). They were able to see a show, perform, and go to several tourist sites. His students played at all of the School Basketball and Football games and were able to do a Marching Band show....PHANTASM. It was really awesome. In addition to his busy work schedule, he has been a great Father, and has several callings in the church (Ward Organist, Cubmaster Assistant, Stake Music Coordinator, and Stake Music Cultural Coordinator). He will always be busy....

Kristi: I have also had an eventful year. In April, Noah was born. (I could stop here because that seems to be eventful enough...lol) Taking care of the household and 5 children really keeps me on my toes. I am constantly trying to organize and perfect being a wife and mommy. In November, I started a job working at Target. (This sounds so luxurious. I'm sure you are all coveting me right this minute). I'm working opposite Doug's schedule. I'm looking forward to getting a "real job" one day when my kids get older. I have also been focusing on my health this year and have lost 22 well earned pounds. I really enjoy my calling as the Cubmaster in our ward. Life is good and busy.

Jordan started middle school this year. This is such a big change for a child. Other than having tons of homework, he seems to like it. He joined the Winograd swim team. This sport is only during the fall time. He went to swimming practice every day before school and had swim meets once a week. He was able to learn a lot from his coach. He also joined the band and plays the trumpet. Jordan seems to have a natural talent and ear for music (I'm sure this was inherited from his father). He still has a little "kid" in him though. His new love this year is Bakugan. Once he finds something he loves, he goes all out. He still really loves Sonic too (and has for several years now). He enjoys going to 11 year old scouts once a week.

Kaylee started 4th grade this year. She has enjoyed doing as many "extras" as she can. She joined the Silver Falcon Singers and practices twice a week before school. She really enjoys singing. She is also involved in the Book to Movie club at the Library once a month. (The kids read a book, then come to the library to discuss the book and watch the movie). She was super excited when I allowed her to get her ears pierced this year. She said it really really hurt, but I think now all the pain is gone, she enjoys wearing my earrings. She goes to Activity Days twice a month at church and has recently joined up for a mini art class after school. She is our social butterfly and is interested in all of the trends. I'm already afraid for when she is a teenager.

Lexi is still our happy go lucky girl. She is always smiling and her giggle is contagious. She has many friends and is constantly asking to play. Since she is in second grade, her homework is very minimal. She can't wait to turn 8 in March. Not only will she be baptized, but she'll also be able to go to Girls activity days at church. She loves to play with Noah and make sure he is entertained. She has many hobbies, but still tells me she is bored quite often. She loves to be silly.

Mason is starting to outgrow the terrible twos. (Yes...I know he is almost 4, but I have always said that the terrible twos last for 2 years..from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2). He is starting to lose that baby face and he is getting his boy face. He is EXTREMELY independent and knows what he wants and when he wants it (he expresses this very clearly and loudly). He has always been very sociable and I love listening to him talk with other adults. He will tell them everything and anything that he can think of just to keep talking. He loves cracking jokes. He mastered potty training over the summer (hooray). Even though he is only 3, in some ways he seems a lot older.

Noah was born in April and I can't believe how this past year has just flown by. He has followed the average growth chart to a T. He smiled at 5 weeks, rolled over at 3 months, sat by himself at 6 months, started crawling at 7 months. This last one he just mastered in the last couple of weeks. He spent at least 3 weeks trying to figure it out. Now he crawls around the house trying to get into things he's not supposed to. We have had our tree up for 3 days now and he has already pulled off an ornament. I was hoping that he would be one of those babies that didn't crawl until they were 10 months old. It's funny how your perspective differs from when it's your first child. He has been teething like crazy. His fourth tooth is just about to poke through (I can see it). He loves trying the new foods that I give him.